Emergency Dentist in Clovis, CA
If you have a severe toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, a lost crown or filling, or swelling in your mouth or face, call Clovis Country Dental at (559) 552-0700. Our office at 2141 Shaw Ave Ste 105, Clovis, CA is open Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 first if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading to your eye, neck, or throat, a fever together with facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to the face or jaw.
Is It a Dental Emergency?
| What you are experiencing | What to do |
|---|---|
| Trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to the eye, neck, or throat, facial swelling with fever, uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial or jaw injury | Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room |
| Knocked-out permanent tooth | Act immediately and call us right away (see below) |
| Severe or worsening toothache, swelling around a tooth or gums, signs of an abscess | Call us the same day |
| Broken or cracked tooth, loose tooth, lost crown or filling | Call us as soon as possible |
| Broken denture or night guard, mild sensitivity, a small cosmetic chip | Call and schedule a visit |
If you are not sure which category you are in, call our office and describe your symptoms. Our team can help you decide on next steps.
Our Hours and What to Do After Hours
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Phone: (559) 552-0700
If an emergency happens when our office is closed:
- For severe or life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Follow the first-aid steps below until you can be seen.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Our dental team treats urgent problems including severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and dental infections. The right treatment depends on your exam.
Severe Toothache
A toothache that is persistent, severe, or getting worse should be evaluated by a dentist. Pain can come from cavities, cracked teeth, damaged restorations, or infection. During an exam, our dentist can identify the likely cause and recommend treatment. If decay is responsible, treatment may include a filling or another restorative procedure.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Teeth can chip or break from an accident, biting on hard food, or grinding and clenching. A minor chip may not need emergency treatment, but a larger fracture can expose sensitive parts of the tooth and raise the risk of further damage or infection. Depending on the damage, treatment may include a filling, bonding, or a dental crown. If grinding contributed, a custom night guard may help protect your teeth.
Lost Filling or Dental Crown
A lost filling or crown may not hurt right away, but the exposed tooth can become sensitive and is more vulnerable to damage and decay. Contact us as soon as possible so we can examine the tooth and decide whether the restoration can be repaired or must be replaced.
Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is an infection around a tooth or in the surrounding tissues. Symptoms can include tooth pain, swelling, tenderness, a bad taste, or drainage from the gums. Infections should be evaluated promptly. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may include drainage, restorative treatment, extraction, or root canal treatment. If swelling is significant or getting worse quickly, contact a dentist immediately, and go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Broken Denture, Night Guard, or Other Appliance
A broken appliance may not be a traditional emergency, but it should be checked if it affects comfort or the protection of your teeth. Some repairs or replacements need a dental laboratory and take additional time.
First Aid Until You Can Be Seen
- Rinse your mouth gently with clean water.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Keep any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you.
- For swelling, hold a cold compress against the outside of the cheek.
- If you can safely take over-the-counter pain relievers, follow the label directions and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
- Do not try to repair a broken tooth or appliance yourself.
What If a Tooth Is Knocked Out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth needs attention right away. The chance of saving it depends on how quickly it is treated.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline. Do not scrub it or use soap.
- If you can, gently place it back into the socket and hold it there. Do this only for a permanent tooth, never a baby tooth.
- If you cannot put it back, keep it moist in milk or in a container of saline. Do not let it dry out, and avoid storing it in plain water.
- Call us immediately at (559) 552-0700. If our office is closed or the injury involves significant facial trauma, go to the emergency room.
Do You Need an Emergency Dentist for a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth should be evaluated promptly, especially if the crack is deep or biting hurts. Some cracks reach the inner part of the tooth and can increase the risk of nerve damage or infection. An exam helps determine the extent of the damage. Treatment may include a filling, crown, root canal treatment, or extraction.
What to Expect at an Emergency Visit
- A review of your symptoms and medical history
- An exam of the affected area, with X-rays when your dentist considers them appropriate
- Treatment to relieve pain and stabilize the problem when appropriate
- A clear explanation of your options and a plan for any follow-up care
Some problems can be treated in one visit, while others need more than one visit.
Please bring: photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, a list of your medications, and any broken tooth pieces.
Emergency or Routine Problem?
Mild sensitivity without pain, a small cosmetic chip, or routine care can usually wait for a regular visit. Severe pain, swelling, infection, significant trauma, or a badly damaged tooth should be seen promptly. Regular exams and cleanings can find problems before they become emergencies.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- Visit your dentist regularly for preventive care (hygiene care).
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other hard objects.
- Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports.
- Use a night guard if recommended for tooth grinding.
- Get tooth pain or sensitivity checked before it becomes severe.
Meet the Dentists
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency includes severe or worsening tooth pain, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, swelling around a tooth or the face, signs of a dental abscess, and uncontrolled bleeding. If you are unsure, call our office at (559) 552-0700 and describe your symptoms.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it briefly with milk or saline without scrubbing. If it is a permanent tooth, gently place it back in the socket if you can. Otherwise keep it moist in milk or saline, and call a dentist immediately.
Can a cracked tooth wait?
A cracked tooth should be evaluated promptly. Some cracks reach the inner part of the tooth and can lead to nerve damage or infection. If the crack is deep or biting is painful, call us as soon as possible.
Should I go to the ER or the dentist for a toothache with swelling?
Call a dentist promptly for a toothache with swelling. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if swelling spreads to your eye, neck, or throat, if you have a fever with facial swelling, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Are you open on weekends?
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM, and closed on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. For severe or life-threatening symptoms outside office hours, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Call Clovis Country Dental for an Emergency Visit
Clovis Country Dental 2141 Shaw Ave Ste 105, Clovis, CA 93611 Phone: (559) 552-0700 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.