Emergency Dentistry in Glendale, CA
Dental emergencies happen to all of us at one time or another, and these scary and often-painful situations need immediate attention. In our Glendale, CA dental office, we respond to dental emergencies as quickly as possible.
When you come into our office for emergency treatment, Dr. Lucio Kim's immediate focus will be relieving your pain and saving your smile. Our Glendale office sets time aside daily to treat potential dental emergencies, and we have a plan in place for after-hours emergencies, too.
If you need emergency dentistry in Glendale and it is after hours, contact our dental office at (818) 242-3739. From there, follow the prompts and a member of our caring team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
However, if you’ve been in an accident or suffered a trauma, head to your nearest emergency room, we encourage you or a companion to contact our dental office from there.
- How do I know if my situation is a dental emergency?
- How will you treat my dental emergency?
- I knocked my tooth out. Can it be saved?
- How do I know if my situation can wait a few days?
- Do you help with pain relief?
- I was involved in, and accident and my mouth hurts. Can you help me?
- My tooth is cracked. Is this an emergency or can it wait until next week?
- How do I avoid dental emergencies?
- Does a dental emergency mean my teeth are weak?
How do I know if my situation is a dental emergency?
At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we define dental emergencies as one or more of the following:
- Severe tooth pain and jaw pain
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, or jaw
- Gum and pulpal abscesses
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Bleeding
- Broken dental restoration or filling
- A broken dental crown, filling, or veneer
- Broken braces
- Toothache
However, there is always a gray area. If you’re not sure whether your situation is an emergency, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. Our dental team can assess your situation and make the appropriate recommendations.
Recommendations may include coming into our Glendale dental office immediately or scheduling an appointment within 48-72 hours.
If our team notes that you do not have a fever or pain, scheduling an appointment is more likely. However, if you have pain, swelling, or your situation is deemed an emergency by our team, Lucio H. Kim, DDS will want to see you promptly!
How we treat dental emergencies at our Glendale, CA office
The way we treat your dental emergency depends on the nature of your situation. If you have swelling, for example, but no noticeable signs of infection, we generally take x-rays. Sometimes, we also take x-rays to gauge the severity of a noticeable infection. We use digital x-rays and all the latest technologies to make a fast and accurate diagnosis.
If your situation warrants it, or there is no danger to your oral health, we treat the source of your pain and schedule a follow-up appointment to complete your dental work.
During the treatment of a dental emergency, our Glendale emergency dentist is focused on saving or fixing your teeth, and alleviating your pain quickly.
Knocked Out Tooth? Here's what to do
Often, with prompt dental intervention, a lost tooth can be saved and reattached. It requires a skilled emergency dentist, and for several actions to be taken as soon as the tooth falls out.
Here is what you should do in the first moments after losing a tooth:
- Pick up the tooth but avoid touching the root if possible
- Rinse the tooth gently with water
- Try to reposition the tooth in the socket quickly
- Keep the tooth wet or moist with milk, water or saliva
- See our emergency dentist as soon as possible
Dr Kim will work hard to save your tooth, and he will immediately recommend a custom treatment plan that is tailored to your situation. Knocked out teeth, cracked teeth, and broken teeth can often be saved with emergency dentistry, as long as they are treated quickly and have not sustained too much damage. The treatment options we offer in Glendale for a cracked tooth will differ depending on the severity of your situation. Regardless, it is always a good idea to contact our office if you do crack your tooth.
If a tooth is too damaged to save, or if too much time has passed, Dr. Kim will perform an emergency tooth extraction. After the tooth extraction, we will recommend several different options to replace the tooth and restore your smile. Dental implants are a common and effective option that keep your teeth from shifting toward the empty tooth socket, and keep your bite strong.
A dental implant is a thin titanium post that replaces your root and eventually hosts a life-like tooth restoration.
How do I know if my situation can wait a few days?
Generally, if you have a small chip or crack in your tooth and there is no pain, swelling or fever, you can schedule a time-sensitive appointment with our Glendale dental office. However, if you have pain and swelling, you should call our dental office immediately. It is possible that you need root canal treatment to save a tooth that has been infected.
If you decide to wait out a minor tooth chip for a day or two, make sure to keep the tooth clean and avoid food that requires chewing. A chipped or cracked tooth invites bacteria and infection. If left untreated, infected teeth can eventually cause serious health issues. These issues can often be avoided by a simple and pain-free root canal treatment or emergency tooth extraction from an emergency dentist.
At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, if you’re in doubt, call us. We don’t want you to risk tooth loss or wait when you have an infection that could spread.
Do you help with pain relief?
Yes, our top priorities during your dental emergency are to relieve your tooth pain and save your smile. We can keep your mouth numb while our emergency dentist addresses your dental issue.
