Emergency Dental Care & Toothache Relief

Severe toothache, tooth infection, broken or knocked-out tooth? Call Mid-Wilshire Dental Care at (310) 731-6119 for an urgent dental evaluation.

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Emergency Dental Care & Toothache Relief

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Afar, DDS, MS — Periodontist & Oral Implantologist

A severe toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or swelling in your gums or face should not wait. If you think you have a dental emergency, call our office at (310) 731-6119 as soon as you can. We will ask about your symptoms and tell you the next step.

If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading into your face or neck, or a serious injury to your head or jaw, go to an emergency room or call 911.

Common Dental Emergencies

Severe or persistent toothache
A swollen face, gums, or jaw, or a bump on the gum that may be an abscess
A broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
A knocked-out tooth
A lost filling or crown that leaves a tooth exposed or painful
Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop

What Can Cause a Toothache?

Tooth pain has many causes, and the cause decides the treatment. Common ones include deep decay, an infected tooth, a cracked tooth, a gum infection, food trapped between teeth, a bite problem or teeth grinding, and sometimes sinus pressure. Only an exam and X-rays can show which one is behind your pain.

What to Do Until You Are Seen

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and clean between your teeth to remove any trapped food.
Hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek for swelling or pain.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label, if it is safe for you. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, which can burn the tissue.
Avoid chewing on the painful side and avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods.

If a Tooth Has Been Knocked Out

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with water. Do not scrub it.
If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there. If not, keep it moist in milk and get to a dentist immediately.

Time matters. Call us right away.

Tooth Infection Symptoms

Signs of a possible tooth infection include throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, a pimple-like bump on the gum, and sensitivity to hot or cold or when biting. An infected tooth needs professional treatment, so please do not wait for it to clear up by itself.

Related Care You May Be Looking For

This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a dental examination. Recommendations depend on your individual health, and results vary from patient to patient.

What's Included

Call our office first so we can advise on the right next step
Evaluation of tooth pain, swelling, and broken or knocked-out teeth
Treatment to relieve pain and protect the tooth while a full plan is made
Clear guidance on when to go to an emergency room instead

What to Expect

1
Consultation
We'll discuss your concerns, review your medical history, take digital images, and explain every option in plain language, no pressure, no surprises.
2
Personalized plan
Dr. Bijan creates a tailored treatment plan with clear pricing and timing. You decide what's right for you.
3
Gentle treatment
Our team delivers your treatment with care, using sedation when helpful and explaining each step along the way.
4
Ongoing care
We follow up to make sure you're healing well and provide guidance to keep your smile healthy for years.

His expertise is outstanding, and his calm, reassuring approach made a stressful situation so much easier.

James Sherrillvia Google★★★★★

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have a severe toothache?

Call our office at (310) 731-6119 and describe your symptoms. In the meantime, rinse with warm water, use a cold compress on the cheek, and avoid chewing on that side. If you have facial swelling or trouble swallowing or breathing, go to an emergency room.

Can a tooth infection go away on its own?

No. Pain may ease for a time, but the source of the infection remains until the tooth is treated. Left untreated, an infection can spread beyond the tooth.

Is a chipped tooth an emergency?

A small chip without pain can usually be scheduled promptly. A large break, a cracked tooth, or any pain or sharp edges should be evaluated sooner. Call us and describe what happened.

Should I go to the ER or the dentist for tooth pain?

A dentist can treat the tooth itself. Go to an emergency room for swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a high fever, serious facial trauma, or bleeding you cannot control.

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (310) 731-6119 and we will tell you what we can do for your situation.

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Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation for emergency dental care today. We'll answer your questions and help you decide what's right for your smile, no pressure.

Request an Appointment Call (310) 731-6119

Emergency Dental Care & Toothache Relief