Emergency Dentist Questions

Dental Emergency FAQs

Emergency Dentistry FAQs in Gardena, CA

A dental emergency is never a good thing! We understand that here at Gardena Dental Care, and we always prioritize emergency appointments so we can get you in and taken care of right away, whether you’re a regular patient, a new patient, or an out-of-town visitor.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental issue that needs immediate attention. This includes a cracked or lost tooth, a lost temporary or permanent crown, bleeding or swelling, a lost or broken filling, an infection in your mouth, or a broken dental appliance, such as a broken wire on braces. Sudden, excessive dental pain can also be an emergency.

This is not a comprehensive list, however. The best way to identify whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency is to call our office and speak with our staff. They will be happy to assist you and let you know if what you’re experiencing is an emergency or if you can wait for a normal appointment.

If you’re having a dental emergency, we’ll do our best to get you in immediately and take care of the problem so you can get on with your life!

Is It Still a Dental Emergency if I’m Not in Pain?

Not all dental emergencies are painful, and many aren’t painful right away. A broken wire on your teen’s braces is an emergency but is probably not painful. Likewise, losing a crown probably won’t cause you to start hurting right away, but the next time you eat can cause a lot of pain!

Other issues, such as losing a filling, might not seem like an emergency because they don’t start hurting right away, but your tooth can begin to acquire more damage immediately after the filling is gone. This is why it’s important to get seen by a dentist as soon as possible to deal with these issues even if you’re not in pain.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room Instead of an Emergency Dentist?

If you have a medical issue, such as broken bones or trauma, that involves more than your teeth, you need to have that attended to before you take care of your teeth. Likewise, if you’re bleeding heavily or you’ve lost a tooth, but our office is closed or unavailable, you still need to be seen. In both of these cases, you should head straight to your nearest emergency room.

If you’re uncertain, call our office and speak to the staff. They will let you know what you should do.

What Should I Do if I Lose a Tooth?

You need to be seen within an hour to try and save the tooth. Rinse the tooth in clear water but don’t try to remove any tissue or pulp. Try to return the tooth to its socket for transport to the office. If it won’t stay in the socket, it can be stored in milk or held in the mouth during transit. If you can’t get into an emergency dentist such as our office, go to your nearest emergency room.

What’s the Difference Between an Urgent Dental Issue and an Emergency Dental Issue?

An urgent dental issue needs to be attended to quickly but doesn’t need an immediate appointment. In these cases, we will usually get you in within a few days. An emergency dental issue is something that needs to be attended to immediately.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between these two, which is why we recommend calling our office and speaking to the staff. They will let you know if it’s an emergency or simply urgent.

How Much Will an Emergency Dental Appointment Cost in Gardena?

The cost of an emergency dental appointment varies dramatically depending on what the issue is, whether or not your insurance will cover it, and if we are in-network or out-of-network with your insurance provider. Something minor might be covered by your insurance entirely, while other work might not be covered at all. Every insurance provider is different.

Your dental benefits should be the last thing on your mind when you’re having an emergency. Our staff will contact your dental insurance provider for you and then explain what your out-of-pocket cost will be before any treatment is started. You won’t have any surprises after treatment is completed. We also offer financing and payment plans if you need them.

The cost of not treating a dental emergency will be higher in the long run than the cost of treating it!

Are You Ready to Get Seen for Your Dental Emergency in Gardena?

The staff at Gardena Dental Care is ready to see you, in an emergency or just for routine care. You can’t go wrong when you choose us!

Call (424) 295-7885 today and make an appointment at Gardena Dental Care!

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