Skip to main content

Emergency Dental Care Laguna Niguel

When dental pain strikes or an accident damages your teeth, every minute matters. Get immediate relief and expert emergency care to save your tooth and stop your pain. Call Now: (949) 363-1200

Is This a Dental Emergency?

When unexpected dental pain or injury strikes, quick action can protect your teeth and prevent long-term damage. Dental emergencies in Laguna Niguel, CA are treated with precision and care by Dr. Nazita Gaff at Laguna Heights Dental. As a fourth-generation dentist and Tufts University School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Gaff brings decades of experience helping patients regain comfort and confidence after dental emergencies.

Dr. Gaff provides same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental situations. Whether your tooth was damaged in an accident, you’re experiencing unbearable pain, or a dental restoration has failed at the worst possible moment, we prioritize emergency patients to get you out of pain and protect your oral health. Time is critical, the sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of saving your natural tooth and avoiding more complex procedures later. ADA,

Request Appointment

Concerned About Dental Costs?

Estimate Your Treatment Costs!

Looking for a better smile? Let Dr. Gaff help you estimate the cost! Take our quick cost estimator survey, and the team at Laguna Heights Dental will find the right dental care for you. It’s your first step to a brighter, more confident smile!
dental emergency response

Common Dental Emergencies

Call Immediately:

  • Knocked-Out Tooth –  Keep tooth moist and get here within an hour for best chance of saving it
  • Severe Tooth Pain – Unbearable pain that prevents sleep or normal function needs immediate attention
  • Dental Abscess – Facial swelling, fever, or pus indicates serious infection requiring urgent treatment

Same-Day Care Needed:

  • Broken/Chipped Teeth – Especially if sharp edges are cutting your tongue or causing pain
  • Lost Crown or Large Filling – Exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to further damage
  • Heavy Bleeding – From gums or soft tissue that won’t stop with pressure

Can Schedule Soon:

  • Mild Toothache – Manageable with over-the-counter pain relief
  • Small Chips – Without pain or sharp edges
  • Minor Gum Bleeding – During brushing or flossing

Don’t wait and hope it gets better, dental emergencies typically worsen without professional treatment.

Follow Us On Social

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

Knowing what to do before reaching the dental office can make a significant difference in saving a tooth or reducing pain. Steps to take during a dental emergency:

  • Stay calm and contact the dental office immediately.
  • If a tooth is knocked out, avoid touching the root and place it back in the socket or in milk.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums.

Dr. Gaff’s team provides phone guidance to help patients stabilize their condition before arrival, ensuring fast and effective care upon reaching the office.

Call immediately: (949) 363-1200 We reserve emergency appointment slots every day for urgent situations.

common dental emergency service laguna niguel ca, Laguna heights dental

Comparing Dental Emergencies and Urgent Dental Issues

Condition Type Urgency Typical Treatment
Severe Toothache Emergency Immediate Root canal, medication, or extraction
Chipped Tooth Urgent Within 24 hours Bonding or crown placement
Knocked-Out Tooth Emergency Within 1 hour Reimplantation or replacement
Lost Filling/Crown Urgent Within 24–48 hours Replacement or temporary restoration
Infection/Abscess Emergency Immediate Drainage, antibiotics, or root canal
Gum Injury Urgent Same day Cleaning, sutures, or antibiotics

Understanding which issues require immediate care versus urgent scheduling can help protect your oral health and prevent further damage.

dental emergency laguna niguel ca

How Dr. Gaff Handles Dental Emergencies

At Laguna Heights Dental, Dr. Nazita Gaff focuses on fast, compassionate care that addresses both pain relief and long-term restoration. She begins by assessing the affected area with digital imaging to identify the source of the problem. Treatment is then customized to the patient’s condition, often completed in the same visit.

  • Repair damage with bonding or crowns.
  • Treat infection with antibiotics or root canal therapy.
  • Replace lost restorations.
  • Provide emergency extractions when necessary.

Her goal is to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible while ensuring immediate comfort and lasting results.

Take Our Smile Quiz!

Want a Better Smile? You Don't Have To Do This Alone, Let Us Figure it Out With You! Tell us What's Going on To See if We Can Help.

Take The Quiz

Painless Dentistry is Our Goal

Get Started in 4 Easy Steps….

