Emergency FAQs
What counts, what to do first, and how fast we can see you.
Emergency FAQs
We hold time for emergencies every day
A dental emergency is any urgent problem with your teeth, gums, jaw, or mouth — severe pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, an infection or abscess, facial swelling, excessive bleeding, or a lost crown or filling. Emergencies happen to people with great teeth too; you’ll be met with compassion, never judgment.
We reserve appointments in our schedule every day specifically for patients in pain. Call (562) 414-5064 — even after hours, our answering service will guide you and get you scheduled.
FAQs
Your questions, answered
Is a lost crown really an emergency?
More than most people think. Without its crown, the exposed tooth decays quickly, and neighboring teeth start shifting — which can make the crown never fit again, turning a quick re-cement into a whole new crown. Call us as soon as you notice it’s gone.
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
Handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and keep it moist — in milk, or tucked in your cheek. Then get here fast: re-implantation works best within the hour.
My face is swelling. Dentist or ER?
If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or comes with high fever, go to the emergency room first. Otherwise call us right away — facial swelling usually signals an infection that needs prompt treatment.
What causes sudden severe tooth pain?
Common culprits: deep decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, an abscess, gum infection, or something lodged between teeth. Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently, take OTC pain relief as directed — and never put aspirin on the gum, which burns tissue.
A filling fell out. How urgent is it?
Sooner is better. The exposed tooth is vulnerable to fracture and fast-moving decay. Pharmacy temporary filling material can protect it for a day or two — but get it properly restored quickly.
Can you fix the problem, not just the pain?
Yes — that’s the advantage of an office that does restorative work, root canals, extractions, and implants in-house. The team that relieves your pain also completes the permanent repair.