Emergency Dentist in Palo Alto, CA

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Dental emergencies can attack when you least expect them. Knowing what needs urgent care can save you time and stress. At Dr. Mary Qian’s Dental Group, we’re here to guide you through these moments with care and compassion.

Here are some of the most common emergencies we treat:

Knocked-Out Teeth

If a tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical—acting within 30–60 minutes can make all the difference in saving it. 

Carefully pick up your knocked-out tooth by the crown (the top part, not the root) and (if dirty) rinse it gently with water. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket, but don’t force it. 

If reinsertion isn’t an option, keep the tooth moist. Place it in a container of milk or saliva until you can see a dentist. Quick action could be the key to restoring your smile!

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

A fracture can be anything from a small chip in the enamel to a serious crack reaching the inner layers of your tooth. 

Minor fractures may not cause much discomfort, but deeper cracks can expose the nerves, leading to pain, sensitivity, and a higher chance of infection if left untreated.

Wondering if you can fix a chipped tooth? Contact us and get to know your options!

Severe Toothaches

Throbbing or intense pain in your tooth isn’t something to brush off. It could mean decay, an infection, or even damage to the inner pulp where nerves and blood vessels are located.

Left untreated, this can lead to swelling, abscesses, or more serious issues. Acting fast can save your tooth and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

When a dental restoration falls out, it leaves your tooth exposed and unprotected. This can lead to sharp sensitivity when eating or drinking, an increased risk of decay, and even further damage to the tooth structure. 

Abscesses and Oral Infections

These pus-filled pockets can develop around teeth or gums, often leading to swelling, redness, and discomfort. If not treated promptly, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, possibly causing profound health issues. 

Seek dental care early to prevent complications and relieve pain.

Gum or Jaw Swelling

Swelling in the mouth or face can be a warning sign of several problems. It might point to:

• infection
• injury
• issues like impacted wisdom teeth
• problems with the jaw joint (TMJ)

This swelling could be accompanied by pain, difficulty chewing, or even stiffness in the jaw. Paying attention to these symptoms is important, as they may need quick treatment to prevent further complications.

Not sure if it’s an emergency? Call us at (650) 327-3172 or schedule your urgent visit online.

Knocked-Out Teeth

If a tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical—acting within 30–60 minutes can make all the difference in saving it. 

Carefully pick up your knocked-out tooth by the crown (the top part, not the root) and (if dirty) rinse it gently with water. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket, but don’t force it. 

If reinsertion isn’t an option, keep the tooth moist. Place it in a container of milk or saliva until you can see a dentist. Quick action could be the key to restoring your smile!

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

A fracture can be anything from a small chip in the enamel to a serious crack reaching the inner layers of your tooth. 

Minor fractures may not cause much discomfort, but deeper cracks can expose the nerves, leading to pain, sensitivity, and a higher chance of infection if left untreated.

Wondering if you can fix a chipped tooth? Contact us and get to know your options!

Severe Toothaches

Throbbing or intense pain in your tooth isn’t something to brush off. It could mean decay, an infection, or even damage to the inner pulp where nerves and blood vessels are located.

Left untreated, this can lead to swelling, abscesses, or more serious issues. Acting fast can save your tooth and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

When a dental restoration falls out, it leaves your tooth exposed and unprotected. This can lead to sharp sensitivity when eating or drinking, an increased risk of decay, and even further damage to the tooth structure. 

Abscesses and Oral Infections

These pus-filled pockets can develop around teeth or gums, often leading to swelling, redness, and discomfort. If not treated promptly, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, possibly causing profound health issues. 

Seek dental care early to prevent complications and relieve pain.

Gum or Jaw Swelling

Swelling in the mouth or face can be a warning sign of several problems. It might point to:

• infection
• injury
• issues like impacted wisdom teeth
• problems with the jaw joint (TMJ)

This swelling could be accompanied by pain, difficulty chewing, or even stiffness in the jaw. Paying attention to these symptoms is important, as they may need quick treatment to prevent further complications.

Not sure if it’s an emergency? Call us at (650) 327-3172 or schedule your urgent visit online.

What Should You Do Before Arriving?

Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming—but a few simple steps can make a big difference while you’re on your way to our Palo Alto office.

• Knocked-out tooth? Keep it moist! If possible, place it back in the socket. If not, tuck it in your cheek or store it in milk. 
• Bleeding? Gently bite down on clean gauze to stop it. 
• Swelling or pain? Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce discomfort. 
• Lost filling or crown? Keep the site clean and avoid chewing on that side until we can take a look. 

Stay calm and take quick action. Call our Palo Alto dental office immediately at (650) 327-3172. We’ll walk you through what to do next.

Why Is Prompt Emergency Care Important?

Same-Day Dental Care

When you’re in pain, every minute feels longer—and waiting can make things worse. With same-day appointments at our Palo Alto office, we treat dental injuries the same day you call, so you don’t have to suffer.

Delaying care for a broken or infected tooth can lead to serious complications like root canals, extractions, or infections that spread. Getting prompt treatment not only protects your health—it often saves your tooth.

