Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, whether it’s a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury to your mouth. At Pelican Dental, we understand the urgency of these situations, which is why we offer same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain and back to comfort quickly.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health problem that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Delaying care can lead to more severe issues, more discomfort, and higher treatment costs over time. In some cases, waiting too long can even result in permanent tooth loss or the spread of infection.

Some dental problems may seem small at first, but can quickly become serious. A mild toothache today may turn into severe swelling tomorrow. A cracked tooth could worsen while eating, eventually exposing the nerve or splitting the tooth completely. That is why it is always best to contact our office if something feels wrong.

Here for Every Dental Emergency

At Pelican Dental, we provide fast, compassionate care for patients dealing with unexpected dental problems. Our team is trained to diagnose the issue quickly, relieve pain, and recommend the best treatment to protect your oral health long term.

We know emergencies are stressful. You may be worried about pain, damage to your smile, or the cost of treatment. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible from the moment you call our office.

Signs You Should Seek Emergency Dental Care

Sometimes it is obvious that you need emergency care. Other times, patients are unsure whether their issue can wait. You should contact our office right away if you experience:

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Persistent or sudden tooth pain may indicate:

  • Infection
  • Advanced decay
  • Trauma, 
  • Damage inside the tooth.

Toothaches can range from dull aches to sharp, throbbing pain that makes it difficult to sleep, eat, or focus throughout the day.

We will identify the source of the pain and provide immediate relief whenever possible. Treatment may include fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, or other restorative procedures, depending on the cause.

Accidents, sports injuries, chewing hard foods, or untreated decay can cause teeth to chip, crack, or break. Even small fractures can expose sensitive areas of the tooth and lead to discomfort or infection if left untreated.

Our office can restore damaged teeth with solutions like bonding, dental crowns, or veneers, depending on the extent of the damage.

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Acting quickly can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth.

If your tooth has been knocked out:

  • Pick it up carefully by the crown, not the root.
  • Rinse it gently without scrubbing.
  • Try to place it back into the socket if possible.
  • If that is not possible, store it in milk or saliva.
  • Call our office immediately.

The faster you receive treatment, the better the outcome may be.

A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to pain, sensitivity, and further damage. Even if discomfort seems minor at first, exposed areas of the tooth can worsen quickly.

We can repair or replace damaged restorations to protect your tooth and restore function and comfort.

Dental infections should never be ignored. Symptoms may include:

  • Swelling in the gums or face
  • Severe tooth pain
  • Fever
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Pus near the gums
  • Pain when biting

An untreated infection can spread and become a serious health concern. Our team provides prompt treatment to stop the infection, relieve pain, and protect your overall health.

Cuts, tears, or injuries to the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue can be painful and may involve significant bleeding. We can evaluate the injury, help control bleeding, and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Damaged dentures, retainers, or other oral appliances can affect your ability to speak, chew, and smile comfortably. We can help repair or replace damaged appliances and restore your comfort as quickly as possible.

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

We know how stressful dental emergencies can be. That is why we offer same-day appointments for urgent cases whenever possible. Whether you are a current patient or visiting us for the first time, we will do everything possible to see you quickly and relieve your pain.

When you call our office, our team will ask questions about your symptoms to determine the urgency of the situation and provide instructions before your visit if needed. Our priority is helping you feel better fast while protecting your long-term oral health.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency:

Call Us Immediately

The sooner you contact us, the faster we can help. Quick treatment can often prevent additional damage and reduce the need for more extensive procedures later.

Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Carefully

Hold the tooth by the crown rather than the root. Rinse gently if dirty, but avoid scrubbing it. Keeping the tooth moist is extremely important.

Control Bleeding

Use clean gauze or a cloth and apply gentle pressure to the area until bleeding slows.

Use a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the outside of the face can help reduce swelling and discomfort after an injury.

