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How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

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Emergency dental care is required when you experience acute pain, gum bleeding, or have got into an accident resulting in broken teeth. In this article, we discuss how to avoid dental emergencies.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be typically divided into two main categories: those caused by infection and those caused by accidents.

Dental Emergencies Caused by Infection

Infection can spread in the mouth very quickly and cause devious issues requiring emergency care. In most cases, oral infections are caused by insufficient efforts put towards your dental care. Below, we list the main tips that will help you avoid dental emergencies.

Brush Your Teeth Effectively

Dentists insist that we should brush our teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Make sure to clean all the areas in your mouth, especially at the back, where it is harder to reach. Also, special attention should be paid to cleaning along the gum line so that plaque does not collect in periodontal pockets. Use a fluoride toothpaste, as this mineral is proven to be effective at preventing cavities.

Floss Every Day

Flossing is another critical step of your oral hygiene routine, as in many cases, you can not remove all food particles and plaque from your teeth with just a toothbrush. It is best if you floss in the evening before bed to make sure no food residue and bacteria linger between your teeth during the night when the bacteria are most active in your mouth.

To floss effectively, move the thread gently between the teeth, making sure to clean each tooth from both sides. Try to avoid damaging the gums with the tread. If using regular floss is challenging, you can try using special floss threaders and interdental brushes.

Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine

A water flosser can not replace a traditional toothbrush or floss. Still, it is proven to be very effective as an additional step in your routine, especially in gum disease prevention and treatment.

Get Professional Dental Cleanings

Even patients who are the most diligent with their hygiene routine need professional dental cleanings every 6 to 12 months. Most of us have areas in the mouth that are hard to reach. The problem is especially noticeable in those having crooked or overcrowded teeth. Plaque accumulates in such areas and turns into tartar over time.

Bacteria living in plaque and tartar cause tooth decay and gum disease—issues that both can lead to dental emergencies. Thus, by getting professional cleanings according to the recommended schedule, you can avoid these issues.

On top of that, you can get fluoride treatments after each cleaning that will significantly strengthen the enamel of your teeth and make them more resistant to bacteria and decay.

Undergo Checkups at Your Dental Office

Bi-yearly checkups that go hand in hand with professional dental cleanings will ensure that all the issues are addressed before they turn into severe problems and dental emergencies.

Address Existing Issues On Time

Never put off dental visits and treatment if you know or suspect you have a problem. Some people think that a small cavity does not require immediate care. However, a minor cavity can very quickly become severe tooth decay, requiring more complex treatments, such as root canal or even tooth extraction. In fact, most dental emergencies are caused by minor issues that are not addressed in time.

Choose a Reliable Dentist

Some dental emergencies can come about from an improperly performed procedure. Even such a simple procedure as a dental filling can fail and cause severe consequences. Make sure you check the credentials and reviews of your dental specialist before undergoing any procedures.

Dental Emergencies Caused by Accidents

Dental emergencies caused by accidents include:

  • Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
  • Dislodged teeth
  • Knocked out teeth
  • Broken or dislocated jaw
  • Blood vessel damage within the gums or tooth root damage

A lot of such dental emergencies happen while playing sports, especially extreme or contact sports, or engaging in similar activities. One of the main preventive measures is to wear a mouthguard. It can absorb and soften the impact on the teeth, thus preventing damage.

You can buy a mouthguard at a local drugstore without a prescription. However, over-the-counter mouthguards might feel uncomfortable to wear, as they best suit an average jaw and teeth. We recommend getting a custom-made mouthguard from a dental office. This way, you will not experience discomfort wearing it and will most likely wear it more often as a result.

Call Us if You Have a Dental Emergency

If you experience an acute toothache or have had an accident, do not hesitate to call an emergency dentist at Samaritan Dental. We are looking forward to helping you restore your oral health.

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Is a Dentist Available Late at Night?

