What if a tooth gets knocked out?

If an adult tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (top), not the root. Gently rinse it with water if dirty, without scrubbing. If possible, place it back into the socket and hold it there or keep it moist in milk. Seek emergency dental care immediately – the tooth has the best chance of being saved if re-implanted within one hour.

Emergency Dental Care Elk Grove – Immediate Relief for Dental Emergencies

Q: What should I do if I have a severe toothache?

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the aching tooth to remove any debris. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), but do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums (this can burn the tissue). If there is swelling, apply a cold compress on the cheek. Then contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for further treatment.

Q: Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?

Yes, a broken or cracked tooth is a dental emergency. You should rinse your mouth with warm water, stop any bleeding with gentle pressure, and apply a cold compress for swelling. Avoid chewing on the injured side. Even if there’s no pain, see a dentist quickly to prevent infection or further damage. The dentist can repair the tooth with a filling, crown, or other appropriate treatment.

Q: Can I go to the hospital ER for a dental emergency?

Hospital ERs can provide temporary help (pain medication or antibiotics) for dental emergencies, but they usually do not have dentists to perform definitive treatments like fillings, root canals, or extractions. It’s best to see an emergency dentist for most dental issues. However, if you have severe infections with swelling affecting breathing, heavy bleeding, or trauma suspected of jaw fracture, go to the ER immediately.

Q: How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Prevent dental emergencies by maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to catch problems early. Use a mouthguard during sports to protect against trauma. Avoid chewing very hard foods, ice, or opening things with your teeth. Address small tooth pains or sensitivity promptly – don’t wait for them to become severe. Taking these precautions greatly reduces the likelihood of unexpected dental emergencies.

Harkirat Kaur Aulakh
Oct 15
9 min read

Updated: Nov 2

“Female dentist providing gentle emergency dental care to a young girl in a clinic.”

Understanding Emergency Dental Care in Elk Grove

Emergency dental care refers to urgent treatment needed to alleviate severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth. Your Elk Grove emergency dentist at Profile Dental is equipped to handle sudden dental crises for patients of all age groups, from children to seniors. Not every toothache or chip is an emergency; however, if you have bleeding that won’t stop, intense pain not relieved by medication, or a knocked-out tooth, you should seek immediate care. We provide prompt, compassionate service for situations like: severe toothaches, broken or cracked teeth, dental abscesses (infections causing swelling), lost fillings or crowns, and other oral injuries. Our goal is to relieve pain and prevent further damage quickly in a calm, professional environment.

Urgent In-Office Treatments for Dental Emergencies

At Profile Dental, we offer same-day appointments and even walk-in dentist availability in Elk Grove for emergencies. Our office is open on Saturdays and after-hours on-call because dental emergencies don’t always happen during 9-5. Here are some urgent dental treatments we provide in-office:

Emergency Exams & X-Rays: We first diagnose the issue with a prompt exam and x-rays to determine the cause of pain or damage. This helps us plan the right treatment immediately.
Toothache Relief and Root Canals: For severe toothaches or abscesses, we may perform a root canal or provide antibiotics to treat infection and relieve pressure. Quick intervention can save an infected tooth and stop the pain.
Broken or Cracked Teeth: If you crack or break a tooth, our dentists can stabilize it with a temporary crown or permanent restoration. We’ll relieve pain, smooth sharp edges, and restore the tooth with bonding, crowns, or veneers as needed. For teeth broken below the gum-line or irreparably damaged, an emergency extraction might be performed to prevent infection.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth: If a tooth gets completely knocked out due to trauma, time is critical. Gently rinse the tooth and, if possible, place it back in the socket or in a container of milk while you head to our office. We have a success rate of re-implanting teeth that are treated within an hour of the injury. We will clean the tooth, splint it, and monitor healing.
Lost Fillings or Crowns: A lost filling or crown can often be temporarily repaired right away. We can place a new filling or re-cement a crown back on the tooth. If you’ve lost a filling, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on it until you see us. For a lost crown, bring it with you; we’ll check if it can be reattached or if a new crown is needed.
Soft Tissue Injury Repair: Injuries to lips, gums, or tongue (such as deep cuts or lacerations) are treated by cleaning the area and stopping any bleeding. We may place sutures (stitches) if necessary to help the area heal. We also ensure no tooth fragments or debris remain in the wound and assess if any teeth are damaged.