Avoid Certain Foods

If you have a broken tooth or severe pain, avoid chewing on that side and stay away from extremely hot, cold, or hard foods until you are evaluated.

Do Not Ignore Swelling

Facial swelling can indicate infection and should be treated promptly. Contact our office immediately if swelling is severe or worsening.

Why Choose Pelican Dental for Emergency Care?

When a dental emergency strikes, you need a team that can respond quickly, relieve your pain, and provide lasting solutions all in one place.

Same-Day Treatment

We prioritize emergency care, so we can provide fast relief. Our goal is to see emergency patients as quickly as possible and prevent the issue from worsening.

Comprehensive Solutions

From pain relief to full restorations, we handle all urgent dental needs in one office. Whether you need a filling, crown, root canal, extraction, or cosmetic repair, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Experienced Team

Our skilled dental professionals are ready to treat injuries and restore your smile quickly and effectively. We combine experience, advanced technology, and compassionate care to help patients feel comfortable during stressful situations.

Comfort-Focused Care

Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, especially when you are already in pain. We offer anti-anxiety medication options and gentle techniques to help make your visit as stress-free as possible.

Modern Dental Technology

Every smile is unique, and we tailor treatment plans to your goals, facial aesthetics, and lifestyle.

Compassionate Approach

We understand that dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Whether you are dealing with sudden pain, an accident, or anxiety about treatment, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

No matter the situation, you can count on Pelican Dental to provide the compassionate, expert care you need right when you need it most.

Emergency Tooth Extractions

In some cases, removing a tooth may be the best way to relieve pain and protect your overall oral health. Emergency extractions may be recommended for:

Restoring Your Smile After an Emergency

Emergency dental care is often the first step toward restoring your oral health. After the immediate issue is treated, we may recommend additional restorative or cosmetic treatments to rebuild your smile.

Depending on your needs, this may include:

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper care and routine dental visits.

  • Maintain Regular Checkups: Routine exams allow us to detect problems early before they become painful emergencies.
  • Wear a Mouthguard: Custom mouthguards can help protect your teeth during sports and physical activities.
  • Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Opening packages or chewing on hard objects can crack or damage teeth.
  • Treat Dental Problems Early: Ignoring small issues like cavities or mild tooth sensitivity can lead to larger emergencies later.
  • Address Teeth Grinding: Grinding and clenching can weaken teeth over time. A custom night guard can help protect your smile while you sleep.

Dental Emergencies and Children

Children can experience dental emergencies too, especially during sports, playground activities, and everyday accidents. If your child chips a tooth, experiences swelling, or complains of severe pain, contact our office right away.

Our team works hard to create a calm and reassuring environment for children who may feel nervous or scared during an emergency visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain, swelling, infections, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, or injuries affecting the mouth or jaw.

Hospital emergency rooms can help with severe swelling, trauma, or medical emergencies, but they typically do not provide definitive dental treatment. A dentist is usually the best option for treating dental injuries and tooth-related pain.

You should seek care immediately. Seeing a dentist within an hour provides the best chance of saving the tooth.

Even intermittent pain can indicate an underlying problem like decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. It is best to have it evaluated before it worsens.

No. Teeth cannot heal themselves like other parts of the body. A cracked tooth usually requires professional treatment to prevent further damage.

Keep the crown if possible and call our office right away. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until it is repaired.

Yes. Untreated infections can spread and affect your overall health. Prompt treatment is important.

Our team focuses on gentle, comfortable care and works to relieve pain as quickly as possible. We also offer comfort-focused options to help anxious patients feel more relaxed.

Get Urgent Dental Help Now!

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait! Call Pelican Dental right now for same-day emergency care. We’re here to relieve your pain, treat your injury, and protect your smile when you need us most.

About Our Doctors

dr choi

Dr. Haewon Choi received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Her focuses include general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, and airway dentistry.

Dr. Song Hoe Koo received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and periodontology residency from University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. His focuses include prosthodontics, dental implantology, and periodontology.