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Your mouth is a very complex and sensitive part of your body. Although you are likely taking steps to stay safe at all times, you never know when you are going to get hurt. Dental emergencies happen, and it is important to know when, where, and how you can access emergency dentistry for fast appointments and instant treatment when you need it the most. So is a dentist available late at night?

Is a Dentist Available Late at Night?

At Samaritan Dental Arts, many patients call us with the question, “Is a dentist available late at night? What about early in the morning when I have chipped my tooth?” Whether due to an injury after a sports game or a nasty fall, it is important that you have access to emergency dental services at all times. Learn more about what constitutes a dental emergency and find out how you can receive 24/7 care from our specialists at Samaritan Dental Arts.

What is Emergency Dentistry?

An emergency dentist is someone who is available outside of regular dental office hours to tend to urgent medical needs involving the mouth. Sudden injury or damage that leads to pain, bleeding, and inflammation will only worsen if not tended to right away. If you are in sudden need of dental care, you might be looking for a nearby emergency dentist.

However, not all instances of sudden pain or discomfort warrant an emergency. It is important to know what exactly is considered to be a dental emergency. And what issues might seem severe but can likely wait until the next available appointment.

What Makes a Dental Emergency?

The first thing you need to do when encountering any kind of dental emergency is to remain calm. Everything is going to be okay, and you will be able to find the care you need ASAP. It is time to assess the nature of the damage and your pain levels. You might need to visit an emergency dentist right away if you are experiencing:

  • Bleeding from the mouth, gums, or tooth socket after a tooth has fallen out
  • A missing, loosened, cracked, or broken tooth after physical impact
  • Excruciating amounts of pain that require emergency attention
  • A tooth infection that has spread so rapidly that it is causing too much pain and discomfort to tolerate

You might not need an emergency dentist if you are:

  • not missing a tooth
  • not bleeding
  • your pain is manageable enough to wait until the morning

You can always contact your trusted dentist to find out more about the type of care you need if you are unsure about your current symptoms.

Types of Emergency Treatments Available

Depending on the type of injury you have sustained and the type of care that you need, your dentist may be able to perform an immediate treatment to relieve symptoms of pain. Has your tooth has completely fallen out of your mouth? Then you might be able to save it by placing it in milk and bringing it to the dentist right away. Your tooth can be reattached to your gums. Otherwise, emergency bridges and crowns may need to be made for your mouth.

Major infections can be treated by root canals and tooth extraction in worst-case scenarios. It is important to be in touch with your dentist when you are experiencing any kind of sudden dental pain.

Get 24/7 Emergency Services Today

Samaritan Dental Arts has an available emergency dentist who is available 24/7 to assist with any and all urgent dental care needs. You never want to be faced with an injury. But it is a good idea that you know what to do in the event that you are faced with a dental emergency on your own. Get in touch with us today to learn about how you can access our urgent care services ASAP.

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Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

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A mild toothache could indicate that you have a cavity or an injury. A serious toothache is a sign of something much worse. Radiating pain that won’t go away usually means that you are dealing with a tooth infection. The longer the toothache lasts, the further the infection will spread throughout the body. The best way to prevent total tooth loss in the event of major pain is to visit your emergency dentist in Downtown LA. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to get a root canal done. But is a root canal a dental emergency?

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Is a root canal a dental emergency, though? Are toothaches something that needs to be addressed right away? While the answer can vary on a case-by-case basis, a root canal is typically considered to be a dental emergency. This is especially true because bad infections could reach the bloodstream, which can be deadly. Keep reading to prepare yourself for the emergency root canal procedure should you find yourself in this situation.

Biggest Signs of a Root Canal Emergency

You should always be able to get in touch with an emergency dentist to handle your root canal treatment. Some people’s symptoms may be milder, while others may be more severe. The biggest signs that you need emergency dentistry treatment right away are intense pain, bleeding, and tooth damage that exposes the pulp. If you aren’t sure how bad your tooth infection has become, you should give yourself the benefit of the doubt and contact your endodontist as soon as you can.

