What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse without scrubbing. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it moist in milk. Call us immediately, because the best chance of saving the tooth is within the first thirty minutes.

Do you offer same day emergency appointments?

Yes. We reserve time in our schedule every day for dental emergencies. Call 818-243-3838 and we will do everything possible to see you the same day, often within hours of your call.

Is a custom mouthguard really better than a store bought one?

Yes. A custom mouthguard fits precisely, stays in place, and is comfortable enough that kids actually wear it. Store bought versions are bulky and fit poorly, which means less protection and less consistent use.

How do I know if a chipped tooth is an emergency?

Any chip that causes pain, exposes the inner tooth, or has a sharp edge should be seen promptly. Even a minor chip can worsen or become infected. Rinse the mouth, save any pieces, apply a cold compress, and call our office for guidance.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?

Go to the emergency room for a suspected broken jaw, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. For knocked out or broken teeth, lost crowns, and most toothaches, call the dentist first. When in doubt, phone our office and we will help you decide.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe pain, a knocked out or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, swelling in the face or gums, and a lost crown or filling causing pain all qualify. When in doubt, call us and we will help you decide how quickly you need to be seen.

Summer Sports and Dental Emergencies: Protecting Your Family's Smiles in Glendale

Summer in Glendale is packed with activity, from youth sports leagues and skateboarding to bike rides, pool days, and camp adventures. All of that movement is wonderful for kids and families, but it also brings a seasonal rise in dental injuries. At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Ivan Chan treats dental emergencies for families across Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, and La Crescenta, and the good news is that most summer injuries are either preventable or highly treatable when you act quickly. Here is how to protect your family's smiles this season and exactly what to do when an accident happens.

Custom Mouthguards: The Best Defense for Young Athletes

If your child plays a contact or high impact sport, a custom mouthguard is the single most effective way to prevent a knocked out or broken tooth. Unlike bulky boil and bite versions from the store, a custom mouthguard made by Dr. Chan fits precisely, stays comfortably in place, and lets your child breathe and talk easily. That comfort matters, because a mouthguard only protects a smile when it is actually worn. A summer visit is the perfect time to have one made before fall sports begin.

What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out

A knocked out tooth is a true emergency, and fast action can save it. Pick the tooth up by the crown and never by the root, then gently rinse away any dirt without scrubbing. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket and have your child bite down on clean gauze to hold it in place. If reinserting it is not possible, keep the tooth moist in a cup of milk or a tooth preservation kit. Then call our office right away, because the best chance of saving the tooth is within the first thirty minutes.

Handling Chips, Cracks, and Broken Teeth

Not every injury is dramatic, but a chipped or cracked tooth still needs prompt attention to prevent infection and further damage. Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling, and save any broken pieces in milk or water. Avoid chewing on that side until your child is seen. Depending on the damage, Dr. Chan may repair the tooth with bonding, or with an emergency crown or repair that restores both strength and appearance.

Managing a Sudden Toothache

Summer treats, a lodged popcorn kernel, or an early cavity can all trigger a sudden toothache. Start by rinsing with warm salt water and gently flossing to remove any trapped food. An over the counter pain reliever can ease discomfort, but avoid placing aspirin directly against the gum, since it can burn the tissue. A toothache that lasts more than a day, or comes with swelling or fever, needs professional care. Our guide to toothache relief explains the common causes and when to call.

When to Call the Dentist and When to Go to the ER

Most dental injuries are best handled by a dentist, who has the tools and training to save and restore teeth. Call us first for knocked out teeth, broken teeth, lost crowns, and most toothaches. Some situations, however, call for a hospital emergency room, including a suspected broken jaw, an injury with heavy bleeding that will not stop, or swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. When in doubt, phone our office and we will help you decide where to go. You can also read more about facial pain linked to oral health when symptoms are unclear.

Dental emergency? Call us right away at (818) 243-3838 or request an appointment online.

Pack a Simple Summer Dental Emergency Kit

A little preparation goes a long way. Keep a small kit in your car or camp bag with clean gauze, a small sealable container, a travel size pack of pain reliever, and our office number saved in your phone. Having the basics on hand means you can respond calmly and quickly if an injury happens at a game, a park, or a pool across town. Knowing you have a plan takes the panic out of the moment and can make the difference in saving a tooth.

Repairing and Replacing Damaged Teeth

When a tooth cannot be saved, or an adult tooth is lost to injury, you still have excellent options to restore a complete smile. A natural looking dental crown or bridge can rebuild a damaged tooth, while a dental implant replaces a missing tooth from root to crown for a permanent, stable result. If your child loses a baby tooth early to trauma, Dr. Chan will monitor the space to protect the incoming permanent tooth. Adults dealing with a loose tooth after an accident can also read our guide on what to do about a loose tooth.

Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs

Some dental problems build quietly over the summer, such as lingering sensitivity, a dull ache, or swelling around a tooth. These are signals to call rather than wait, because early treatment is almost always simpler, more comfortable, and less costly than an emergency later. If something does not feel right, our team is glad to advise you over the phone on how quickly your child needs to be seen.

Emergency Dental Care for Glendale Families

Accidents happen, but your family does not have to face them alone. Dr. Ivan Chan and the team at Glendale Dental Wellness provide fast, compassionate emergency dental care and reserve time each day for same day emergency appointments. We serve patients across Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, La Crescenta, and Eagle Rock. Save our number now at (818) 243-3838 so you are ready if summer throws you a curveball, and request a mouthguard consultation online before the next season begins.