Emergency Dentist in Palo Alto, CA
If you need an emergency dentist in Palo Alto, Dr. Christopher B. Wong provides same-day care for urgent toothaches, broken teeth, swelling, and dental trauma. Call now so we can guide you to fast relief and clear next steps.
Emergency Line
Call for same-day emergency dental care
Emergency dentist in Palo Alto, close to home
Our emergency dentist in Palo Alto helps patients from Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park, and Mountain View. Call for fast guidance, and we will prioritize urgent appointments whenever possible.
If you have uncontrolled bleeding, trouble breathing, or rapidly worsening facial swelling, seek emergency medical care right away.
Hours
Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sat–Sun: Closed
Reviewed by Dr. Wong · Last updated: December 2025
Common Dental Emergencies
Recognize the signs and know what to do before you reach our office. Quick action can often save your tooth and reduce pain and complications.
Severe Toothache
Intense, persistent tooth pain that interferes with daily activities
Symptoms:
- Throbbing pain
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot/cold
- Swelling around tooth
Immediate Action:
Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication, apply cold compress
Knocked-Out Tooth
Complete tooth displacement due to trauma or injury
Symptoms:
- Missing tooth
- Bleeding from socket
- Pain in affected area
Immediate Action:
Keep tooth moist, handle by crown only, seek immediate dental care within 30 minutes
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Fractured tooth structure from injury or biting hard objects
Symptoms:
- Visible crack or chip
- Sharp edges
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity
Immediate Action:
Save any broken pieces, rinse mouth with warm water, apply cold compress for swelling
Lost Filling or Crown
Dental restoration becomes loose or falls out completely
Symptoms:
- Exposed tooth structure
- Sensitivity
- Discomfort when eating
Immediate Action:
Keep crown/filling safe, use dental cement or sugar-free gum as temporary protection
Dental Abscess
Serious infection around tooth root or gums requiring immediate attention
Symptoms:
- Severe pain
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Bad taste in mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
Immediate Action:
Rinse with salt water, take pain medication, seek immediate dental care - do not delay
Soft Tissue Injury
Cuts, tears, or injuries to gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips
Symptoms:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Visible cuts or tears
- Swelling
Immediate Action:
Clean area gently, apply pressure to control bleeding, use cold compress for swelling
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Follow these steps to handle your dental emergency effectively while getting to our office.
Stay Calm
Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Most dental emergencies can be effectively treated when addressed promptly.
Contact Us Immediately
Call our emergency line at (650) 326-6319. We prioritize same-day emergency visits whenever possible and will guide you on next steps.
Follow First Aid
Apply appropriate first aid measures while en route to our office. This can help manage pain and prevent further damage.
Preserve Evidence
Save any broken tooth pieces, crowns, or fillings. These may be reusable in your treatment.
Emergency Care Testimonials
Real experiences from patients who received emergency dental care at our Palo Alto practice.
"Dr. Wong is such a kind and wonderful doctor. I had a dental emergency on a Friday evening, and he graciously took the time to help me."
"Best dentist in town (Palo Alto). Quick, efficient, accurate, helpful, accommodating. Made time for me twice -- both minor emergencies, and once on the Fourth of July weekend! Outstanding service."
"Kris is the best! I had to have a last minute root canal. She referred me to an awesome endodontist, then she put on a flawless crown."
"My overall experience here was excellent. They managed to remove three years' worth of tea stain from my teeth in about an hour. Both Dr. Hamamoto and her assistant were gentle yet thorough."
Same-day emergency dental care
Dental emergencies move fast. We reserve time for urgent visits and work to see you the same day whenever possible, so you can get relief and a clear plan quickly.
Fast relief
Prompt evaluation and pain management
Clear next steps
Focused guidance during stressful moments
Experienced care
Trusted clinical care for urgent needs
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While accidents happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented with proper care and precautions.
Emergency dental FAQs
Answers to common questions about urgent dental care.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem that causes significant pain, bleeding, swelling, or risk of losing a tooth. Examples include severe toothaches, a knocked‑out tooth, a broken tooth, facial swelling from infection, or trauma to the mouth. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to call and ask.
Do you offer an emergency dentist in Palo Alto?
Yes. If you need an emergency dentist in Palo Alto, call (650) 326-6319 right away. We prioritize same-day urgent visits whenever possible and will guide you on the next best steps.
Can you see me the same day?
We prioritize urgent cases and often can see patients the same day. The sooner you contact us, the more likely we can reserve a time to diagnose the issue and relieve pain quickly.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it if dirty, and keep it moist—either in milk or against your cheek. Time matters, so seek care right away. Prompt treatment can sometimes save the tooth.
Do you treat emergencies for new patients?
Yes. If you’re new to our practice and have a sudden dental problem, we’ll do our best to help you promptly. We’ll focus on getting you comfortable and explaining the next steps clearly.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
Emergency care varies depending on what we find and what treatment is needed. We’ll review your options and costs after the exam. Many PPO plans help cover emergency evaluations, and we can discuss payment options if needed.
Is it okay to wait if the pain comes and goes?
Intermittent pain can still signal a serious problem like deep decay or infection. Waiting can make treatment more complex. It’s best to be evaluated early, even if symptoms feel temporary.
Related services
After urgent care, explore these next steps.
Preventive dentistry in Palo Alto
Routine exams and cleanings to avoid emergencies.
Dental implants
Long‑term solutions for missing or severely damaged teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners
Straighten teeth after urgent issues are resolved.
Dental veneers
Cosmetic repairs for chips, cracks, and discoloration.
See all services
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How we handle dental emergencies
If you have a severe toothache, swelling, or a broken tooth, call our office as soon as possible. We reserve time for urgent visits and will guide you on next steps.
Quick evaluation helps us relieve pain and protect the tooth. When you arrive, we focus on diagnosis first, then discuss treatment options and timing.
- Same-day visits offered when schedules allow
- Clear instructions for after hours care
- Focus on pain relief and tooth preservation