Emergency Dentist San Francisco

Emergency Dentist San Francisco

Dental emergencies happen more often than you may think. Whether it’s a cracked tooth, a lost filling, or any type of oral trauma, it’s important to know what to do in an emergency dental situation. Knowing who to call and what you should do can help minimize the damage and get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.

If you have a dental emergency or are suffering from dental pain, the first thing you should do is give us a call. We are your San Francisco emergency dentist. We will do our best to get you in for an appointment as quickly as possible and help you get back to your normal routine. If you need an emergency dentist in San Francisco, call Post Street Dental at (415) 986-4534 or visit our dental office for exceptional dental care. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 520, San Francisco, CA.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency can result from trauma, sports injury, or any type of accident. It can also be a sudden onset of pain or an infection. Dental emergencies can vary, but some of the most common emergencies include:

  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Severe toothaches (wisdom teeth)
  • Foreign object stuck in gums or mouth
  • Lost or loose crowns
  • Abscessed tooth
  • Infected tooth
  • Swollen jaw and pain 

How Do I Know if It’s Serious?

Not every oral issue requires emergency care. If you have a small chip in your tooth, it’s not likely that you’ll need to see an emergency dentist right away. However, if you have a more severe oral injury like a cracked tooth or an abscess, you should call us immediately.

If you’re not sure whether or not your emergency is serious, the best thing to do is give us a call. Our team will be able to assess your situation and let you know what the best course of action is.

Handling Dental Emergencies at Home

If you cannot get to the dentist right away, there are some things you can do at home to minimize the damage. 

A tooth that has been knocked out: Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, careful not to touch the root. If the root is dirty, gently rinse it off with warm water. Do not scrub or clean the tooth. Do not use soap, hydrogen peroxide, or any other cleaning solution. Soak the tooth in milk or water and bring it with you to the dentist. There is a chance that the tooth can be re-implanted if it is brought within 60 minutes of the accident.  

Painful toothache: Rinse your mouth out with warm water to clean it out. If you can see the object causing the discomfort, gently floss around it to remove it. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. If the pain does not subside, give us a call.

Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops in the mouth due to an infection. If you have an abscess, you may notice swelling in your face or gums, pain, and/or fever. Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling. Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess on your own. Give us a call so we can assess the situation and provide you with proper treatment.

Object stuck in gums or teeth: If you have something stuck in your gums or teeth, try and remove it with floss. Do not use a sharp object to try and remove it, as this could cause more damage and bleeding. If you cannot remove the object, it is important to come to see us immediately.

When To Go to the Hospital

Some situations require more than just an emergency dentist; you may need to go to the hospital for treatment. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, go to your nearest hospital emergency room:

  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Major trauma to the mouth or face
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Sudden onset of drooling
  • Facial swelling that is rapidly getting worse 

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

While not all situations are avoidable, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk of having a dental emergency.

  • Wear a mouthguard. If you participate in any sport or activity that puts you at risk for injury to the face or mouth, it’s important to wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard will help protect your teeth and gums from being damaged.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. During these appointments, your dentist can identify potential problems and treat them before they become more serious.
  • Practice good oral hygiene. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing daily will help prevent cavities and gum disease, both of which can lead to dental emergencies.
  • Do not use your teeth to open things. Your teeth are not tools, and using them as such can put you at risk of chipping or breaking a tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?

Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing your teeth is not usually a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing persistent or heavy bleeding, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. This could be a sign of gum disease.

What do I do if I have a toothache?

If you have a toothache that does not go away after a couple of days, it is important to see your dentist. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the cause of the pain.

What should I do if my filling falls out?

If your filling falls out, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. A missing filling is usually not considered a dental emergency, but it should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth. 

Is a cavity a dental emergency?

A cavity is not usually considered a dental emergency, but it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. If the cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems such as an infection.

Does insurance cover dental emergencies?

Coverage for dental emergencies depends on your dental insurance plan. It is important to check with your insurance company to see what is covered under your plan.

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San Francisco Emergency Dentist

If you require an emergency dentist in San Francisco, we are here to help with a wide range of services. Our experienced, dedicated team is here to provide you and your family with the urgent care and treatment options you need for any dental injury. 

Post Street Dental and our partner practice, Young Dental SF Group, understand the pain and anxiety that comes with a dental emergency, and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable. Call (415) 986-4534 for same-day appointments, and let us get your beautiful smile on the road to recovery. Our dental clinic is located at 490 Post Street, Suite 520, San Francisco, CA.

Post Street Dental Group

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Business Hours

Monday - 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Tuesday - 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Wednesday - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday - 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Appointments will be at our partner location same building 490 Post Suite 830)
Saturday - 8:00AM - 4:00PM (Appointments will be at our partner location same building 490 Post Suite 830)
Sunday - Closed