How Root Canals Work

Root canals are the go-to procedure for urgent situations where an advanced infection is present. Once a tooth has become infected, it must be filled with a cavity filling. Or else the infection will get worse. Eventually, it can spread to the pulp of the tooth, which is where the tooth stores its nerves that connect to the rest of the body. Once the infection reaches the pulp, it is classified as a dental emergency and a root canal treatment is needed to remove the affected pulp.

The typical steps of a root canal treatment are as follows:

  • X-Rays and testing. Your dentist will take pictures of the damaged tooth to determine whether treatment is necessary – and if so, what type of treatment would be best.
  • Infection treatment. If you have a bad tooth infection, your dentist may want you to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection before you go through the root canal procedure itself.
  • Pulp and nerve removal. During your procedure, the dentist will use a numbing agent in your mouth so you don’t feel pain throughout the process. Your pulp and nerves will be removed from the tooth, getting rid of the infected material.
  • Tooth sealing. After the tooth is cleaned out from the inside, your dentist might have to seal it with a special material. In a future appointment, the restoration will be completed with a crown or dental bonding.

Patients are famously afraid of root canal procedures. And it is understandable why anyone would have hesitation about enduring a treatment like this. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we make it a priority to help you feel comfortable and at ease while giving you the best treatment for your symptoms. Root canals are nothing to be afraid of; the whole process will be over and done with before you know it!

Get an Emergency Root Canal ASAP

If you have a toothache that just won’t go away or infectious pain that is just getting worse, you should visit your emergency dentist right away. Be sure to get in touch with our root canal specialist in Downtown LA and schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Don’t delay your health any longer!

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Most Common Questions About Going to the Dentist

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Whether it has been a few years since your last visit to the dentist or you have a fear of going that has kept you away, getting answers to the most common questions asked can help. To get more information on going to the dentist and answers to specific questions you have, contact the expert emergency dentist in Los Angeles, today.

How often should I go to the dentist?

Regular visits to the dentist are extremely important. Not only to get a proper dental cleaning from a professional, but to check on your gum health, address any potential concerns, and check any previous work that you have had over the years. Since each person’s dental history is different, the frequency of visits for each person is different as well. However, a good start would be to make a visit to the dentist every six months. Based on those visits, you and your dentist can decide if you need to increase your visits each year, or if you can increase the number of months between each visit.

What are some signs that I need to go to an emergency dentist in Los Angeles?

If you are contemplating whether you should go to the dentist or not, there are a few key symptoms to look out for. Be aware, dental emergencies do happen. Keep your dentist’s contact information easily accessible.

  • Any changes to your teeth (ex: discoloration, cracks, chips)
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold items
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pain or swelling of your mouth or gums
  • You are having difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • You smoke

However, signs you should visit the dentist are not limited to this list. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, it has been over a year since your last visit, or gum disease runs in your family, make sure to make a trip to your emergency dentist in Los Angeles as soon as possible.

Why should I go to the dentist if I take good care of my teeth?

For those who take good care of their teeth, brush three times a day, and floss regularly, it may seem superfluous to go to the dentist. However, those who have a less than healthy dental regime are not the only ones who benefit from a trip to the dentist. One important thing to note is that a professional eye can see early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. In addition, professional cleanings are the only way to remove built-up plaque on your teeth. A trip to the dentist can also ensure that you get effective solutions to any problems or pain you have been experiencing.

What can I expect at a dental checkup?

While each dentist can do things differently, there are some common procedures to expect at a dental checkup. First, they will take a look at your records and ask about any discomfort or issues you have been experiencing. If they do not have any of your records or hear anything of concern, then they may ask you to take x-rays for a better understanding of what is going on. They will also do a brief oral exam. This will give them an opportunity to take a look at the overall health of your mouth, check for any gum issues, and check for cavities or other common problems. Once the check-up is complete, the dentist will let you know of any issues they saw, concerns they have, or recommendations they would like you to be aware of.