For emergencies that require a follow-up, our emergency dentist can offer suggestions and tell you how to treat pain at home, too.
At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we don’t like to see our patients in pain!
I was involved in an accident, and my mouth hurts. Can you help me?
Our dentist is highly skilled in emergency dentistry. However, if you’ve suffered a trauma, we want to make sure you’re safe! If you have been in an accident, go to your local emergency room first.
It is important to rule out serious bodily injuries. You can contact us from the emergency room following emergency treatment.
My tooth is cracked. Is this an emergency, or can it wait until next week?
If you have a minor crack or chip in your tooth, it may be okay to wait a day or two. However, we don’t recommend waiting a week to see our Glendale dentist. A week provides an opportunity for severe dental infections and may lead to a true emergency.
If the chip or crack is minor and you have no pain or swelling, we recommend keeping the area clean and switching to soft foods to prevent further breakage. However, if you have a significant crack or chip, we think this is a dental emergency. If a tooth is cracked all the way up to the root, it can quickly become infected and die.
When in doubt, always contact our Glendale dental office so that we can recommend a treatment plan for your cracked tooth.
Avoiding dental emergencies
There are a few different types of dental emergencies, but what they usually share in common is tooth pain and swelling in the mouth, face or jaw. Dental pain can often stem from infection.
The most common dental emergencies we treat at Lucio H. Kim, DDS, are dental infections. Our Glendale dentist recommends preventative care to avoid infections that can lead to dental emergencies.
Preventative care includes:
- Brushing and flossing regularly—at least twice per day
- Avoiding sugary foods and beverages
- Visiting our Glendale dental office regularly
- Having professional teeth cleanings at least every six months
When you have a healthy oral care routine at home and visit our skilled hygienist regularly, this significantly reduces your risk for a dental infection.
Our hygienist uses special tools to clean close to the gumline and can remove tartar and bacteria that your toothbrush and dental floss miss.
Also, our top Glendale dentist can recognize an underlying infection, small cavity, and periodontal disease early and take proactive measures to save your teeth and stave off a future emergency.
If you play sports, always wear the proper face gear to protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you grind your teeth, make sure you wear a nightguard. Teeth grinding erodes enamel, and this makes your teeth vulnerable to bacteria, which leads to infection and dental emergencies.
Does a dental emergency mean my teeth are weak?
Not necessarily, but issues like periodontal disease can cause your gums to recede and make you more vulnerable to toothaches, dental infections, and tooth loss. To avoid the emergency toothaches and tooth loss that comes with periodontal disease, it’s crucial to have periodontal disease treatments in our Glendale dental office.
Also, failed root canals are prone to infection and can weaken teeth. Sometimes, Lucio H. Kim, DDS recommends a dental crown to strengthen a weak tooth. This prevents breakage, infections, and dental emergencies.
Recurring dental infections can weaken your teeth because it may be a sign of periodontal disease, a failed root canal or a sign that you need professional teeth cleaning in our Glendale dental office.
Scheduling and keeping regular dental appointments is the best way to keep your teeth strong and viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the dental offices of Dr. Lucio H Kim, we are doing everything in our power to be available for patients in the Glendale, CA area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kim is keeping the office open to treat emergency dental issues during this time. We are also providing virtual consults for anyone who has dental related questions in the Glendale area. Please reach out to our Glendale office if you are experiencing a toothache, a chipped or cracked tooth, or any other urgent issue.
Here is a video update from Dr. Kim describing emergency dental services and virtual consults:
If you have a toothache, you know something’s not right. It’s natural to worry, but knowing what a dental emergency is can help. While you should call your dentist any time you have a toothache here is a checklist for deciding whether to look for emergency dentistry in Glendale.
Dental Emergency Checklist
- Severe or increasing pain. Extreme pain that won’t stop and seems to be getting worse can be a sign that your tooth needs immediate attention. If you feel a pimple-like area in your mouth, it might be an abscess. Your dental office can determine whether it’s an dental emergency.
- Trauma. Feeling a crack in your tooth or dental restoration is always concerning and warrants a call to your dentist. But if you fell, had a sports accident, or hit your mouth another way, there’s a chance you need emergency dentistry. Call 911 if you suspect bodily injury.
- Bleeding. If your gums or tooth won’t stop bleeding, call your dentist to find out if you need to come in right away. Use a clean gauze pad on the area for 10 minutes to slow or stop bleeding.
- Swelling. Gums around a tooth that are inflamed may need immediate attention.
- Fever. If you have a fever that you believe is related to infected teeth or gums, call your Glendale dentist right away.
It can happen to anyone. After noticing that your tooth feels different, you realize that you’ve actually lost or broken a dental crown. That moment can be scary, but don’t panic. We are here to help.
What Should I Do If I Lose or Damage a Crown?
