Call us first
If you have a dental emergency, call (408) 263-9343. Tell us what happened and we'll fit you in as soon as we can, and let you know what to do until you get here. Our regular hours are Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with Friday and Saturday by appointment.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove anything caught between the teeth. A cold compress on the cheek and an over-the-counter pain reliever can help — but never put aspirin directly on the gum. A toothache that keeps you up at night, or comes with swelling, usually means the tooth needs care soon.
Broken or chipped tooth
Save any pieces you can find. Rinse your mouth with warm water and hold a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling. If there's a sharp edge, sugar-free gum or dental wax can cover it until your visit. Many broken teeth can be repaired with a filling, a crown or bonding.
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters — a knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved within about an hour. Pick it up by the top (the crown), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water without scrubbing. Try to place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth; if you can't, keep it in a cup of milk and call us right away.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if it comes off and bring it with you. Until your visit, avoid chewing on that side. Dental cement from a pharmacy can hold a crown in place temporarily — don't use household glue.
Swelling or a gum abscess
A painful bump on the gum or swelling in the face can be a sign of infection, which needs prompt treatment. Rinse with mild salt water and call us. If swelling spreads quickly, makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or comes with a high fever, go to an emergency room or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Do you see emergency patients who aren't regular patients?
Yes. New patients with a dental emergency are welcome — call (408) 263-9343 and we'll do our best to see you quickly.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, a lost crown, bleeding that won't stop, or swelling in the gums or face. If you're unsure, call us and ask.
When should I go to the hospital instead?
Go to an emergency room or call 911 for facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a jaw injury, or heavy bleeding that won't stop.