Emergency Dental Care · Daly City, CA · Bay Area

Dental Emergency in Daly City?

Call Us. We’ll Help You Today.

Toothache, broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, lost crown, or dental abscess — patients with a dental emergency receive same-day priority access. Do not wait. Call now.
Call for Same-Day Emergency Care 650-755-6000
Dental Emergency in the Bay Area

Do Not Wait. Call 650-755-6000 Now — We Will Help You Today!

A dental emergency is any situation where delay risks making the problem significantly worse: a knocked-out tooth, a cracked tooth with exposed nerve, a severe toothache, a dental abscess, or significant mouth trauma. In these situations, time matters.

At Dr. Hovden’s Daly City practice, patients with a dental emergency receive same-day priority access. Call 650-755-6000, explain the nature of your emergency, and our team will arrange to see you as quickly as possible. We serve patients from Daly City, San Francisco, Pacifica, and across the Bay Area.

If you are experiencing swelling of the face or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or high fever alongside dental pain—go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These may indicate a spreading infection that requires hospital-level care. For all other dental emergencies, your first call should be to us.

Same-Day Priority Access

Emergency patients are seen as quickly as possible

Call 650-755-6000

Explain your emergency—we arrange care fast

AACD Accredited Fellow

1 of 80 practicing dentists worldwide.
1 of 2 in the Bay Area

Operating Microscopes

Precision diagnosis & treatment

Financing Available

Do not delay care over cost concerns

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Do You Have One of These? Call Us Now.

Any of these situations requires prompt care. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own — dental problems almost always worsen with delay.

Severe Toothache

Persistent, severe tooth pain is almost always a sign of an underlying problem—infection, decay, nerve involvement, or a cracked tooth. Do not ignore it. Pain that comes and goes still requires assessment. Pain that keeps you awake requires immediate care.

→ Call 650-755-6000 for same-day care

Knocked Out Tooth

The most time-sensitive dental emergency. The best chance of saving the tooth is within 30–60 minutes. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Keep it moist in milk, saline, or your cheek. Call immediately and come straight in.

→ Call NOW — every minute matters

Broken or Cracked Tooth

A broken or cracked tooth left untreated is vulnerable to infection and further fracture. Even if there is no pain, a crack that reaches the nerve will eventually become acutely painful. Save any broken pieces. Apply dental wax to any sharp edges if needed.

→ Call 650-755-6000 for same-day assessment

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that requires prompt treatment. Signs include severe persistent toothache, swelling in the face or gum, fever, and a painful bump on the gum. An untreated abscess can spread. If you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the ER immediately.

→ Do not wait—call us or go to the ER if severe

Lost Crown or Filling

A lost crown or filling leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity, damage, and decay. Keep the crown if you have it—do not attempt to glue it back yourself. Temporary dental cement (from pharmacies) can protect the tooth until your appointment.

→ Call for a prompt appointment

Loose Adult Tooth

A loose adult tooth is always a concern. It may indicate trauma, bone loss, or an underlying infection. Do not try to tighten it yourself. Avoid putting pressure on the tooth and call us as soon as possible. Quick treatment significantly improves the chance of saving the tooth.

→ Call 650-755-6000 promptly

While You Wait for Your Appointment

Dental First Aid — What to Do Right Now

These steps can reduce pain, prevent further damage, and improve outcomes, but they do not replace professional care. Call us first.

Severe Toothache

  • Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and inflammation. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label.
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek: 20 minutes on, 20 off.
  • Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum or tooth. This can cause tissue damage.
  • Call us! Toothache does not resolve without treatment.

Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (chewing surface)—never by the root.
  • Rinse gently with water if dirty—do not scrub.
  • Reinsert into the socket if possible and hold in place.
  • If not possible: place in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum.
  • Call 650-755-6000 immediately and come straight in.

Best chance of saving the tooth: within 30–60 minutes

Broken or Chipped Tooth

  • Save any broken pieces. Rinse and bring them with you.
  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
  • Apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is bleeding.
  • Cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling.
  • Dental wax (pharmacy) can protect sharp edges until your appointment.

    Call 650-755-6000 for same-day assessment

Lost Crown or Filling

  • Keep the crown safe if you still have it—bring it to your appointment.
  • Dental cement or temporary filling material (pharmacy) can protect the tooth.
  • Do not use superglue or household adhesives.
  • Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods on the affected tooth.
  • Call us and arrange a prompt appointment.

Soft Tissue Injury (Lip, Cheek, Tongue)

  • Rinse gently with clean water.
  • Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding.
  • Cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
  • If bleeding does not stop within 10–15 minutes, go to the emergency room.
  • Call us if the injury involves the teeth or jaw.

