When to See an Emergency Pediatric Dentist in Los Feliz, Los Angeles

Dental emergencies can happen at any time; and when they do, it’s important to know when your child needs immediate attention. At Griffith Pediatric Dentistry in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, our experienced team provides prompt, gentle emergency pediatric dental care for children experiencing dental injuries, severe pain, or infections.

While regular checkups every six months help prevent many problems, certain situations require urgent pediatric dental care to relieve pain, prevent complications, and protect your child’s smile.

When to Contact an Emergency Pediatric Dentist

If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t wait for their next appointment, contact our office right away at (323) 301-7125.

1. Broken or Fractured Tooth

A broken tooth can result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. If this happens:

• Gather any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to your appointment.
• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
• To protect soft tissues, cover any sharp edges of the remaining tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum.

Quick treatment can often save the tooth and prevent infection.

2. Cracked Tooth

Even a small crack can allow bacteria and food particles to enter, leading to decay or infection. Cracks that are vertical or diagonal may reach the root and cause severe pain. Schedule an emergency pediatric dental visit immediately to avoid further complications.

3. Severe Tooth Pain or Pressure

If your child complains of severe or persistent tooth pain, especially when biting or chewing, it could indicate infection or nerve damage. This is particularly urgent if the pain radiates to the ear or causes swelling. Our team can quickly identify the cause and provide effective relief.

4. Knocked-Out Tooth

If your child’s tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical.

• For older children with permanent teeth, gently rinse the tooth with warm water (avoid scrubbing).
• If possible, place it back into the socket and have your child hold it there on the way to our office.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation solution.

Call Griffith Pediatric Dentistry in Los Feliz right away! The sooner you arrive, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

5. Loose or Lost Fillings

A lost filling can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to pain or infection. If your child’s filling has come loose or fallen out, contact our office promptly for a same-day or next-day appointment.

6. Dental Abscess or Swelling

A dental abscess is a serious infection that develops inside or around the tooth root. Symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, or pus-filled gums
• Severe pain or throbbing
• Fever or facial swelling
• Bad taste or odor in the mouth

An abscess requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. Our team can drain the abscess, treat the infection, and restore your child’s oral health safely.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

In rare cases, dental emergencies may require hospital care. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if your child experiences:

• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Severe facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A traumatic injury to the jaw or face

Emergency Pediatric Dental Care in Los Feliz, Los Angeles

If your child is in pain or has suffered a dental injury, our caring team at Griffith Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. We provide same-day emergency appointments whenever possible to ensure your child gets the care they need quickly and comfortably.

📍 Griffith Pediatric Dentistry

Serving families in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and the greater Los Angeles area. 📞 Call us at (323) 301-7125 for immediate assistance or to schedule an emergency visit.

Let our experienced pediatric dental team restore your child’s comfort and smile — safely, gently, and compassionately.