Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies do not wait for a convenient appointment slot. If you are in pain, something is broken, or a tooth has been knocked out, call us. We keep room for same-day appointments wherever we can.
What to do right now
Call us first, then follow the guidance below for your situation. With some injuries what you do in the first hour genuinely affects the outcome.
Knocked-out tooth
Pick it up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline, not water, and do not scrub it.
Try to place it back in the socket and hold it there. If you cannot, keep it in milk or in your own saliva and get to us fast. A tooth reimplanted within an hour has a far better chance of surviving.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently either side of the tooth in case something is trapped. Over-the-counter pain relief can help in the meantime.
Do not hold aspirin against the gum, which burns the tissue. Persistent pain usually means infection, and that will not resolve on its own.
Broken or chipped tooth
Save any pieces you can find and rinse your mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to limit swelling.
If the break has left a sharp edge, dental wax or sugarless gum over it will protect your tongue and cheek until you get here.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you still have it, since it can often be recemented. Avoid chewing on that side.
An exposed tooth is vulnerable and often very sensitive, so this is worth attending to quickly rather than waiting it out.
When to go to an emergency room instead
Swelling that is spreading across your face or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a suspected broken jaw all need immediate medical attention rather than a dental appointment. Go to an emergency room, and call us afterward so we can arrange follow-up care.
What to do right now
Call us first, then follow the guidance below for your situation. With some injuries what you do in the first hour genuinely affects the outcome.
Knocked-out tooth
Pick it up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline, not water, and do not scrub it.
Try to place it back in the socket and hold it there. If you cannot, keep it in milk or in your own saliva and get to us fast. A tooth reimplanted within an hour has a far better chance of surviving.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently either side of the tooth in case something is trapped. Over-the-counter pain relief can help in the meantime.
Do not hold aspirin against the gum, which burns the tissue. Persistent pain usually means infection, and that will not resolve on its own.
Broken or chipped tooth
Save any pieces you can find and rinse your mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to limit swelling.
If the break has left a sharp edge, dental wax or sugarless gum over it will protect your tongue and cheek until you get here.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you still have it, since it can often be recemented. Avoid chewing on that side.
An exposed tooth is vulnerable and often very sensitive, so this is worth attending to quickly rather than waiting it out.
When to go to an emergency room instead
Swelling that is spreading across your face or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a suspected broken jaw all need immediate medical attention rather than a dental appointment. Go to an emergency room, and call us afterward so we can arrange follow-up care.
Frequently asked questions about dental emergencies
Severe or worsening tooth pain, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or a lost filling or crown leaving the tooth exposed. If you are unsure whether it qualifies, call and describe it. We would rather tell you it can wait than have you sit on something that cannot.
We aim for same-day appointments whenever possible. Call (818) 886-6100 rather than using the online form, since the phone gets you to someone who can assess urgency and find you a slot. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
For facial swelling that is spreading, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or trauma involving more than the teeth, go to an emergency room. Those need immediate medical attention rather than a dental appointment. For everything else, call us when we open and we will fit you in.
No. If you are in pain and need to be seen, call. Being new to the practice does not change the urgency of what you are dealing with.
The point of the visit is to stop the pain, not add to it. Treatment is done under local anesthetic, and if anxiety is making you put off calling, sedation is available. Tell us when you phone.
Not sure if it is urgent? Call and ask.
In pain? Call us now
Dental problems rarely improve on their own, and infections spread. Phone (818) 886-6100 and we will get you seen as quickly as we can.