Dental Emergencies: What to Do in Pasadena

Suffering a dental emergency can be an extremely painful and stressful experience. When your tooth starts throbbing suddenly on a weekend or you chip a tooth right before a big meeting, it’s hard not to panic. However, keeping cool in these situations and knowing what to do next is essential. If you live in or around Pasadena, California, many excellent dental offices can provide emergency dental treatment if you act fast. This guide from the team at Green Street Dental will walk you through common dental emergencies and advise you on how to handle them like a pro, even if you’re far from your regular dentist.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency? 

Not all dental issues require emergency treatment. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some examples of true dental emergencies include:

– Severe tooth pain or facial swelling

– Abscesses

– Knocked out, loosened or fractured teeth

– Painful or bleeding gums after an extraction

More minor dental issues like mild tooth sensitivity, a lost filling, or a chipped tooth can typically wait to be treated by your regular dentist. However, infections and injuries involving the teeth, gums, and jaw should be seen by a dentist immediately to prevent further complications. Don’t try to “tough it out” if you experience severe oral pain, swelling, or trauma – get it checked as soon as possible.

Finding an Emergency Dentist in Pasadena  

If you’re facing a dental emergency in the Pasadena area, time is of the essence. Avoid delays by researching emergency dental clinics nearby before you actually need one. The ADA website has a search tool allowing you to find dentists by location and filter by emergency services offered.

You can also search online for terms like “Pasadena emergency dentist” or “emergency dental clinic Pasadena.” But,  if you’re facing a dental emergency in the Pasadena area, time is of the essence. Avoid delays by having our emergency contact number (626) 270-0100 saved in your phone so you can easily reach the Green Street Dental team day or night- if it’s after hours, simply press seven and you will be connected to one of our Doctors. 

As an established dental office in Pasadena, Green Street Dental provides emergency dental treatment for new and existing patients during and after office hours. We have dentists on call evenings and weekends ready to resolve your urgent dental issues. Our current patients have the advantage of being able to call Green Street Dental directly for prompt, expert emergency care whenever dental problems arise. Our team is dedicated to assisting you quickly when emergencies strike.

Seeking Emergency Dental Treatment 

Once you find a facility that offers emergency dental treatment, Dr. Karen Guinn recommends giving us a call right away to describe your issue and schedule an urgent appointment. Here are some tips for seeking prompt, effective care:

– Describe your symptoms – Explain important details like the location and severity of pain or type of dental injury. This will help the emergency dentist know how quickly you need to be seen.

– Follow instructions – The clinic will advise you on the next steps, whether to come in immediately or take pain relievers and come in if swelling worsens. Follow their guidance.

– Ask about payment – Emergency dental care can be expensive, especially if you lack dental insurance. Ask upfront if they take your insurance and what payment options are available.

– Arrive early – Give yourself extra time to complete any paperwork so you can be seen as soon as possible. Time matters with dental infections.

– Bring medication – Having a list of medications you take can help the dentist give you appropriate pain medication or antibiotics.

If cost concerns are preventing you from seeking emergency dental care, look into payment plans or assistance programs offered by clinics. The most important thing is being evaluated promptly to avoid complications.

Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do 

Here is a quick rundown of how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies while waiting to be seen by a professional:

Knocked-Out Tooth 

– Try to find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (white part). Do NOT scrub it. 

– Gently rinse off the tooth if dirty but don’t scrub it.

– Place the tooth back in the socket if possible.

– If unable to reinsert, store it in milk, saline, or the patient’s own saliva until dental treatment. 

– Seek emergency dental care ASAP to evaluate reinsertion options.

Fractured Tooth

– Rinse mouth with warm water to clean the area. 

– Place cold compresses on the face near the tooth to minimize swelling.

– Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed for discomfort.

– See an emergency dentist within hours, as fractures can expose nerves and increase infection risk.

Abscess 

– Take over-the-counter pain medication and rinse with warm salt water.

– Use cold compresses on the outside of the face to reduce swelling.

– Avoid hot beverages or food as they can worsen swelling. 

– Seek emergency dental care the same day – abscesses can rapidly spread dangerous infections.

Lost Filling or Crown 

– If the lost filling exposed any inner colored dental tissue, see a dentist ASAP. The inner pulp could become infected.

– For a lost crown, place the crown back onto the tooth temporarily if possible using dental adhesive or even denture adhesive until it can be permanently recemented.

– Do NOT use super glue – it can damage the tooth and harm! 

Sharp Broken Tooth or Cut Gums 

– Rinse with warm salt water. For cuts, apply pressure with damp gauze or a tea bag to stop bleeding. 

– If bleeding doesn’t stop within 20-30 minutes or you have a knocked-out tooth, visit an emergency dentist immediately. Uncontrolled bleeding and missing teeth are serious.

– Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for pain.

– Stick to soft foods and avoid extremely hot or cold items near the injured area.

No matter what type of dental issue you face, don’t delay seeing a professional, especially with facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or intense, unrelenting oral pain. The longer you wait, the more risk of permanent tooth damage or a dangerous spread of infection. Take steps to reduce pain and swelling at home but then head straight to an emergency dental clinic. With prompt expert care, your smile has the best chance of being saved!

FAQs About Pasadena Emergency Dental Care 

What should I bring to my emergency dental appointment? 

Bring a list of your current medical conditions and medications, your dental insurance card if you have one, and a form of ID. Payment may be required at the time of service, so bring your method of payment as well.

Can an emergency dentist pull my tooth if needed? 

Yes, emergency dental clinics can perform extractions if necessary to treat an infection or severe injury. However, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for more complex extractions.

Is emergency dental treatment very expensive?  

Costs vary but it is often more expensive than a routine dental visit, especially if after hours. Many clinics do offer payment plans or discounted rates for uninsured patients. Always ask about financial assistance options.

How soon after a dental injury should I be seen? 

Seek care immediately or within hours for any bleeding, knocked out, fractured or painful tooth, or cut gums. The more time that passes, the greater the risk of permanent tooth damage or infection spreading. Don’t delay.

What if I’m out of town and have a dental emergency? 

Look for an urgent dental care clinic in the area you are visiting and call them to arrange emergency treatment. Many dentists can work you in if you explain you are from out of town and in pain.

Conclusion  

Dental emergencies like infections, fractures, or lost fillings can arise unexpectedly and cause severe pain. Knowing what qualifies as a true emergency and being prepared with emergency dentist contacts in Pasadena can help you receive prompt treatment. Always call an emergency dental clinic right away in case of trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or increasing facial swelling near a tooth. With timely expert care, the dentist will be able to resolve the issue and save your smile!

You can reach our front desk at 1 (626) 270-0100 Mon – Fri 9 am – 6 pm, or fill out the contact form .