Emergency Dentistry and Urgent Care at West Portal Family Dentistry San Francisco, CA

At West Portal Family Dentistry, commitment to helping others isn’t something we just talk about. Dental emergencies are a priority, and we willingly come in to treat them, for existing patients and “not yet” patients. We can also call in a prescription to get someone in need out of immediate pain.

Tips for handling dental emergencies

  • Each time our dentists place a temporary crown, we provide a complimentary packet of temporary crown cement. You can use this product to replace a lost filling or crown until the dentist sees you.
  • For bleeding that persists after an extraction, bite gently on a dry tea bag or pad of clean gauze. Call our dental office if bleeding has not stopped within 30 minutes.
  • For a tooth that is knocked out, rinse it in tepid water but do not use soap or scrub it. Hold it by the crown (not the root), and gently replace it into the socket if possible. Otherwise, keep it between the cheek and gum, or in a cup of milk. Call West Portal Family Dentistry and come in right away for the best chance of saving the tooth.
  • Follow these post-operative instructions to avoid dental emergencies.

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

What exactly is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency can vary greatly from patient to patient, but if you are experiencing unbearable pain, a knocked-out tooth, severe swelling, or excessive bleeding, that’s your mouth’s way of shouting for help. Do not ignore the signs, as our West Portal Family Dentistry team in San Francisco, California, can assist!

I just knocked out a tooth. What should I do?

Stay calm! Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently if it is dirty, and try placing it back in its socket if possible. If that is too tricky, store it in a cup of milk and head straight to your emergency dentist. Time really matters here when it comes to reattaching the tooth in the mouth.

Is a broken filling or crown an emergency?

While it might not feel as dramatic as a knocked-out tooth, a broken filling or crown can leave your tooth exposed, causing sensitivity or potential damage. It is best to see your dentist promptly to fix it and keep your tooth happy.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

Emergency room teams are great for trauma, but often cannot tackle specific dental issues. Your best bet is to contact your emergency dentist at West Portal Family Dentistry for specialized care.

What if I have severe tooth pain, but it’s late at night?

Severe pain cannot wait! Many emergency dentists, like ours, have after-hours lines or hotlines. Call them to get help as soon as possible. Temporarily managing the pain with over-the-counter medications might help, but do not delay finding professional care first thing in the morning.

Is a chipped tooth really something to worry about?

This depends on some factors. If it is a tiny chip and you are not feeling any pain, it might be okay to wait until regular office hours, but still get it checked. If the chip is sharp, deep, or causing discomfort, it is worth treating as an emergency.

Can dental emergencies be prevented?

For the most part, yes! Regular check-ups, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding super-hard foods like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels can help prevent accidents. But don’t worry—if the unexpected happens, your emergency dentist at West Portal Family Dentistry has your back!

We do everything in our power to help ensure that patients never experience dental emergencies, but if you ever do have one, you will receive prompt, compassionate care at West Portal Family Dentistry.

Dr. Terri Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice

A graduate from UC San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Science degree, Dr. Terri M. Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is known for her caring and passionate nature towards her patients whilst having a wealth of knowledge and technical skill.

Dr. Nguyen continues to update herself with newer and tested treatment methods and technology to ensure that she is capable of delivering the best possible service to her clients. Her areas of specialty include root canal therapy, implant dentistry and cosmetic treatment. She is also a prestigious member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen grew up in Santa Clara. She studied dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, with over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).

As a Bay Area native, Dr. Tiffany Nguyen is excited to settle in the West Portal neighborhood and serve her community.

Dr. Tiffany Nguyen has over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice
Dr. Laura Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients

Dr. Laura T. Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients of all ages. While she has over 15 years of experience in all areas of general practice, she especially enjoys pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for adults.

A UC Irvine graduate, Dr. Huynh obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Arthur Dugoni Dental School at University of Pacific. She stays on top of the latest trends and technologies in dentistry by following continuing education courses annually. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Francisco Dental Society.