Severe tooth pain, a broken tooth or sudden swelling can make it difficult to eat, sleep or concentrate on anything else. Emergency dentistry in Las Vegas, NV, focuses on identifying the cause, relieving discomfort and determining what treatment may be needed to protect your health and smile.
At Preferred Family Dentistry, Dr. Salmeh Jafarifar evaluates urgent dental concerns involving toothaches, damaged restorations, infections, dental injuries and other unexpected problems. Because appointment availability can vary, call our office before arriving so our team can learn what happened and provide appropriate instructions.
Call 702-433-0355 as soon as possible if you are experiencing a dental emergency. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial trauma or another potentially life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a problem that requires timely evaluation to address severe discomfort, infection, bleeding, trauma or the risk of losing a tooth. Some situations require immediate attention, while others may be safely scheduled for the next available appointment after speaking with our team.
Contact our office promptly for concerns such as:
- Severe, persistent or worsening tooth pain
- A knocked-out permanent tooth
- A broken, cracked or fractured tooth
- Swelling of the gums, face or jaw
- Signs of a dental abscess or infection
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
- A loose or displaced permanent tooth
- A lost or damaged filling or crown
- Pain or swelling following dental treatment
- An injury involving the teeth, gums, lips or jaw
- Something lodged painfully between the teeth
Even when a tooth still looks intact, pain or swelling may indicate a problem beneath the surface. Calling early allows our team to determine how urgently you should be evaluated.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Most toothaches and damaged restorations should be evaluated by a dentist because hospital emergency departments generally do not provide definitive restorative dental treatment. Certain symptoms, however, may indicate a serious medical emergency.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapidly increasing swelling of the face, jaw, mouth or neck
- Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
- Serious facial or jaw trauma
- Loss of consciousness
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction
- A dental injury accompanied by other significant head or bodily injuries
After the immediate medical concern has been stabilized, follow-up dental treatment may still be necessary.
Severe Tooth Pain
A persistent toothache is one of the most common reasons patients seek urgent dental care. Pain may come from decay, a cracked tooth, an infected pulp, gum inflammation, grinding, a damaged restoration or another underlying condition.
Tooth pain may feel like:
- Continuous aching or throbbing
- Sharp pain when biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pressure around one tooth
- Pain that spreads toward the ear, temple or jaw
- Discomfort that interferes with sleep
Until you can be evaluated, gently rinse your mouth and clean between the teeth to remove trapped food. Do not place aspirin or another medication directly against the tooth or gums because it can irritate the tissue.
Over-the-counter pain medication may be used only according to its label and when it is medically safe for you. Ask a physician or pharmacist if you are uncertain about allergies, interactions, pregnancy, medical conditions or other medication concerns.
Dental Abscesses and Facial Swelling
A dental abscess is an infection that can develop near the root of a tooth or within the gum tissue. It may cause pain, pressure, swelling or drainage and should not be ignored.
Possible signs include:
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain
- A swollen or tender area on the gums
- Facial or jaw swelling
- A bad taste or drainage in the mouth
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
Dr. Jafarifar will evaluate the source and determine whether the tooth requires drainage, root canal treatment, extraction or another form of care. Antibiotics may be prescribed when clinically appropriate, but medication alone does not always eliminate the underlying dental cause.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if swelling is rapidly worsening or interfering with breathing or swallowing.
What to Do if a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. The American Dental Association® recommends keeping the tooth moist and reaching a dentist as quickly as possible. The chance of preserving the tooth may depend on how quickly it is handled and evaluated.
- Locate the tooth and hold it by the crown, which is the white portion normally visible in the mouth.
- Do not touch or scrub the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently without removing attached tissue.
- When possible, carefully place it back into the socket without forcing it.
- If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or another tooth-preservation solution.
- Call 702-433-0355 and seek dental care immediately.
Do not allow the tooth to dry out. Do not wrap it in a dry tissue or store it in plain water for an extended period.
A knocked-out primary or baby tooth should not be placed back into the socket because reinsertion could damage the developing permanent tooth. Call our office for instructions and an evaluation.
What to Do About a Broken or Cracked Tooth
A tooth may break during a fall, sports injury, chewing accident or ordinary use when decay or a large restoration has weakened it. Even a small fracture should be evaluated because the visible damage may not show the full extent of the problem.
Before your visit:
- Rinse your mouth gently with water
- Save any pieces of the tooth you can locate
- Apply a cold compress outside the mouth if swelling develops
- Avoid chewing on the injured side
- Avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods if the tooth is sensitive
- Call our office promptly
Treatment depends on the location and depth of the fracture. A minor chip may sometimes be repaired with a composite restoration, while a weakened tooth may need a porcelain dental crown. A deeper fracture involving the pulp or root may require more extensive care.
What to Do if a Filling Falls Out
A lost filling can expose sensitive tooth structure and allow food or bacteria to collect inside the opening. The tooth may feel rough, sharp or sensitive to temperature and pressure.
