Dental Emergency Guide
If you live in Redwood City, Belmont, San Mateo, or anywhere on the Bay Area Peninsula, you know how busy life can get. Dental problems often get pushed to the back burner — until they become impossible to ignore. The challenge is knowing when a symptom can wait for a routine appointment versus when you need to call your dentist today.
Here are five warning signs that should prompt an immediate call to a dental office in Redwood City.
1. Persistent Toothache
A toothache that lasts more than one or two days is your body's way of signaling that something is wrong. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold foods is common, but a lingering, throbbing, or shooting pain often indicates:
- Tooth decay that has reached the nerve
- An abscess — a bacterial infection at the root
- A cracked tooth from biting something hard
- Gum disease affecting the surrounding tissue
Over-the-counter pain relievers may temporarily mask the discomfort, but they don't treat the underlying problem. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream — making prompt dental care essential.
2. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Some gum bleeding after flossing can be normal if you haven't flossed in a while, but if your gums bleed regularly or appear red, swollen, and tender, this may be an early sign of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
Gum disease affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It has also been linked to systemic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Caught early, gingivitis is completely reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Don't ignore bleeding gums — visit a Redwood City dentist to have them evaluated.
3. Dental Sensitivity to Temperature
Shooting pain when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee is more than just an annoyance. Sudden or worsening temperature sensitivity can indicate:
- Tooth enamel erosion from acidic foods or drinks
- Exposed dentin (the softer layer beneath enamel)
- A hairline crack in a tooth
- Receding gums exposing the root surface
A dentist can identify the exact cause and recommend treatments ranging from prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste to a dental crown for a damaged tooth.
4. A Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth
Adult teeth should never feel loose. If you notice movement in a permanent tooth, this is a dental emergency. Causes include advanced gum disease, trauma, or teeth grinding (bruxism).
If a tooth is knocked out entirely:
Rinse it gently without scrubbing the root, place it back in the socket if possible (or keep it in milk), and call a Redwood City dentist immediately. The sooner you're seen — ideally within 30 to 60 minutes — the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
5. Jaw Pain or Clicking
Jaw discomfort, popping sounds when you open your mouth, or difficulty chewing can be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder — or a problem with bite alignment. Chronic teeth grinding at night can also cause jaw soreness, headaches, and worn-down teeth.
These issues are treatable with night guards, physical therapy, or other dental interventions, but they do need professional evaluation.
When to Call Dr. Apurva Dabak's Office
Located in Redwood City, Dr. Dabak's practice offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms above, don't wait. Early treatment almost always means a simpler, less costly solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I be seen for a dental emergency in Redwood City?
Most dental emergencies should be seen within 24 hours. A knocked-out tooth requires care within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of re-implantation.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Severe toothache, swelling in the jaw or face, a knocked-out or loose permanent tooth, a broken tooth with sharp edges, and dental abscesses are all dental emergencies.
Does Dr. Dabak accept emergency walk-ins in Redwood City?
We accommodate emergency patients as quickly as possible. Call our office at (650) 820-0337 and we will do our best to see you the same day.
Topics:
Dr. Apurva Dabak, DDS
General & Cosmetic Dentist · Redwood City, CA
Dr. Apurva Dabak is a general and cosmetic dentist serving patients in Redwood City and across the Bay Area Peninsula. She is passionate about patient education and helping her community achieve and maintain optimal oral health.