Emergency Information

What Is A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to the health of your teeth and supporting tissues.  Dental emergencies are often the result of impact to the mouth, but they also can be caused by infection.  To ensure the best possible outcome, any dental emergency should be evaluated by a professional immediately.

How Soon Can I Be Seen?

We offer same-day emergency services for most conditions: Monday 8 am-5 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am-7 pm, Wednesday 9 am- 6 pm, and Friday - Sunday Closed.

After Hours Emergencies

For severe dental emergencies after hours, such as significant infection, pain, trauma or lost teeth, please call our office (310) 543 – 1655.  For possible life threatening dental emergencies (such as facial swellings), please call 911 or seek emergency medical services.

What To Do If A Tooth Is Knocked Out

For permanent teeth: Hold tooth by crown, rinse the tooth briefly if debris (do not touch root) and immediately place back in the socket.  If you can’t get the tooth back in the socket, place it in a solution of Ringer’s Lactate (can be purchased at your local drug store) or if unavailable then place tooth in milk.  Contact us IMMEDIATELY for information and emergency treatment – the sooner you get to us, the more likely we can save your tooth!

For baby teeth that are unexpectedly knocked out, do not try to place back in socket. Contact us immediately for instructions. Daryn T. Nishikawa, DDS Phone Number310-543-1655

Other Emergency Dental Situations

• Substantial Toothache
• Significant Sensitivity
• Swollen or Sore Gums
• Jaw Pain
• Infection
• Broken, Cracked and Chipped Teeth
• Broken Fillings
• Lost Crown

Pain Management

If you can’t get into our office immediately, here is a list of effective home remedies to make you more comfortable while you wait for care:

• Warm water rinses for sore teeth and gums.
• Over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen (NOT aspirin).
• Ice packs applied to the outside of cheeks.
• Dental anesthetics containing benzocaine may be used as directed on the package for pain.
• Avoid overly hot and cold beverages and foods to reduce sensitivity.
• Heating pads may be used for jaw pain.
• Avoid chewing in the injured area.
• If a broken tooth has a sharp edge, cotton can be placed over it to protect soft tissues in your mouth.

Pain-Free Emergencies

Some dental emergencies may not cause pain initially.  For example, a cracked tooth may not hurt, but it may lead to nerve damage in the roots.  For this reason, all of the listed conditions need immediate attention, whether or not pain is present.

We are here to help.  We urge you to call us at the first sign of a dental emergency! Daryn T. Nishikawa, DDS Phone Number310-543-1655