Until your appointment:
- Keep the area gently clean
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Avoid very hot, cold, sticky or sugary foods
- Do not place household glue or adhesive in the tooth
- Call us if pain or swelling develops
Dr. Jafarifar will examine the tooth to determine why the filling failed. A new composite filling may be possible when enough healthy structure remains, while a crown may be recommended if the tooth has become substantially weakened.
What to Do if a Crown Becomes Loose or Falls Off
A loose or missing crown should be evaluated promptly. The supporting tooth may be sensitive and vulnerable to decay, movement or breakage.
If the crown comes off:
- Retrieve it and place it in a clean container
- Bring it to your appointment
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Keep the exposed tooth gently clean
- Do not use household glue to replace it
A crown can sometimes be recemented when it remains intact and the underlying tooth is healthy. If the crown is damaged, no longer fits or came off because of decay, a new restoration may be necessary.
Dental Injuries and Loose Teeth
A permanent tooth that has been pushed out of position, loosened or driven farther into the socket requires urgent evaluation. Do not repeatedly move or test the tooth.
Gently close your mouth without applying unnecessary pressure, avoid chewing in the area and call our office. Dr. Jafarifar will evaluate the tooth, surrounding bone, gums and bite to determine whether stabilization or additional treatment is necessary.
For sports and activity-related injuries, a custom protective oral appliance may be recommended after the area has healed to help reduce the risk of future trauma.
Soft-Tissue Injuries and Bleeding
Bites, falls and other accidents can injure the lips, cheeks, tongue or gums. Rinse the mouth gently and apply clean gauze with steady pressure to the bleeding area.
A cold compress outside the mouth may help with swelling. Seek immediate medical care when bleeding is heavy, does not stop with pressure or accompanies a serious facial injury.
Do not attempt to remove deeply embedded objects or material from a wound yourself. Professional evaluation may be needed to prevent additional injury.
Something Stuck Between Your Teeth
Food or another object lodged between the teeth can cause sharp pain and pressure. Try using dental floss gently to remove it, but do not force the floss beneath the gums.
Do not use knives, needles, pins or other sharp objects. These can injure the gums, scratch the enamel or push the material deeper into the area.
Call our office if the object cannot be removed, the gums begin bleeding or discomfort continues after the area has been cleaned.
What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
Your emergency visit begins with a discussion of your symptoms, when the problem started and whether an injury occurred. Our team will also ask about swelling, fever, bleeding, medications and relevant health conditions.
Your evaluation may include:
- Examining the painful or damaged area
- Checking the tooth for decay, cracks or movement
- Evaluating the gums and surrounding tissues
- Testing the tooth’s response to pressure or temperature
- Checking how your teeth meet when you bite
- Using an intraoral camera to examine visible damage
- Taking digital X-rays when needed
Digital X-rays can reveal problems involving the roots, bone, deeper decay or infection that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Dr. Jafarifar will explain what she finds, discuss available treatment options and determine whether definitive treatment can be completed at that visit or should be scheduled separately.
Emergency Dental Treatment Options
The treatment recommended depends on the cause, severity and restorability of the tooth. Emergency care may focus first on controlling pain, infection or further damage.
Possible treatment may include:
- Smoothing a sharp or chipped edge
- Placing or replacing a composite filling
- Recementing or replacing a crown
- Repairing certain damaged teeth
- Providing root canal treatment when appropriate
- Draining an infection
- Prescribing medication when clinically necessary
- Stabilizing an injured tooth
- Removing a tooth that cannot be predictably restored
- Referring you to another provider when specialized care is needed
Dr. Jafarifar will preserve the natural tooth when a predictable treatment option is available. Some injuries, fractures or infections may make extraction the safer or more dependable approach.
Can Emergency Treatment Be Completed in One Visit?
Some concerns can be treated during the emergency appointment, while others require diagnostic information, laboratory work or a follow-up visit.
The timing may depend on:
- The type and severity of the emergency
- Whether swelling or infection is present
- The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining
- The treatment required
- Available appointment time
- Whether a custom laboratory restoration is needed
- Whether referral to another provider is appropriate
Our team will explain what can be completed during the visit and what additional care may be necessary. We do not promise immediate or same-day completion for every dental emergency.
Do Antibiotics Cure a Dental Emergency?
Antibiotics may help manage certain bacterial infections, but they do not repair cavities, seal cracks, replace lost fillings or remove infected tissue inside a tooth.
Definitive dental treatment may still be required to address the source. Taking antibiotics without an examination can delay appropriate care and may not resolve the problem.
Use any medication only as prescribed and complete the instructions provided. Contact our office or the prescribing provider if you experience side effects or signs of an allergic reaction.
Should You Wait to See if the Pain Goes Away?
Dental discomfort can occasionally improve temporarily even when the underlying problem remains. A damaged nerve, draining infection or cracked tooth may stop hurting for a period without actually healing.
Delaying evaluation may allow:
- Decay to spread farther into the tooth
- A crack to become larger
- An infection to affect surrounding tissue
- A weakened tooth to break
- Treatment needs to become more extensive
Call our office when pain is severe, persistent, worsening or accompanied by swelling, fever, drainage or an injury.