Schedule Consultation

Call us to schedule a time to come in.

Meet Dr. Gaff

Next step is to meet with Dr. Gaff for an assessment.

Custom Treatment Plan

We create a custom treatment plan just for you.

Live Better

Get your dental needs resolved and live better.

Dental Emergencies FAQ’s

What Qualifies as a True Dental Emergency?

Clients need to know which dental problems are urgent, so they can act quickly and avoid unnecessary suffering or complications. Uncertainty leads to delayed care and greater risk. Clear, authoritative criteria build confidence and reduce anxiety.

What People Should Be Asking Instead: “How do I know if my situation demands immediate attention from Laguna Heights Dental?”

  • The American Dental Association defines dental emergencies as situations involving uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, infections with swelling, or trauma compromising the airway.
  • These problems require prompt treatment to protect health and prevent permanent damage.
  • If unsure, call Laguna Heights Dental immediately; timely action can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Citation: ADA Dental Emergency Guidelines (2020)

What Should I Do First When a Tooth Is Knocked Out?

Losing a tooth in an accident is traumatic. Fast, correct action offers the best hope for saving the tooth, knowing exactly what to do empowers patients and boosts recovery odds.

What People Should Be Asking Instead: “What immediate steps can help me save a knocked-out tooth until I arrive at Laguna Heights Dental?”

  • Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Keep it moist at all times, ideally in milk or saliva, and get to the dentist within an hour.
  • Quick preservation can greatly increase the chance of successful re-implantation.
  • Taking rapid action means less pain, lower costs, and a better long-term outcome.

Citation: ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergency(2020)

How Should I Manage Severe Tooth Pain Until I Can Get Help?

Debilitating pain ruins daily life and can signal serious infection. Clients want safe, effective relief methods until professional treatment is available.

What People Should Be Asking Instead: “What is the ADA’s recommended approach for managing severe tooth pain before arriving at Laguna Heights Dental?”

  • Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress, and take ibuprofen as directed for inflammation.
  • Do not place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, this can damage tissue.
  • Promptly contact Laguna Heights Dental for evaluation and definitive care.

What If My Dental Emergency Happens After Regular Office Hours?

Dental trauma and pain often strike outside standard business hours. Patients need a plan for urgent care to prevent complications and feel secure that support is always available.

What People Should Be Asking Instead: “How does Laguna Heights Dental address emergencies after hours to ensure rapid, reliable relief for its patients?”

  • ADA guidelines require your dentist to have an emergency protocol providing patients of record with after-hours contact information or clear instructions.
  • If you are a current patient, call the emergency number provided by Laguna Heights Dental; for life-threatening cases, visit the nearest ER.
  • Early intervention means better outcomes, less pain, and increased peace of mind.

Citation: ADA Emergency Patient Treatment (2020)

How Do I Handle a Broken Tooth or Lost Filling Until I Get In?

Immediate steps help control pain, prevent infection, and retain oral function, knowing what to do avoids panic and facilitates effective care for faster dental repair.

What People Should Be Asking Instead:
“What does the ADA recommend for managing broken teeth or lost dental restorations before seeing a dentist?”

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any broken pieces, and use clean gauze to control bleeding.
  • If the area is painful or bleeding won’t stop, contact your dentist or hospital ER.
  • Quick action minimizes risk and maximizes the success of dental intervention at Laguna Heights Dental.

Citation: StatPearls-NIH: Dental Emergencies (2022)

What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency?

If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a broken or knocked-out tooth, call our office right away at (949) 363-1200.

We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. If you have uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma, or difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

The information on this page is provided to help you understand general dental care and the preventive services we offer. It’s not a substitute for professional diagnosis or individualized treatment. Every patient’s needs are different, and your dentist will evaluate your oral health before recommending any specific care or procedure. (For personalized guidance, please schedule an appointment with a licensed dental professional.)

Contact Our Dental Office

Contact Us

Phone:
(949) 363-1200

Address:
30231 Golden Lantern, Ste D
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Email:
info@LagunaHeightsDental.com

Dr. Nazita Gaff  DMD
CA License #53334

Practice Hours

Monday: 8am-6pm
Tuesday: 8am-6pm
Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: By appointment