Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly in young patients. Though they require urgent treatment, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action. Dental emergencies are any trauma or condition that requires professional attention. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, care may involve a dentist, pediatric dentist, emergency oral surgeon, or hospital emergency department.
If an injury involves the jaw, facial bones, significant oral trauma, or another condition that may require emergency Oral Surgery, an oral surgeon can evaluate the injury and recommend appropriate treatment. Patients searching for an emergency oral surgeon near me in Long Beach should call the office for guidance on the appropriate next step.
Examples include:
- Toothache
- Fractured or broken tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Tooth displacement
- Injured jaw bone, cheek, lip or tongue
- Suspected jaw or facial fracture
- Significant swelling or oral infection
- Uncontrolled or persistent oral bleeding
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for life-threatening symptoms, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or significant head or facial trauma.
Did you know…
Dental injuries are common during childhood and adolescence and may involve the teeth, gums, jaw, or other soft tissues of the mouth and face.
Though dental trauma can occur at any point during childhood, children may be especially vulnerable during active toddler years and as they begin participating in sports and other physical activities. Knowing when to contact an emergency pediatric dentist in Long Beach can help parents respond quickly when an injury occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for a pediatric dental emergency?
Keep your child’s dentist or pediatric dentist contact information readily available. A properly fitted mouthguard may also help reduce dental injuries during sports. Knowing where to seek urgent dental, medical, or emergency Oral Surgery care before an injury occurs can make it easier to respond quickly.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
Contact your child’s dentist or pediatric dentist promptly for an injury or pain involving the teeth or gums. For suspected jaw or facial injuries, an emergency Oral Surgery evaluation may be appropriate. Seek emergency medical care for severe bleeding, head trauma, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or other serious symptoms.
My child’s permanent tooth was knocked out. How should I proceed?
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency and needs professional care right away. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently and don’t scrub it. If you can’t safely put it back in the socket, keep it moist in milk and get to a dental professional immediately. The sooner your child is treated, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
When should I see an emergency oral surgeon instead of a dentist?
An emergency oral surgeon may be needed for complex facial or dental trauma, including suspected jaw fractures, significant injuries involving the mouth and face, or conditions requiring surgical treatment. Your dentist, urgent care provider, or emergency department may also refer you to an oral surgeon depending on the injury.
Can an oral surgeon treat a broken or injured jaw?
Yes. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to evaluate and treat many injuries involving the jaws, facial bones, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury, so an examination is needed to determine the appropriate care.
Where should I go for a severe dental or facial emergency in Long Beach?
For life-threatening injuries, severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or significant head trauma, call 911 or go to an emergency department. For urgent dental or facial injuries that may require emergency Oral Surgery, contact Bixby Knolls Oral Surgery in Long Beach for guidance on appropriate care.