Dental Emergencies
Stay calm, act fast, and follow these steps. Then call us and we will help you with what comes next.
If your child has a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest
emergency room first. For urgent dental issues during office hours, call us at
(925) 828-9000. You can also email Dr. Wong at
lsmdental@yahoo.com.
Quick guide
Common emergencies and what to do
Toothache
- Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously.
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to displace any food trapped between teeth.
- Never place aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum.
- If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress to the area.
- Acetaminophen may be used for temporary pain relief.
- See a dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
- Apply ice to any bruised areas.
- For bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
- If bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Broken Braces or Wires
- Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily.
- If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum.
- Do not remove any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately.
- Loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort usually do not require emergency attention.
Broken Tooth
- Rinse the area with warm water.
- Place a cold compress over the facial area of the injury.
- Recover any broken tooth fragments.
- Get immediate dental attention.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
- Recover the tooth, holding it by the crown (top), not the root.
- Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary.
- Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or cloth.
- If it cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup of milk or water.
- Time is critical: see a dentist immediately.
Possible Broken Jaw
- In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief.
- Go immediately to an emergency room.
Good to know
Usually not an emergency
Cold or Canker Sores
- Over-the-counter medications usually provide temporary relief.
- If sores persist after two weeks, visit your dentist.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
- Fold a piece of gauze and place it tightly over the bleeding area.
- Have your child bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes.
- If bleeding continues, see a dentist.
Nearby help
Nearest hospitals and urgent care
Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare
Full hospital delivering patient-centered community medicine.
5555 West Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Visit websitePleasanton Urgent Care Medical Clinic
Immediate, non-life-threatening healthcare services.
3128 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Visit websiteExpress Medicine Urgent Care
Urgent care in Pleasanton with online booking.
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Book onlineAFC Urgent Care Pleasanton
Walk-in urgent care clinic.
5311 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA
Map & directionsNot sure if it's an emergency?
Call us. We would rather help you over the phone than have you worry.