Life is not without its small emergencies that require prompt, if not immediate, care. This is especially true when it comes to your mouth. Harpreet Brar, DDS, understands this, which is why she offers emergency dentistry at Healthy Smile Dental. From abscesses to teeth that are knocked out, Dr. Brar is on call for her patients in Turlock, California, offering same-day appointments when available. If you have a dental emergency, call to find out about immediate care.

An emergency dentist, like Dr. Brar, is a general dentist that makes themselves available for same-day care. Your teeth and gums play an integral role in your overall health, so maintaining your dental health is paramount.

If you consider that your mouth serves myriad purposes, not the least of which is eating and talking, you can see why waiting for an appointment simply isn’t an option. For this reason, Dr. Brar offers same-day appointments whenever possible.

What constitutes an emergency?

There are many reasons why you may need to see Dr. Brar sooner rather than later, including:

• A knocked-out tooth
• A toothache
• A severely cracked or chipped tooth
• A filling that falls out
• Broken dentures

Dr. Brar makes every effort to see you as soon as possible to remedy your problem so you can get on with your day.

If your pain is severe or you’re experiencing excessive bleeding, please give the office a call or seek urgent care.

What should I do if my tooth is cracked or knocked out?

One of the most common dental emergencies is a tooth that’s been knocked out or severely cracked. If this happens to you or your child, there are several steps you can take right away that may save your tooth.

First, if your tooth comes out in a trauma, locate it, if you can, and handle it very carefully. Only hold it from the crown, and not by the end with the roots. If it’s dirty, rinse it off carefully with water only. Try and place the tooth back into the socket in your mouth, and hold it there with your tongue or by clamping down a piece of gauze or a wet tea bag.

Believe it or not, your body will re-accept a tooth if you take swift action. If you’re unable to put your tooth back in its socket, preserve it as best you can by placing it inside your mouth in your cheek or in a glass of milk. Saliva works best to keep the tooth as viable as possible, but be sure there’s no risk of swallowing it, especially if you’re dealing with a child.

If your tooth is cracked, hold it in place with a tea bag or piece of gauze to avoid further cracking.

In both cases, call Dr. Brar as soon as possible to see about a same-day appointment.

Choose Your Dental Emergency Below

Knocked Out Tooth

Emergency Tooth Extraction

Emergency Root Canal

Broken or Lost Fillings

Severe Toothache

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Gum & Mouth Pain

Bitten Lip or Tongue

Jaw Pain

Wisdom Tooth Pain

Bleeding gum

FAQs

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental problem may require prompt attention if it involves severe discomfort, facial swelling, trauma to the teeth or mouth, uncontrolled bleeding, or an injury that affects normal function. If you're unsure about the urgency, your dental office can help determine how quickly you should be seen.

What should I do if I crack or break a tooth?

Handle the situation carefully by avoiding pressure on the damaged tooth and rinsing your mouth with clean water if necessary. If you recover any broken pieces, keep them with you and arrange a dental evaluation so the injury can be properly assessed.

What are the signs of a dental abscess?

An abscess may cause persistent discomfort, swelling near the affected tooth, tenderness while chewing, drainage with an unpleasant taste, or fever. Because these symptoms may indicate a spreading infection, professional assessment should not be delayed.

How can I manage dental pain before my emergency appointment?

Until your appointment, try to keep the affected area clean and avoid foods or activities that increase discomfort. Follow any instructions provided by your dental office regarding temporary pain relief, but avoid placing aspirin directly against the gums or tooth.

Do you provide emergency tooth extractions?

If examination shows that a tooth cannot be predictably preserved, removing it may be the most appropriate course of action. Before proceeding, your dentist will explain the findings, discuss available treatment choices, and answer any questions you may have.

What must I bring to my emergency dental appointment?

If available, bring your identification, insurance details, a current list of medications, and any items related to the injury, such as a broken restoration or tooth fragment. These details help your dental team understand your situation and begin treatment more efficiently.

Meet Dr. Harpreet Brar

When dental emergencies happen, Dr. Harpreet Brar is committed to providing timely care with compassion and clear communication. She brings more than 20 years of clinical experience to Healthy Smile Dental, which she founded in 2005 after completing her DDS at the University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Dr. Brar carefully evaluates urgent dental concerns, explains available treatment options, and develops care plans based on each patient’s needs. Her patient-focused approach helps relieve discomfort while protecting oral health and supporting informed treatment decisions during unexpected dental situations.