Providing Emergency Dental Care Elk Grove our clinic is fully equipped with modern technology and sedation options to keep you comfortable during urgent treatments. We prioritize preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, and our experienced dentist (Dr. Richard Winter) will outline the best treatment plan for your situation. Before any procedure, we explain your options and keep you informed, so you’ll know exactly what to expect during your emergency visit.

Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies at Home

Before you reach our clinic (or if you’re unable to see a dentist immediately), there are a few first-aid steps you can take to manage your dental emergency at home:

For Toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food debris that might be causing pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, but do NOT place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as this can burn the tissue. If you notice swelling, apply a cold compress on your cheek outside the painful area to reduce inflammation.
For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (the top part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove tissue fragments. If you can, place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there while you head to our office. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk or holding it between your cheek and gums. Time is of the essence – get to our office within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Cracked or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there’s any bleeding, bite gently on gauze to apply pressure and stop the bleeding. Save any broken pieces of the tooth if you have them Apply a cold pack on your face over the area to reduce swelling and pain. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Lost Filling or Crown: If a filling falls out, you can stick a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity as a temporary measure (sugarless gum won’t cause pain, whereas sugar-filled gum may. For a lost crown, if you still have it, you can apply a bit of dental cement (available at pharmacies) or even toothpaste inside the crown and try to place it back over the tooth to protect it until you see us – do not use superglue. These are very temporary fixes; be sure to bring the crown with you to our office.
Bitten Tongue or Lip: Clean the area gently with water. Use a cold compress to control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, seek care immediately as you may need stitches.
Object Caught Between Teeth: If something is stuck between your teeth causing pain, try to gently remove it with dental floss. Do not use a sharp object like a pin or knife – you could injure your gums or scratch the tooth. If floss doesn’t help, come see us for safe removal.

Remember, these steps are short-term solutions. Always follow up with professional dental care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for an emergency can increase the risk of permanent damage or more complex (and costly) treatment later. Our Profile Dental team will accommodate you right away if you have an emergency – just call us at (916) 691-5330 and let us know you’re coming in.

New Patient Specials and Insurance Information

Dental emergencies are stressful enough without worrying about the cost. At Profile Dental in Elk Grove, we’re committed to providing affordable emergency dental treatment. We offer New Patient Specials – be sure to ask about current promotions when you call or visit. For example, new patients may receive a discounted exam, x-rays, or cleaning package to help you get started with us. We want to remove any financial barriers so you can get the care you need immediately.

Insurance: Our clinic accepts most major dental insurance plans to make your urgent dental care more affordable. This includes Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, United Concordia, Anthem Blue Cross, and many others. We will help maximize your insurance benefits for covered emergency treatments and promptly handle insurance claims on your behalf. If you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t fully cover a procedure, don’t worry – we offer flexible financing options like CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending to break down the cost into manageable payments. Our front office team will clearly explain the fees and your payment options before treatment, so there are no surprises. Your oral health is our priority, and we’ll work with you to ensure you can afford the care you need.

Why Choose Profile Dental for Emergency Dental Care in Elk Grove?

Choosing the right provider for emergency dentistry can make a big difference in saving your smile. Profile Dental stands out among local practices by offering:

Immediate, Compassionate Care: Dental emergencies can be scary, especially for younger patients. Our gentle chair-side manner and years of experience help put anxious patients at ease. We quickly alleviate pain and address the problem with a calm, caring approach.
Experienced Emergency Dentist: Dr. Richard D. Winter has been serving the Elk Grove community since 1974, with nearly 50 years of dental experience. He has successfully treated countless emergencies – from simple fillings to complex trauma cases – and has a reassuring, patient-focused approach. You’re in capable hands.
Advanced Technology: Our clinic is equipped with modern dental technology (like digital x-rays and intra-oral cameras) to diagnose issues accurately and fast. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who are extremely nervous or in severe pain, ensuring you can relax during treatment if needed.
All Ages Welcome: We provide emergency dental care for the whole family. Whether your child has chipped a tooth on the playground, you woke up with an abscessed tooth, or an elderly parent’s denture broke unexpectedly – we can help. Our team has experience with pediatric dental emergencies through geriatric care.
Convenient Access: Located at 7805 Laguna Blvd. Suite 310, Elk Grove, our office is easy to find, and parking is free. We accept walk-in emergency patients, and our extended hours and Saturday appointments mean you can often avoid an ER visit for dental issues. When other offices are closed, we’re here for you with on-call support in true emergencies.
Highly Rated Local Clinic: Profile Dental is a trusted name in Elk Grove. We have many 5-star reviews and testimonials from patients who have received excellent emergency care with us. Our goal is to get you out of pain quickly and help you keep your natural teeth whenever possible. We treat patients like family – with honesty, respect, and empathy.

When a dental emergency strikes, remember that prompt care can save your tooth and prevent complications. Profile Dental in Elk Grove is your partner in urgent oral health needs. We aim to relieve your pain, restore your smile, and reassure you every step of the way during a stressful time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Emergency Dental Care

Q1: What should I do if I have a severe toothache?

A1: First, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the aching tooth to remove any trapped food. You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to reduce pain, but do not place aspirin on the gum or tooth surface (this old home remedy can burn your gum tissue). If you notice swelling, apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Call our office as soon as possible – a severe toothache could indicate an infection or abscess that needs prompt treatment. We have an emergency contact line and often can see you the same day for intense tooth pain.

Q2: Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?

A2: Yes, a broken or badly cracked tooth is typically a dental emergency. Even if you’re not in much pain, the damage can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria and lead to infection or further fracture. Rinse your mouth with warm water and if there’s bleeding, bite on gauze to stop it. Save any large pieces that broke off. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Then call us right away. We will evaluate the severity of the break. If only a small piece chipped off, we may be able to smooth and repair it with bonding. For larger breaks, a crown or root canal might be needed to save the tooth. In any case, prompt treatment will give the best outcome.

Q3: My child knocked out a tooth – what should I do?

A3: If it’s a baby (primary) tooth, do not try to reinsert it – that could damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Simply keep the area clean and call us for advice; we might not re-implant a baby tooth, but we should examine the area. If your child knocked out a permanent tooth, remain calm and act quickly. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part that you normally see in the mouth), not the root. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket facing the correct way; have your child hold it in place with gentle pressure or by biting on a clean cloth. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a cup of cold milk. Then come to our office immediately (within 30 minutes if you can). Teeth that are reimplanted within one hour have the highest chance of success. We will stabilize the tooth and monitor it for proper healing.

Q4: Can I go to the hospital ER for a dental emergency?

A4: You can, but hospital emergency rooms generally do not have a dentist on staff. They can provide antibiotics and pain relief for infections or stitch up cuts, but they usually will refer you to a dentist for definitive dental treatment (like fixing a tooth or draining an abscess). For issues like a toothache, broken tooth, lost filling, or abscess, it’s best to contact us first. We can often see true emergencies after hours. However, you should go to the ER immediately if you have heavy, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling that’s affecting your breathing or eyesight, or a suspected broken jaw – those are serious medical emergencies. For most dental emergencies, our Elk Grove office can treat you in-house the same day, saving you an ER trip.

Q5: How can I prevent dental emergencies?

A5: While you can’t avoid every accident, you can reduce the risk of some common dental emergencies with good preventive care and habits. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports (especially contact sports or activities with a risk of falls or collisions) – this can prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth. Don’t use your teeth as tools (to open bottles or packages) since that can crack your teeth. Maintain excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings; treating small cavities or cracks early will prevent them from becoming major emergencies later. If you have dental restorations like crowns or bridges, avoid very sticky or hard foods that could dislodge them. Finally, if you ever feel a tiny crack or sensitivity, don’t ignore it – schedule an appointment. Early intervention can save you from pain and urgent visits in the future.