9 Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency in Tustin

Acting Quickly When Every Minute Counts

A dental emergency rarely happens at a convenient time. Whether it’s a chipped tooth during a weekend soccer game at Tustin Sports Park or a sudden, throbbing ache in the middle of the night, the moments following a dental injury are critical. The actions you take in the first 30 to 60 minutes can mean the difference between saving a natural tooth and needing a permanent replacement.

At Transformation Dental Partners, we understand that dental trauma is frightening. Our practice is designed to be a sanctuary of calm during these high-stress moments. Led by Dr. Davin Li, we provide 24/7 emergency support to the Tustin community, combining a compassionate, gentle approach with the advanced technology needed to restore your smile immediately. Here is exactly what you should do when a dental crisis strikes.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Panicking increases your heart rate and can make pain feel more intense. Take a deep breath and determine the severity of the issue. Is there heavy bleeding? Is a tooth completely missing, or just cracked?

Important: If you have suffered a hit to the head and are experiencing dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness, visit the nearest emergency room immediately. If the injury is localized to your mouth, your emergency dentist in Tustin is your best point of contact.

2. Contact Transformation Dental Partners Immediately

In an emergency, do not wait for "normal business hours." Call our office at (714) 544-1111. We prioritize emergency cases and offer 24/7 guidance. Even if the injury seems minor—like a dull, persistent ache—it could indicate an underlying infection or an abscess that requires immediate intervention to prevent bacterial spread.

3. How to Handle a Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is your greatest enemy.

• Pick it up by the crown: Never touch the root, as this can damage the living cells needed for re-implantation.
• Rinse gently: If it’s dirty, rinse it with water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
• Re-insert if possible: Gently try to place the tooth back in its socket and bite down on clean gauze.
• Storage: If you can’t re-insert it, place it in a small container of milk. Avoid plain water for long-term storage, as it can cause the root cells to break down.

4. Manage Intense Pain and Suspected Abscesses

A dental abscess is a severe infection that often presents as a painful, pimple-like swelling on the gum.

• Rinse with salt water: This can help draw out some of the bacteria and soothe the tissue.
• Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
• Avoid "Home Surgery": Never attempt to pop an abscess, as this can push the infection deeper into your jaw or even your bloodstream.

5. Protecting Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth

A fractured tooth can expose the sensitive inner pulp, leading to extreme temperature sensitivity.

• Save the fragments: If you find the piece of the tooth that broke off, rinse it and bring it with you.
• Cover sharp edges: If the broken tooth is cutting your tongue, cover the sharp edge with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or dental wax (available at most Tustin pharmacies).
• CEREC Advantage: Because Dr. Li utilizes CEREC technology, we can often craft a permanent, custom-matched replacement crown for a broken tooth in a single visit.

6. What to Do with a Lost Filling or Crown

While losing a crown isn't always a "red alert" emergency, it can be painful as the underlying tooth is exposed to air and food.

• Temporary Reattachment: Use a small dab of over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily hold the crown in place.
• Never use Superglue: Household glues are toxic and can destroy your natural tooth structure, making it impossible for Dr. Li to properly reattach the crown later.

7. Addressing Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, or lips can bleed profusely.

• Clean the area: Rinse with a mild saltwater solution.
• Apply pressure: Use a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag (the tannic acid helps stop bleeding) and apply firm pressure for 15 minutes. If bleeding is uncontrollable, seek immediate professional medical attention.

8. Prepare for Your Emergency Visit

When you head to our Tustin office, try to have the following ready:

• Any tooth fragments or the knocked-out tooth.
• A list of any medications you are currently taking.
• Your insurance information.
• A summary of how the injury occurred.

9. The Power of Prevention: Avoiding Future Emergencies

The best way to handle a dental emergency is to prevent it. Many "sudden" toothaches are actually the result of long-term decay that could have been caught during a routine full-mouth wellness evaluation.



• Wear a mouthguard: If you or your children play sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard from Dr. Li offers significantly more protection than store-bought versions.
• Regular Checkups: Our advanced technology, including CBCT scanners and dental microscopes, allows us to see problems before they become painful emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compassionate Care in Your Time of Need

Dental emergencies are disruptive and painful, but you don't have to face them alone. At Transformation Dental Partners, our mission is to provide the Tustin community with a high-tech, high-comfort environment—even when things go wrong. From our spa-like amenities to Dr. Li's expert restorative skills, we are here to get your oral health back on track.

Don't Wait—Get Help Now

If you are experiencing pain or have suffered a dental injury, contact us immediately. We are your trustedemergency dentist in Tustin.

• Call Us Now: (714) 544-1111
• Meet Dr. Davin Li
• Explore Our Advanced Technology

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or severe facial trauma, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.