Emergency Dentistry

Dental needs don’t always happen on your schedule, especially when it comes to emergency dental services. Count on our team at Pathway Dental Group for same-day dentists, ready to fix your pain or injury.

Your Emergency Dentist in Santa Barbara County, CA

A dental emergency can be a scary and unsettling experience, and it can happen anywhere. But whether you need a simple filling or a more complex procedure, our emergency dental clinic is standing by to provide the care you need — now.

If you need emergency dental care in or near Santa Barbara County, California, contact us right away so we can restore your smile as soon as possible. View our locations and call the one nearest you for a same-day dental appointment.

patient holding her jaw in discomfort as she sits in a dental chair
  • What is a dental emergency?

    A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, save a tooth or treat infection. There are many types of dental emergencies — from a sudden toothache to a chipped or cracked tooth.

    Your situation may be a dental emergency if:

    • You are in severe pain or have severe swelling.
    • You have a painful toothache that won’t go away.
    • You have a loose or knocked-out tooth.
    • You have swelling in your cheeks or face, along with a toothache.
    • You have extreme tooth sensitivity.
    • You are bleeding from the mouth, and it won’t stop.
    • Your jaw is injured.
  • What is not a dental emergency?

    A problem is not a dental emergency if you can take care of it yourself for a few days without seeing a dentist. For instance, if you have a crack or chip in your tooth, it’s an emergency only if it’s painful, or you have lost the tooth or filling.

  • What’s the best way to handle a dental emergency?

    For a dental emergency, call your dentist right away. If the issue is very severe, go to the emergency room.

    You may be able to take some actions to help your pain at home:

    • Apply a cold compress to the swollen or painful area.
    • Do a warm saltwater rinse by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in warm water and using it like mouthwash.
    • If you’ve lost a tooth but still have it, put it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist.
    • Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide, which can help kill bacteria.
    • Take over-the-counter pain medication for pain.
    • Try to floss to eliminate gum pressure.
  • What should I do if I have a toothache?

    If you have a toothache, call your dentist as soon as possible, so they can diagnose and treat the cause of the toothache. Until your appointment, try rinsing your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to get rid of any food particles that could be causing discomfort. You can take over-the-counter pain medication for pain relief. Applying a cold compress to the area also can reduce swelling.

  • What should I do if my dental filling or crown breaks?

    If your dental filling or crown breaks, try to save any pieces that come out of your mouth. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you can make a dental appointment. You can buy dental cement at most pharmacies to help temporarily hold a crown in place. But you should still seek professional dental treatment right away. Your dentist will replace the filling or crown to prevent further damage or infection.

More Questions?

If you have any questions about emergency dentistry please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.