Emergency Dentist in Los Angeles

Your mouth health is important, and it is crucial that you make it a priority. For more information from Samaritan Dental, contact our team today. With our friendly team, experienced staff, and effective treatments, we are the professionals to trust for your next dental visit.

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Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

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Our oral health can have a significant impact on our overall health so protecting our teeth and gums should be an important part of a healthy living plan. One way many people unintentionally damage their teeth is by using them inappropriately as a kind of Swiss army knife.

The tooth contains three layers. The center of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves and is known as the pulp. The middle layer is known as dentin and the outer layer is called the enamel. If each layer is affected by outside forces, the more severe (and more expensive) the damage.

While your teeth are great at breaking down food, using them to open a bottle, the wrapper on anything (candy bar, bag of chips, etc.), or really anything that needs opening is not a wise choice. That plastic packaging around your new headphones is meant to be opened with scissors, not your teeth. When you use your teeth to open things you run the risk of chipping or cracking them, and you also might wear down your teeth unevenly and develop poor jaw alignment.

Just like you would warn your children not to chew on foreign objects, it’s not a great decision to do it as an adult. Yet, we all find ourselves mindlessly chewing on pens and pencils, plastic straws, toothpicks or even worse, our fingernails. We don’t think about it as we do it, but this is a bad habit that can cause our teeth to weaken and lose their structure.

Another bad dental habit many people fall into is using their teeth to crack open nuts. That’s why the nutcracker was invented! Each time you use your teeth to open a walnut, pistachio, or peanut, the shell grinds down some of the enamel on your teeth. This can cause your teeth to wear in uneven areas which can lead to cracking and chipping as well.

Our teeth serve many functions and keeping them healthy is key to our overall health. If you have some of the unhealthy habits mentioned above or if you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, it might be time to make an appointment to avoid more expensive damage later.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Make sure you do the following to avoid the harmful effects of tooth decay.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.
• Avoid foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates which will feed on the bacteria in your mouth.
• Make sure you get enough fluoride which helps to prevent decay by making teeth more resistant to the acids that produce plaque. Fluoride is added to most public water.
• Avoid dry mouth which can be caused by some medications or by simply breathing through your mouth. Make sure you have enough saliva to help wash the food and harmful sugars from your mouth which helps to protect your teeth.
• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.

Emergency Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

If you suffer from tooth pain or any other dental issue, contact our professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. We offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.
Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t ignore the toothache. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop a serious infection that could impact your overall health. If you’ve neglected your oral health and haven’t seen a dentist in years, don’t wait another day. Make your appointment with the leading emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles today, Samaritan Dental Arts today.

When to Get Dental X-Rays

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Dental X-rays are a key component in helping dentists see medical issues of the teeth and surrounding tissues that cannot be seen with the naked eye during your regular oral examinations. They allow the dentists to see far beyond the surface to help diagnose potentially problematic issues. X-rays help the dentists identify and treat dental issues early-on in their development, which can help save you time, money, and pain down the road!

 

But, what do you need dental X-rays for? And how frequently can you expect to get them? As you know, each medical professional has different approaches and opinions about medical procedures like X-rays, so you can expect there to be some discrepancies between dentists. But, if you are consistently going to the same dentist, you will be able to establish with your dental professional how frequently dental X-rays are required for your oral health journey to be its healthiest. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, get in touch with Samaritan Dental today.

 

For adults, dental X-rays serve many purposes. They can be used for the following purposes:

 

● Show decayed areas that are not visible during an oral exam
● Show areas of decay that are small and between the teeth
● Show areas of decay beneath existing fillings
● Show bone loss as a result of or revealing gum disease
● Show changes in bones or root canals due to infection
● Show abscesses
● Reveal cysts and tumors
● Reveal developmental abnormalities, deformities, or issues

 

For children, dental X-rays are used for the following purposes:

 

● Watch out for decay
● Ensure that there is enough room in the mouth for all incoming teeth
● Ensure that primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly
● Track the development of wisdom teeth and whether teeth are impacted or not

 

But, when do you need dental X-rays? How often you get dental X-rays varies person-to-person and depends on your dental and medical history as well as your current dental and medical condition. Some people need X-rays as often as twice a year, while others require them every few years.

