Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A tooth cracks on something hard, a crown pops off at dinner, or a kid takes a ball to the mouth at the park.
Knowing the first few steps makes a real difference during a dental emergency in Encino, and so does knowing who to call. If you already have a dentist in Encino, save the number now. If you don’t, this guide will help you handle the first hour.
This is general guidance, not a substitute for professional care, so call the office as soon as you can.
Start by Staying Calm and Calling
The first move is simple: call your dentist’s office and describe what happened. The team can tell you what to do next and what to watch for while you wait.
At The Dental Office Encino, you can reach us at 818-300-0333 during office hours. Have your insurance card handy if you can, but don’t let that delay the call.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and save any pieces you can find. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with swelling.
Even a small crack is worth having looked at. Cracks tend to get worse over time, and what could be a simple repair today can turn into a bigger problem if you wait.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Time matters most here. Pick the tooth up by the crown, the part you chew with, not the root, and rinse it gently if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it or remove any tissue still attached.
If you can, place it back in the socket. If not, keep it in a container of milk and head to a dentist right away, since the sooner it’s seen, the better the chances.
A Lost Crown or Filling
Keep the crown if you have it, and bring it with you. Please don’t try to glue it back on yourself, because a poor fit can trap bacteria and cause a bigger problem.
If a filling falls out, the tooth is exposed, so call to get it checked. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side.
Severe Toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss to make sure nothing is stuck between your teeth. A cold compress on the cheek can ease discomfort.
Pain that doesn’t go away is a sign something needs attention, often an infection or a deep cavity. Call the office and describe what you’re feeling, including how long it’s lasted.
When It’s an ER Situation, Not a Dental One
Some situations go beyond a dental office. Heavy bleeding that won’t stop, a head injury, a broken jaw, or swelling that’s spreading to your face or neck, or making it hard to breathe or swallow, all call for emergency care right away.
If it’s outside office hours and you can’t wait, urgent care or an emergency room is the safe choice, which is also what the American Dental Association advises when your dental office is closed. Follow up with your dentist afterward.
What Happens When You Come In
When you reach us, Dr. Alan Howard or Dr. Yonatan Howard will examine the tooth, and X-rays help show what’s happening beneath the surface. From there, they’ll explain your options plainly before anything begins.
The office offers restorations like crowns and onlays, and CEREC technology can design and place certain ones in a single visit, which can help when you don’t want a long process.
Get Ready Before Something Happens
A little prep makes emergencies less stressful. Save the office number in your phone, keep a small container with a lid in the house, and make sure everyone in the family knows who to call.
If you play sports or your kids do, wearing a mouthguard is a small habit that can prevent a big problem. The ADA considers a mouthguard an essential piece of athletic gear, for contact and non-contact activities alike.
Why Being an Established Patient Helps
Patients often say it’s easier to get seen quickly when they already have a relationship with the office. Your records are on file, so there’s less to sort out while you’re in discomfort.
That’s one more reason to schedule regular exams. Between visits, small issues get caught early, and you already have a dentist in Encino to call when something unexpected happens.
Your Dentist in Encino for the Unexpected
Whether it’s a routine checkup or a dental emergency in Encino, Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard have treated Encino families since 1991, along with neighbors in Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Van Nuys, and Woodland Hills, and new patients are always welcome.
The Dental Office Encino is located at 17071 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Encino, CA 91316.
Call 818-300-0333 or book an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm and Friday from 8am to 2pm.