Damage to a dental restoration, tooth, or appliance always warrants a call to your dentist. With that in mind, the first course of action we recommend if you lose or damage your dental crown is to give us a call. Our knowledgeable team can assess your situation over the phone and offer advice.
Many situations can wait for an appointment, including breaking a dental crown, but there are times when an emergency appointment is necessary. Below we offer some guidance on whether you should visit an emergency dentist in Glendale for your convenience.
When a Broken or Lost Crown Becomes a Dental Emergency
Sharp pieces. When you assess the area, feel for any sharp or loose pieces still attached to the tooth. You can gently remove pieces that appear to be dangling to avoid swallowing them. If there are jagged or sharp edges you can’t remove and which might cut your tongue, you may need emergency dentistry.
Pain. You may or may not feel pain or sensitivity with a broken dental crown, depending on whether there’s any pulp remaining in the tooth. If the pain is not severe, you can probably schedule an appointment for the next day or two. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help reduce discomfort.
Bleeding. It’s always a good idea to call your dentist right away if an area of your mouth won’t stop bleeding. If a blow to your mouth caused the dental crown to dislodge, that could be a dental emergency.
Can I Eat without My Dental Crown?
If you have lost your dental crown but don’t need an emergency appointment, you will, of course, need to eat in the interim between losing your crown and whenever your scheduled appointment to have it replaced. Before eating, however, your tooth will need protection. You can purchase dental putty or cement at most pharmacies to protect your tooth until you reach the dentist.
What Happens if I Accidently Swallowed the Crown?
If you’re missing a crown and suspect you swallowed it, you should contact a medical professional immediately. Your doctor will likely take x-rays to confirm that you actually swallowed the crown and didn’t breathe it into your lungs instead.
Can I Reuse My Crown?
If a dental crown fell out and is undamaged, dentists can sometimes reuse the dental crown. Your dentist will simply secure the crown back onto the tooth. A damaged crown will need replacement. Your dentist will create a new dental crown to protect your tooth properly.
Schedule Your Appointment for Dental Crowns in Glendale, CA
At the dental office of Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we use dental crowns to protect our patients’ teeth and create beautiful smiles. If you need a dental crown or if you’ve lost your dental crown and you’re in the Glendale area, please reach out to our experienced dental team for help.
An injury to a person’s gums or the roof of their mouth from sharp or jagged foods can be painful and unnerving. However, not every oral injury rises to “emergency” status. Small punctures or cuts from jagged foods — like tortilla chips, crusty bread, or hard candy — tend to heal on their own with time and caution. That said, it never hurts to be vigilant.
Avoiding Infection
If you get a small cut inside your mouth, there are some steps we recommend to ensure quick, hassle-free healing:
- Rinse with warm salt water to fight bacteria and clean the wound.
- Avoid excessively spicy or acidic foods and beverages, as well as potentially jagged foods that could irritate or aggravate the injury.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication in the event of lingering pain or tenderness.
However, it’s important to note that if a deep cut persists in bleeding after 10-15 minutes of gentle pressure with gauze, the area begins to swell, or the pain worsens and spreads (possibly indicating infection), you should seek emergency care immediately!
Finding the Best Emergency Dentist in Glendale, CA
If you’re in Glendale and looking for an empathetic emergency dentist for immediate care or just want to be prepared in the event of an unpleasant surprise this holiday season, contact the outstanding team at Lucio H. Kim, DDS, to schedule a consultation!
If you are having a dental emergency, we make every effort to get you in as soon as possible. Usually, it is the same day!
Emergencies usually can't wait.
If you have extreme pain, swelling, can't open your mouth, increasing pain that doesn't go away for a couple of days, if you fell or hit your mouth and teeth on something and just want to have your lips, teeth, and gums checked out...this is what we call emergencies. If the tooth has been sensitive on and off for a month or two, if the gums are tender on and off for a month or two, if you were in an accident last year and want to get things checked out....not really categorized as an emergency, but you still should get the situation checked out.
Emergency Dentist in Glendale
If you find yourself in a different state or part of the country, give me a call and I can direct you what to do. If you call after hours and need to leave a message (which is rare b/c usually I pick up the calls after the office is closed) then we will get back to you usually that same night or first thing in the morning.
If you're still not sure if it's an emergency, call us and we can triage it for you as well!
Meet Our Doctor:
Lucio H. Kim DDS
Dr. Kim obtained his Bachelors of Science degree at UC San Diego in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Kim attended dental school at the University of Southern California.
After obtaining his DDS at USC, Dr. Kim went on to complete a residency at the highly competitive UCLA Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) postgraduate program, where he focused on reconstructive, restorative, and implant dentistry.
He has also received advanced training for dental implants at the Misch International Implant Institute and at the Global ...
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