Where Can I Go for a Dental Emergency?

woman in pain and has gone to the dentist for an emergency appointment
January 14, 2025

Everyone knows to call 911 and to go to the hospital when there is a medical emergency, but what do you do if you need an emergency dentist in San Jose or beyond? What is considered a dental emergency, and how do you know a San Jose emergency dentist will be available when you need them? 

Your best resource regarding what to do in a dental emergency is to immediately contact Pannu Dental Group. With four locations and a team of caring and top-rated doctors, oral surgeons, and dental specialists, you can have constant peace of mind that emergency dental care is always available if and when needed. 

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?  

 Many medical issues qualify as a dental emergency, signaling that you should contact the Pannu Dental Group team immediately. Examples of these situations include the following. 

  • A severe toothache or tooth pain that does not subside quickly.  
  • A tooth that is missing due to trauma and which is completely dislodged from the socket. 
  • A tooth that is loose due to trauma or injury. 
  • A broken or severely damaged tooth with a large chip or fracture is causing pain, affecting the ability to chew and function, or all of the above. 
  • Uncontrolled or sudden bleeding near your teeth or gums. 
  • Sudden and noticeable swelling in the face or jaw, accompanied by pain or discomfort.  
  • A lost filling or dental crown that has fallen out, exposing the tooth to potential damage. 
  • Any facial trauma that impacts the teeth, gums, and/or jawbone.  

Emergency Pediatric Dentist – Caring for Children’s Dental Emergencies 

Keep in mind that the above list of dental emergencies is most common for adults. That is because children may have a slightly different set of emergency situations where you immediately need to schedule a trip to the pediatric dentist’s office. Examples of these situations include the following. 

  • Broken or chipped teeth from falls or sports-related injuries 
  • Toothaches caused by cavities or infections 
  • Knocked-out baby teeth that happen suddenly and cause pain  
  • Orthodontic emergencies, where children have broken braces or displaced wires that are causing discomfort 

How Do I Know if My Dental Issues Qualify as a Dental Emergency? 

If you or your children are experiencing any of the above issues, then you should immediately schedule an emergency dental appointment, regardless of the time of day.  

However, there are some cases where you can wait and see your dental specialist during regular office hours. These examples include the following. 

  • Losing a filling, crown, or bridge, especially if there is minimal pain and no other damage associated with the loss.
  • A dull toothache that is manageable with over-the-counter medications. 
  • Food that is lodged between teeth that is not causing severe or throbbing pain and discomfort.
  • A minor chip or crack in a tooth or teeth that is not painful or where the pain is manageable until the next available dental appointment. 

Is a Loose Dental Implant an Emergency? 

A loose dental implant is generally considered a dental emergency and should be addressed with your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Even if there is no or minimal pain, it is important to book an appointment as soon as possible.  

This is because a loose dental implant can lead to bone loss around the implant site, and possible infection and damage to the surrounding teeth. The severity of the looseness of the dental implant, the presence of severe pain or swelling, and any obvious signs of infection will all dictate the urgency of the situation. 

However, the safest action is to contact your emergency dentist in San Jose right away.  

Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency? 

A dental abscess is also considered a dental emergency. Because of the potential complications, it requires the immediate attention of a dentist or oral surgeon. Leaving a dental abscess untreated can cause the infection to spread to other parts of the body and even become potentially life-threatening.  

Look for signs such as severe pain, facial swelling, fever, pus around the gums, and difficulty opening your mouth. Any or all of these signs mean that it’s time to contact your San Jose emergency dentists immediately, so further issues and complications are mitigated.  

When in Doubt, Be Proactive and Contact an Emergency Dentist Right Away 

A good rule of thumb is that when you’re in doubt about whether a dental issue or problem qualifies as an actual dental emergency, it’s generally better to be safe than sorry. 

At the very least, you should contact Pannu Dental Group and explain the problem and your detailed symptoms. Our team can help you determine whether you should treat your issues at a regular office visit, or if you need to see your emergency dentist in San Jose right away. 

How to Find an Emergency Dentist in San Jose 

Since a dental emergency can be urgent, it may be tempting to simply search for “emergency dentist near me” and skim through the immediate and top results. 

However, dental emergencies require the best experience and care available, with the top team of dentists and oral surgeons to resolve any issues without complications. 

This is where Pannu Dental Group can provide you with constant peace of mind that client-focused, expert professionals are always available when you need them the most. 

Pannu Dental Group is Your San Jose Emergency Dentist  

We specialize in all aspects of oral health, including dental emergencies that require the best treatment and care available. Our team uses the most cutting-edge technology and tools available, combined with decades of experience in all aspects of dental and oral health. 

 Pannu Dental Group is your best resource for connecting with an emergency dentist, an emergency pediatric dentist, or a routine office visit. 

Connect with us today to schedule a consultation. With our dental team, you will gain a lifelong dental care provider who is always available when you need us.  

Our dedication to providing our clients with the best possible healthcare ensures that you’ll always have an expert emergency dentist’s resource when you need it the most.  

Call us now for immediate help and expert dental solutions in your time of need.  

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Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.

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