How We Help: Dental Emergency Treatments in Palo Alto, CA

When a dental emergency strikes, our Palo Alto team is ready to act fast. The first step is always getting you out of pain and addressing any urgent issues.

We’ll start by managing pain and controlling any infection. This may involve antibiotics, deep cleaning, or numbing the area to keep you comfortable.

If a tooth is loose or knocked out, Dr. Qian will try to preserve it through gentle splinting or re-implantation whenever possible. Time matters here—so don’t wait to call.

For deep decay or trauma, we may recommend a root canal, crown, or in some cases, an extraction. We’ll talk you through all your options.

Lost a filling or crown? We can place a temporary or permanent restoration to protect your tooth and restore function right away. Thanks to our dental 3d printing technology, we can provide custom, same-day crowns for many patients. 

Our goal is always to save your natural teeth and get you smiling again—safely and quickly.

Our office uses advanced diagnostics, including 3D imaging and in-house 3D printing, to speed up treatment and improve accuracy—so you get real solutions fast.

We also offer flexible scheduling and keep communication clear, so you’re never left guessing about next steps.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re already part of our dental family, we’re here when you need us most.

Have an emergency? Call (650) 327-3172 or schedule care now.

What Are My Insurance and Payment Options?

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality emergency dental care—without confusion or surprise costs.

While we’re not in-network with insurance providers, we gladly work with your insurance by filing claims on your behalf. That way, you still receive your benefits without being restricted by third-party limitations. Our team is always happy to help you understand your coverage and make the process as smooth as possible.

We also keep our pricing transparent, so you’ll always know what to expect before we begin treatment.

Worried about cost? Don’t be. Whether it’s a one-time emergency or part of your ongoing care, we’ll help find a solution that works for your budget.

Don’t Wait—Your Smile Can’t.

Dental emergencies are never convenient—but getting the right care should be. Whether you’re dealing with sudden tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or swelling that just won’t go down, Dr. Mary Qian and our Palo Alto team are here to help.

We provide compassionate, expert care right when you need it most. From pain relief to long-term solutions, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with clear communication, flexible options, and advanced technology that speeds up your recovery.

Call us now at (650) 327-3172 for same-day emergency dental care in Palo Alto.

Or, if you prefer to book online, you can request an urgent appointment.

Your smile is in good hands.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT EMERGENCY DENTISTRY? FIND ANSWERS HERE.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’VE KNOCKED OUT A TOOTH?

To recover your tooth, grab it by the top (the crown) instead of the bottom (the root), as this will prevent further damage from occurring. Next, rinse it with warm water to keep the tooth clean. Finally, replace the tooth back in its socket or add it to a container of cold milk to ensure proper moisture before you come in to see us.

If this is an extremely serious dental emergency, avoid spending too much time alleviating pain and discomfort. To save your tooth, we have to replace and splint it within 1-2 hours. Call us right away for immediate guidance, then come into our office to get the help that can’t wait.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DENTAL WORK HAS FALLEN OUT?

Put your dental work in a plastic bag or container if you can, and be sure to bring it with you to your appointment. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency visit so we can treat the issue ASAP.

Losing a piece of dental work exposes vulnerable parts of your tooth to bacteria, which can trigger an infection, further decay or damage, and cause other complications to arise. This is a serious issue that requires a same-day appointment, so don’t hesitate to contact us right away. We will do everything we can to restore your smile with a new filling, crown, or other restorative dental work.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT A SEVERE TOOTHACHE?

If you have a severe toothache lasting more than 1-2 days, it could be a sign of a tooth infection, which is a serious dental emergency. You may need root canal therapy to treat the infection and save your tooth. Contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment.

In the meantime, to manage pain, use an ice pack, take over-the-counter pain relievers, or apply a topical numbing product like Orajel. 

Should I see a dentist for a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth?

Yes, you should call us immediately for a same-day emergency appointment, even if the damage seems minor. Without a dental exam, it’s hard to know how serious a chip, crack, or break might be. Left untreated, these issues can lead to infections or other complications.

Contact us right away to schedule an appointment. Dr. Qian will assess the damage, recommend the best treatment, and protect your smile. Don’t wait—early care prevents bigger problems later!

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT A LOOSE TOOTH?

If a dental injury has left your tooth loose, contact us immediately to schedule a same-day emergency appointment. Without prompt care, the supporting nerves could die, leading to the tooth falling out completely.

While waiting for your appointment, avoid touching or wiggling the tooth with your tongue or fingers to keep it as stable as possible. Once you arrive, Dr. Qian will secure the loose tooth by attaching it to the surrounding teeth with a stabilizing splint. This allows the healing process to begin, helping the tooth reattach to your gums.

Can the ER help with a tooth?

Emergency rooms can help manage dental-related pain, swelling, or infection—but they typically don’t have dentists on staff. That means they can’t perform treatments like fillings, root canals, or extractions. 

If you’re in severe pain or experiencing facial swelling, the ER can provide antibiotics or pain relief. However, it’s important to follow up with a dentist as soon as possible for proper treatment.