Emergency Dentist in San Anselmo, CA
Common dental emergencies we treat
Every emergency starts the same way: call us, describe what happened, and we'll tell you what to do next. In the meantime, here's what to know about the most common urgent problems.
Severe toothache
Persistent, throbbing pain can signal an infection that needs prompt attention, especially with sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure. Rinse with warm water and call us.
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters most here. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call us immediately. Reimplantation works best within the first hour.
Cracked or broken tooth
Save any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress for swelling. Even a small crack can worsen quickly without treatment. Learn more
Lost crown or filling
Keep the crown if you have it and avoid chewing on that side. This usually isn't painful at first, but the exposed tooth is vulnerable. Don't wait long to be seen. Learn more
Abscess or swelling
A pimple-like bump on the gums, facial swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth can indicate an abscess. Infections can spread. Call us the same day.
Soft-tissue injury
For cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue, clean the area gently and apply pressure with gauze. Call us, or go to the ER if the bleeding won't stop.
Open evenings and Saturdays
Dental emergencies don't keep business hours, and neither do we. Our two dentists keep separate schedules and separate phone lines, so between them the office covers weekday mornings, evenings Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday morning. That is more open hours than most practices in the Ross Valley area. Call whichever line matches when you need to be seen.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
Anything involving severe pain, trauma, or infection: a knocked-out or broken tooth, an abscess or facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a toothache that keeps you up at night. If you're not sure, call us at (415) 453-0642 and describe what's happening. We'll help you figure out the right next step.
What should I do if my tooth was knocked out?
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water, but don't scrub it. Keep it moist in milk or tucked in your cheek, and call us right away. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved when it's reimplanted within the first hour.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
Go straight to the ER or call 911 for facial trauma with possible broken bones, bleeding that won't stop, or swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing. For tooth-related problems that aren't life-threatening, a dental office is usually the faster and more effective place to be treated.
Will my dental insurance cover an emergency visit?
Most PPO dental plans cover emergency exams and treatment, though the details vary by plan. Bring your insurance card and we'll help you understand your benefits. See our dental insurance page for more, or call us and we'll sort it out together.
Questions about coverage? See our dental insurance page or our financing options.
In pain right now? Don't wait it out.
Dental problems rarely get better on their own. Call us at 1600 Sir Francis Drake Blvd in San Anselmo and we'll help you take the next step.
Call (415) 453-0642