Emergency Dentistry

Dental problems can happen unexpectedly. A severe toothache, dental injury, broken tooth, or other sudden oral health problem may require prompt evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

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At MacArthur Dental Arts in Irvine, CA, dental emergencies are evaluated quickly to identify the source of the problem and determine the next steps for treatment.

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What Is a Dental Emergency?

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• Severe or persistent toothache
• A knocked-out tooth
• A broken or fractured tooth
• Dental abscess or facial swelling
• Significant bleeding from the mouth
• A loose or displaced permanent tooth
• A lost or damaged dental restoration
• Injury to the lips, gums, or other oral tissues

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If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contacting our office can help you determine how quickly you should be seen.

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What to Do During a Dental Emergency

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For a knocked-out tooth, handle it carefully by the crown, avoid scrubbing the root, keep it moist if possible, and seek care immediately. For a broken tooth, rinse gently with water, save any pieces, and avoid chewing on the affected side. For severe pain, keep the area clean and avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. For swelling, a cold compress applied externally may help while you arrange care, never attempt to drain an abscess yourself.

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When to Go to the Emergency Room

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• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Significant facial or neck swelling
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A serious facial or jaw injury
• Loss of consciousness following trauma

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A hospital emergency department can provide urgent medical care, while dental treatment may still be necessary afterward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is considered a dental emergency?

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Severe dental pain, significant swelling, dental trauma, a knocked-out permanent tooth, uncontrolled oral bleeding, and certain broken or damaged teeth may require prompt dental attention.

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What should I do if my permanent tooth gets knocked out?

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Handle the tooth by the crown without touching the root, keep it moist if possible, and seek dental care immediately.

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Is facial swelling from a tooth an emergency?

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Facial or jaw swelling can be associated with a dental infection and should be evaluated promptly. If it causes difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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Can dental emergencies be treated on the same day?

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Emergency treatment depends on the nature of the problem, the required procedure, and appointment availability. Contact MacArthur Dental Arts as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms.

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Can I wait until my regular dental appointment for a dental emergency?

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It depends on the problem. Severe pain, significant swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth should not be left untreated while waiting for a routine appointment.

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Call Now for Same-Day Emergency Care

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Call MacArthur Dental Arts now at (949) 251-8544 for prompt evaluation of severe pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or another urgent dental concern in Irvine, CA.