Emergency Dentistry for Existing Patients and New Patients
Preferred Family Dentistry evaluates emergency concerns for established and new patients according to appointment availability and the nature of the problem. Calling before arriving allows our team to gather important information and advise you about the next step.
Be prepared to describe:
- Where the pain or injury is located
- When the problem began
- Whether swelling or bleeding is present
- Whether the tooth was injured or knocked out
- Whether you have a fever or difficulty swallowing
- What medications you have taken
- Any significant medical conditions or allergies
Providing these details helps our team assess the urgency of your situation. It does not replace an examination or guarantee a particular appointment time.
Emergency Dentistry Costs and Insurance
The cost of emergency dental care depends on the examination, diagnostic images and treatment required. A lost filling generally involves different care than an infection, fractured tooth or significant injury.
Potential cost factors include:
- The type of emergency
- Digital X-rays or other diagnostic records
- The number of teeth involved
- The restoration or procedure required
- Whether follow-up treatment is necessary
- Your individual insurance benefits
Our team can review available insurance and payment information with you. Coverage cannot be guaranteed because benefits, deductibles, limitations and exclusions vary by plan.
Do not postpone care for life-threatening symptoms while attempting to confirm dental insurance. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care first when necessary.
How to Reduce Your Risk of a Dental Emergency
Not every accident can be prevented, but routine care and protective habits may reduce the likelihood of unexpected dental damage.
Helpful steps include:
- Scheduling regular dental exams
- Keeping professional teeth cleaning appointments
- Treating cavities and damaged restorations before they worsen
- Wearing an appropriate mouth guard during sports
- Using a night guard when recommended for grinding
- Avoiding chewing ice, hard candy and nonfood objects
- Never using your teeth to open packages
- Brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth
- Calling when a filling, crown or tooth begins feeling different
Routine preventive care helps Dr. Jafarifar identify decay, cracks and weakened restorations before they become painful emergencies.
Why Choose Preferred Family Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?
Dr. Jafarifar has practiced dentistry since 2004 and has led Preferred Family Dentistry since 2006. Her experience includes thousands of fillings, crowns, bridges and restorative cases, as well as hundreds of extractions and other procedures involving damaged or painful teeth.
She has completed approximately 500 hours of continuing education beyond dental school, including hundreds of hours focused on restorative care. This experience helps her evaluate whether an injured or infected tooth can be restored and when referral or removal may be more appropriate.
The practice uses digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to evaluate dental concerns and explain findings clearly. Dr. Jafarifar also refers patients to other dental or medical providers when the emergency requires care outside the practice’s scope.
Related Dental Services
- Composite Dental Fillings
- Porcelain Dental Crowns
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Exams
- Digital X-Rays
- Teeth Cleaning
- Night Guards
FAQ About Emergency Dentistry
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Severe pain, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out permanent tooth, significant trauma, infection and badly broken teeth commonly require urgent evaluation. Call our office so we can learn about your symptoms and provide guidance.
Can I walk in for emergency dental care?
Please call 702-433-0355 before arriving. Appointment availability varies, and calling allows our team to assess the concern and explain the appropriate next step.
What should I do if I have an emergency after hours?
Call our office and follow the recorded instructions. Call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department for difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial trauma or another life-threatening condition.
How quickly should a knocked-out permanent tooth be treated?
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. Hold it by the crown, avoid touching the root, keep it moist and contact a dentist without delay.
Should I go to the hospital for a toothache?
A dentist is generally the appropriate provider for a toothache. Seek emergency medical care when symptoms include difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or serious facial trauma.
Will antibiotics stop tooth pain?
Antibiotics may be appropriate for certain infections, but they do not repair a cavity, crack or damaged restoration. Dental treatment may still be required to address the source.
Can a broken tooth be saved?
Many broken teeth can be restored, but treatment depends on the location and depth of the fracture. Dr. Jafarifar will evaluate whether a filling, crown, root canal treatment or another option is appropriate.
What should I do if my crown or filling falls out?
Avoid chewing on the tooth, keep the area gently clean and call our office. Save a dislodged crown and bring it with you. Never use household glue to replace dental work.
Does dental insurance cover emergency treatment?
Coverage for emergency dentistry varies according to the examination, procedure and individual insurance plan. Our team can review available benefit and payment information, but coverage cannot be guaranteed.
Do you provide emergency dentistry in Las Vegas, NV?
Yes. Our dentist evaluates urgent tooth pain, damaged teeth, lost restorations, dental infections and other qualifying emergencies in Las Vegas and neighboring areas, subject to appointment availability.
Call for Emergency Dentistry in Las Vegas, NV
Dental pain, swelling and injuries can worsen without appropriate care. Calling promptly allows our team to assess the situation, provide instructions and arrange an evaluation based on the urgency of your symptoms and appointment availability.
Call 702-433-0355 for emergency dentistry in Las Vegas, NV. For difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial trauma or another life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.