Toothache today? Walk in.

What counts as a dental emergency

If you're in pain or something feels wrong, it's worth coming in. We see patients for all kinds of urgent dental problems, and during office hours we'll do our best to see you the same day. Here are some common reasons people walk in:

• ✓Severe toothache or throbbing pain
• ✓A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
• ✓A knocked-out or loosened tooth
• ✓Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw
• ✓A lost filling, crown, or temporary
• ✓Pain or bleeding after a recent procedure
• ✓An abscess or signs of infection

Why you shouldn't wait it out

Tooth pain almost never fixes itself. A small cavity that could be filled in one visit can grow into a root canal, and a cracked tooth can split further every time you chew on it. Infection is the real concern: an abscess can spread from the tooth into the jaw and face, and once you have facial swelling or fever the problem is bigger than a tooth. Coming in early usually means a simpler, cheaper treatment — and a lot less time in pain.

What to do before you arrive

If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. For a toothache, rinse with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you can. For swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Don't put aspirin directly on the gum — it burns the tissue. Then get to us as soon as possible, and call ahead at (510) 532-8972 if you can, so we can prepare.

How a same-day visit works

When you walk in with an emergency, we prioritize getting you out of pain. We'll take a quick x-ray, examine the area, and explain what's going on in plain language. If treatment is straightforward — a filling, an extraction, a temporary crown — we'll often take care of it the same day. If you need something more complex, we'll manage your pain, give you a clear plan, and schedule the follow-up.

Dental emergencies in children

Kids chip and knock out teeth all the time. If it's a baby tooth that's been knocked out, don't try to put it back — that can damage the adult tooth underneath. Bring the tooth with you if you can find it. If it's a permanent tooth, treat it like an adult's: keep it moist and come in right away. For a toothache, the same salt-water rinse and a child's dose of pain reliever help until you get here. Children with Denti-Cal are covered for emergency visits.

Insurance and payment for emergencies

Emergency services are a covered benefit under Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal Dental) for adults and children, and most PPO plans cover emergency visits too. We also accept CareCredit, credit cards, and cash. If you're in pain and worried about cost, come in anyway. We'll tell you what you need and what it costs before any treatment starts, and self-pay patients are always welcome.

After your visit

Follow the instructions we give you — usually soft foods for a day or two, avoiding the treated side, and any medication as prescribed. Some soreness is normal for a few days. Call us if pain gets worse instead of better, if swelling increases, or if you have a fever. If we scheduled a follow-up, keep it: a temporary filling or crown is meant to last weeks, not months.

When to call 911 instead

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop with pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a jaw injury from a fall or impact, or high fever with facial swelling. For everything else dental, come to us — we're faster and better equipped for teeth than an ER.

Frequently asked questions

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