Emergency Dentist in Palo Alto
Palo Alto, CA
Dental problems can become urgent quickly when there is significant pain, swelling, trauma or a damaged tooth. Call Palo Alto Oral Health at (650) 321-9693 and describe what happened. Our team can help determine how urgently you should be evaluated and discuss available appointment options.
When Is a Dental Problem an Emergency?
Urgent dental concerns include a knocked-out or displaced permanent tooth, significant facial or gum swelling, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, a fractured tooth with pain, severe or worsening toothache and trauma to the teeth or jaws. Minor bleeding with brushing is usually not an emergency, but persistent bleeding can be a sign of gum inflammation and should be evaluated. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or major facial trauma, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a dental office visit.
What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle it by the crown rather than the root. If it is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. If you can safely place it back into the socket, do so; otherwise keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution and seek dental care immediately. Do not replant a baby tooth. For swelling or suspected infection, call promptly so the cause can be evaluated. Do not place aspirin directly on a tooth or gum and do not rely on leftover antibiotics to treat a dental infection.
Call Us About an Urgent Dental Concern
If you have an urgent dental concern in Palo Alto, call (650) 321-9693. Tell us about your symptoms, when they started and whether there has been trauma or swelling so we can help determine the appropriate next step.