Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies do not wait. Call us first for urgent dental care in Koreatown — we do our best to see emergency patients the same day.
Call Now: (213) 352-1080What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Severe Toothache
Intense, persistent tooth pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relief.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saliva), call immediately. Time is critical.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Especially if sharp, painful, or with exposed nerve tissue.
Dental Abscess
Swelling in the face or jaw, fever, or pus — this can become life-threatening.
Lost Crown or Filling
Exposed tooth tissue can cause extreme pain and infection risk.
Severe Gum Swelling
Sudden, painful swelling of the gums, especially with fever.
Emergency Tooth Extraction
A tooth too damaged or infected to save may need urgent removal to relieve pain and stop the spread of infection.
Dental Emergency? Call Now.
(213) 352-1080We do our best to accommodate same-day emergency appointments.
While You Wait — First Aid Tips
Knocked-out tooth: Handle only by the crown, rinse gently, keep in milk or saliva.
Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, apply cold compress, take OTC pain reliever.
Broken tooth: Rinse mouth, save any fragments, cover sharp edges with dental wax if available.
Abscess: Do NOT pop. Rinse with warm salt water, call us immediately — this is urgent.
Office Hours: Mon–Thu 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Otherwise, call (213) 352-1080 and we will respond as soon as possible.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
A few calm, quick actions can protect your tooth and reduce pain until we see you. Follow these steps and call us right away.
Stay Calm & Call Us
Take a breath and call (213) 352-1080. Describe what happened so we can guide you and prepare for your arrival.
Manage the Pain
Rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek, and take an OTC pain reliever as directed.
Protect the Tooth
Save any knocked-out tooth or fragments. Handle a tooth only by the crown and keep it moist in milk or saliva.
Come In ASAP
Time matters — especially for a knocked-out tooth. Head to our Koreatown office as soon as we confirm your appointment.
Don't wait it out.
Dental emergencies rarely improve on their own — and delaying care can turn a treatable problem into a serious one. Dr. Nam and our team are ready to help.
Call Now: (213) 352-1080Recovery & follow-up: After emergency treatment we give you clear aftercare instructions and schedule any follow-up visits needed to make sure the tooth and surrounding tissue heal fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see same-day emergency patients?
Yes. We keep room in our schedule for urgent dental care and do our best to see emergency patients the same day. Call us first at (213) 352-1080 so we can guide you over the phone and prepare for your arrival. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
What should I do for a knocked-out tooth?
Time is critical. Handle the tooth only by the crown, never the root, and rinse it gently if it is dirty. Try to place it back in the socket if you can; otherwise keep it moist in milk or saliva and call us right away. The sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
How do I handle a broken or chipped tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any fragments you can find. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling, and cover any sharp edges with dental wax if you have it. Call us so we can assess the tooth and arrange prompt treatment.
What should I do for a severe toothache?
Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove any trapped debris, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum. Persistent, severe pain can signal infection, so call us for urgent dental care rather than waiting it out.
Do you offer emergency tooth extractions?
Yes. When a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or cannot be saved, an emergency tooth extraction may be the safest option to relieve pain and protect your health. Dr. Nam will always discuss whether the tooth can be preserved first, and only recommend extraction when it is the right choice for your situation.
How much does emergency dental care cost?
The cost of emergency care is not fixed and depends on your individual situation — the type of problem, the treatment required, and whether follow-up procedures are needed. An exam is required for an accurate estimate. We verify your insurance benefits and work with CareCredit for flexible financing so you can get relief without delay.