Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies frequently develop without warning, so it’s crucial to have a dentist you can call to turn to in these time-sensitive situations. Karen Martinez, DDS, is an experienced dentist you can trust to cater to your urgent needs at New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera in Pico Rivera, California. Dr. Martinez and her team offer same-day and next-day emergency dentistry services to ensure you receive prompt care when you need it most. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry addresses dental issues that demand immediate attention. Dental emergencies are serious concerns that can damage your oral health, function, and appearance without the appropriate care.

New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera provides same-day or next-day care for dental emergencies that threaten your oral well-being. Dr. Martinez is committed to delivering prompt, professional care to address your urgent needs and protect your health.

How do I know if I need emergency dentistry?

Understanding the early warning signs of a dental emergency is key to addressing and resolving dental issues before they escalate. While many oral health concerns benefit from prompt care, common signs that you may need emergency dentistry include:

• Severe toothache
• Knocked-out teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Broken or lost dental restoration
• Sudden jaw pain

A dental abscess is another serious dental emergency. This pus-filled sac can form a small pimple-like bump on your gums near the affected tooth. If ruptured, an abscess may spread potentially harmful bacteria into your bloodstream. Prompt care is essential to protect your oral and overall health.

I scheduled an emergency dentistry visit. Now what?

Once you schedule an emergency visit, Dr. Martinez and her staff can provide instructions on the next steps. They may offer advice on protecting your teeth and gums in the meantime, which may include:

Toothache

Apply a cold compress to the affected area and avoid any anti-inflammatory pain relievers until Dr. Martinez diagnoses the source of your pain.

Knocked-out tooth

Don’t panic if you have a knocked-out tooth. Once you locate and gently rinse the tooth, try to replace it in its socket. If you can’t, store it in a container of milk or saliva and bring it to your visit.

Broken tooth

You can apply a cold compress and take anti-inflammatory pain relievers to reduce swelling and discomfort. If the remaining tooth is jagged, place a piece of sugar-free gum over the area to act as a putty. Dr. Martinez may also ask you to bring the broken tooth to your appointment if possible.

Lost crown or filling

First, locate the lost restoration if you can and store it in a container for your visit. Dr. Martinez may recommend placing a barrier over the affected tooth in the meantime.

Don’t wait to seek care when you have a dental emergency. Call New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.