Dental emergencies, handled quickly and calmly.
If you're in pain or you've had an accident, call us first. Most dental emergencies can be evaluated the same day at our Bakersfield office.
Common dental emergencies we treat
- Severe tooth pain — usually infection, exposed nerve, or an abscess. Don't wait; pain that's woken you up rarely resolves on its own.
- Knocked-out permanent tooth — a true time-sensitive emergency. Follow the instructions in the FAQ below and head straight to the office.
- Cracked or broken tooth — even without pain, exposed dentin or nerve can worsen quickly.
- Lost crown, filling, or bridge — the underlying tooth is vulnerable; we can re-cement or protect it while a permanent plan is made.
- Facial swelling — often a sign of infection. This should be evaluated the same day.
- Trauma from a fall or sports injury — soft tissue injuries and displaced teeth benefit from prompt evaluation.
What to do before you get here
- Call us first. A short call helps us prepare the right room, imaging, and time on the schedule for you.
- Manage pain. Over-the-counter ibuprofen (if you have no contraindications) can help until you're seen.
- Cold compress for swelling. Apply externally for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.
- Preserve any fragments. Bring in pieces of a chipped tooth or a lost crown — we can often reuse them.
When to go to the ER instead
For difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, injuries with possible jaw fracture, or severe facial swelling that's spreading toward the eye or neck, go to the nearest emergency room. We're happy to follow up with dental care once you're stable.
Same-day appointments are subject to availability. Call as early in the day as possible for the best chance of being seen that same day.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a dental emergency?+
Severe or worsening tooth pain, a knocked-out or fractured tooth, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding after a procedure, or a lost crown or filling causing pain. When in doubt, call — we'll help you decide.
Can I be seen the same day?+
In most cases, yes. Call the office as early in the day as you can and we'll do our best to fit you in the same day. If you call after hours, follow the phone prompts for guidance.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?+
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline (not water), and if possible place it back in the socket. If not, keep it in milk and get to the office immediately. Time matters.
What if I can't afford emergency treatment right now?+
We'll always prioritize relieving pain and stabilizing the situation. We accept most PPO insurance and offer financing options for larger treatment plans. Cost should not stop you from calling us.
What if it's the middle of the night?+
For life-threatening symptoms (difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe facial swelling), go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, call our office first thing in the morning and we'll get you in as soon as we can.