If you experience a dental emergency, be sure to call our practice as soon as possible. If you need immediate attention after hours, call our emergency phone number and our on-call staff member will help you. If you are unable to reach our office during an emergency, dial 911.
We are here to help you at any time, on any day. When your dental health is at risk, we will do everything we can to make sure you’re treated as soon as possible.
While dental emergencies are rare, they can happen, and it’s critical to know how to take care of your teeth no matter what.
Common Dental Emergencies
Common dental emergencies include:
- Broken or cracked tooth — Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
- Knocked-out permanent tooth — Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva and see us immediately.
- Severe toothache — Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum tissue. Contact our office right away.
- Object caught between teeth — Try gently removing it with dental floss. Never use sharp objects that could damage your gums or teeth.
- Broken jaw — Apply a cold compress and go to the emergency room immediately.
- Lost filling or crown — Keep the area clean and call our office to schedule a repair. If the crown is intact, you can try temporarily placing it back with dental cement from a pharmacy.
- Abscess or infection — Look for swelling, a pimple-like bump on your gums, or a persistent bad taste in your mouth. This is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
The most important thing to remember during a dental emergency is to remain calm. Contact our office immediately, and we will prioritize your care and get you in for treatment as soon as possible. We reserve time in our schedule specifically for emergency patients because we understand that dental emergencies don’t happen on a convenient schedule.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and recreational activities
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
- Never use your teeth to cut things or open packages
- Visit our office regularly for checkups — preventive care catches small problems before they become emergencies
- Address dental concerns early — a small cavity that’s treated promptly won’t become a root canal emergency later
We are here to help you protect your smile, no matter what happens. Call Dentistry by Design at (916) 685-4662 if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, and we’ll get you the care you need.