Toothache, broken tooth, lost crown or swelling: our Los Angeles team reserves time every day for urgent problems and sees emergency patients the same day when possible.
SAME-DAY EMERGENCY CARE
When you call with an urgent problem, our team asks a few questions about what happened and offers the earliest available time. At your visit, the dentist examines the area, takes digital X-rays or 3D images if needed and explains what is causing the problem.
Our first goals are to relieve pain and protect the tooth. Many emergencies can be treated at the same visit with a filling, a re-cemented crown, a CEREC same-day crown or the start of a root canal, and any further care is planned before you leave.
WHAT WE TREAT
Here is how we typically treat the most common dental emergencies. The right treatment depends on what your dentist finds at the exam.
We find the source of the pain, often deep decay or an inflamed nerve, and may treat it with a filling, root canal therapy or, if needed, an extraction.
Small chips may be smoothed or bonded. Larger breaks may need a crown, often a CEREC crown made the same day, or root canal treatment if the nerve is exposed.
Call right away. If the tooth can be placed back in its socket, we may stabilize it with a splint and monitor it. Acting quickly often gives the best chance of saving it.
We check the tooth for decay, then re-cement the crown if it is still sound or replace the filling or crown to protect the tooth.
Infections may need drainage, antibiotics and root canal therapy or an extraction to remove the source. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing needs the ER.
A loose bracket or poking wire can usually be trimmed or secured to stop irritation, and repairs are coordinated with our orthodontist in the same office.
KNOW WHERE TO GO
Most dental emergencies are best handled at a dental office, but some situations need a hospital first. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following.
WHY CHOOSE TRUSTED DENTAL
When you are in pain, you need a team that responds quickly, explains clearly and can treat the problem in one office.
Call and speak with our team. We will ask what happened and offer the earliest available appointment, with same-day visits when possible.
Digital X-rays, 3D cone beam CT imaging and an intraoral camera help the dentist pinpoint the problem and show you what is happening.
Fillings, re-cemented crowns, CEREC same-day crowns, root canals and extractions are provided here, with orthodontic repairs coordinated in-house.
Gentle local anesthesia, a relaxed pace and nitrous oxide when appropriate help make an emergency visit less stressful.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers about emergency dental treatment at our Los Angeles office.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop with pressure, or a possible jaw fracture or head injury. For toothaches, broken teeth, lost crowns and most other dental problems, call our office, since hospital ERs generally cannot repair teeth.
The dentist examines the problem area, takes digital X-rays or 3D images if needed and explains what is causing your symptoms. We focus first on relieving pain and protecting the tooth, then discuss whether treatment can be finished that day or needs a follow-up visit.
Often, yes. Small chips may be smoothed or bonded, and many larger breaks can be restored with a CEREC crown that is designed, milled and placed in the same visit. If the nerve is involved, root canal therapy may be needed first.
Sometimes. Antibiotics may be prescribed when an infection is spreading or causing swelling, but they do not remove the source. The tooth usually still needs treatment, such as draining an abscess, root canal therapy or an extraction.
The cost depends on the treatment you need, from a simple re-cement to a crown or extraction. We give you an estimate before treatment and can file claims with most major PPO plans. Financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and Cherry is available for qualified patients.
Call us and describe what happened. A loose bracket or poking wire is usually uncomfortable rather than urgent, and orthodontic wax can help until your visit. Because our orthodontist works in the same office, repairs can be coordinated with your orthodontic care.
Dental problems rarely improve on their own. Call to describe your emergency and we will offer the earliest available appointment, same-day when possible.