 

If you are an adult, adolescent, or child visiting a new dentist, it is very likely they will X-ray your mouth to get familiar with your current oral state and make sure there are no issues that have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past.

 

If you are visiting the same dentist you have seen before but are at high risk for decay or presently have decaying issues, X-rays will be taken anywhere from every 6 months to every 18 months. If you do not show signs of or are experiencing decaying teeth and are not at high risk for decay, then you can expect dental X-rays somewhere between every 12 and 36 months, depending on your dentist. If you have gum disease or a history of gum disease, your dentist will likely X-ray the affected area of your mouth.

 

X-rays, though something you should be educated about, are something that are going to change from dentist to dentist, patient to patient. Your oral health is incredibly personal, and your patient care should be as well. Please consult your dental professional, and together, with your dental history, you can come up with a treatment plan and X-ray schedule that you both agree on and will help you achieve your health goals.

Emergency Dentist Downtown Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are dedicated to the highest standards in medicine, quality patient care, and patient comfort and education. We want you fully educated about what your personalized medical plan entails, what your desired results are, and how we plan to get you there. If you would like to set up a consultation, please reach out to us!

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How to Handle Dental Emergencies

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Dental Emergencies

It’s impossible to predict when an accident can happen. Sometimes, dental emergencies come when you least expect them. If you are struck with an injury or accident in the middle of the night, and you aren’t able to get to your dentist right away, there are special steps you can take to provide immediate care for yourself and prevent any permanent damages from occurring.

 

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be your go-to dentist in downtown Los Angeles in the event of an emergency. If you ever run into an accident which causes a broken tooth or bleeding gums, we want to make sure you can get the proper care that you need. Before stopping in for an emergency visit, here are a couple of crucial steps you should take on your own before any big problems arise.

For Chipped or Broken Teeth

If your tooth is chipped or broken, try as best as you can to save the pieces of the tooth that have fallen out. Then, you should rinse your mouth out using warm water, but not too hot. Put some medical gauze in your mouth to stop any bleeding that may have occurred as a result of the accident.

 

You may experience some swelling and pain. In order to ease the swelling, put a cold compress to the outside of your cheek or mouth near the damaged area. Then, make an appointment to see us as soon as possible.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth

If your tooth has been knocked out completely, it is vital that you retrieve the tooth as best as you can. Make sure to hold it by the crown, rather than the root – this area is too sensitive and susceptible to damage. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in warm water. Make sure not to scrub it or use soap.

 

Try to put your tooth back into your mouth in its original position. If you feel like you have to force it into your socket, do not attempt to put the tooth in. The best thing for you to do in this case is to put the tooth in a container of milk to preserve it. If you have a cell-growth solution such as Save-a-Tooth, you can put it into that solution as well. Then, make an appointment to see us as soon as you can, so that we may save your tooth and apply it back into its correct position.

Abscess or Infections

Some injuries, especially those that cause the gums or lips to bleed, may become the host for infection. If you have an abscess, which is noticeable by infections around the roots and gums, you must make an appointment to see us right away. Infection is a serious issue that can quickly and easily spread to the rest of the mouth. An abscess should not be left untreated in any scenario.

 

If you suffer from an accident that causes your lips, gums, or mouth to bleed, or if you have a dislodged or broken tooth, you must consult a professional as soon as possible.

Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental, we are dedicated to providing affordable and top-quality care to all patients. Our friendly staff members are here to help with every need, and we are always available to answer any concerns you may have. If you need help with a dental emergency, or if you are interested in making an evening appointment with the top dentist in downtown Los Angeles, you can contact us online for more information. You can also give us a call at (213) 986-2933 to schedule an appointment at any time!