Dental Abscess

  • Rinse with warm salt water several times daily to draw out the infection.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
  • Call us immediately—abscesses require antibiotics and dental treatment.
  • Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself.

Difficulty swallowing or breathing—go to the ER immediately

When You Arrive

What Happens at Your Emergency Appointment

Emergency dental appointments are focused on two things: relieving your pain and stabilizing the situation to prevent further damage. Dr. Hovden and his team are experienced in treating the full range of dental emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Depending on the emergency, additional treatment may be planned for a follow-up appointment once the acute situation is resolved. Financing is available—do not let cost concerns prevent you from getting the care you need.

  • Call Ahead
    Call 650-755-6000 and describe your emergency. This allows our team to prepare for your arrival and prioritize you appropriately. If you have a knocked-out tooth, we may ask you to come directly without waiting for a callback.
  • Examination & Diagnosis
    Dr. Hovden will examine the area, take any necessary X-rays, and diagnose the problem. Operating microscope precision means even hairline cracks and subtle infections that other dentists miss are identified. You will be told clearly what is happening and what the options are.
  • Pain Relief First
    Your comfort is the immediate priority. Appropriate pain management is provided before and during any treatment. Dr. Hovden is known for his gentle, patient-focused approach. Many patients who were fearful of dental treatment describe him as transforming their experience.
  • Emergency Treatment
    The immediate problem is addressed—whether that means tooth stabilisation, temporary restoration, extraction of a severely infected tooth, or beginning root canal treatment. You will leave with significantly less discomfort than you arrived.
  • Follow-up Plan
    A clear plan for any follow-up treatment is provided before you leave. Costs, timeline, and options are explained clearly. If financing is needed, this is arranged at the same appointment. You leave with a plan, not just a patch.
Why Come to Dr. Hovden for a Dental Emergency

A Dental Emergency Deserves More Than a Temporary Fix.

Most dental emergencies are resolved in two phases: stabilisation followed by definitive treatment. The quality of the definitive treatment — the crown, the root canal, the implant — determines the long-term outcome. Seeing Dr. Hovden for your emergency means the same dentist who addresses your acute situation can also provide the highest-quality definitive restoration.

Dr. Hovden is an AACD Accredited Fellow: 1 of only 80 practicing dentists worldwide. He uses operating microscopes throughout his practice, meaning more accurate diagnoses and more conservative, better-fitting restorations. He completes well over 200 hours of continuing education every year since 2020, is a Former UOP Faculty Member for 39 years, and the founder of the Bay Area Aesthetic Masters study club, which is committed to raising the level of care of local dentists for over 20 years. His approach: do the least dentistry possible to keep you healthy. Even in an emergency context—he will recommend the most conservative approach the clinical situation allows.

Serving Daly City, San Francisco, Pacifica, and the wider Bay Area for over 40 years.

  • AACD Accredited Fellow—1 of 80 Worldwide
    The highest credential in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. One of only two in the Bay Area. The quality of the definitive restoration after your emergency reflects this standard.
  • Operating Microscopes Throughout
    Hairline cracks, root fractures, and subtle infections that are invisible to the naked eye are identified under the microscope. Accurate diagnosis changes the treatment recommendation significantly.
  • Visiting Faculty—Spear Institute
    Teaching-level expertise in restorative and occlusal dentistry. Every crown, filling, and implant placed after an emergency is planned with the bite’s long-term health built in from the start.
  • Well Over 200 CE Hours Per Year Since 2020
    Constantly updated with the latest techniques in emergency care, materials, and restorative options. Dr. Hovden is also a Clinical Instructor at the Kois Center and a Former UOP
  • Gentle, Patient-Focused Approach
    Dozens of patients who were fearful of dental care—including many who avoided the dentist for years—describe Dr. Hovden as the dentist who changed how they feel about dental treatment entirely.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs

Common Questions—Answered Clearly

Something not covered? Call 650-755-6000 right now.

A dental emergency is any situation where any delay in treatment risks making the problem significantly worse. This includes 

  • Severe tooth pain
  • A knocked-out tooth
  • A broken or cracked tooth
  • A lost filling or crown
  • A dental abscess
  • Significant bleeding
  • Swelling in the jaw or face 

When in doubt, call — it is always better to have the situation assessed than to wait.

Act immediately—time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown (chewing surface), not the root. Rinse gently with water if dirty—do not scrub. If possible, reinsert it gently into the socket. If not, place it in milk or hold it between your cheek and gum. Call 650-755-6000 immediately. The best chance of saving the tooth is within 30 to 60 minutes.

Call 650-755-6000 as soon as possible—persistent severe tooth pain almost always indicates an underlying problem requiring treatment. In the meantime, rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relief as directed, and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Do not apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gum. Do not ignore it. Tooth pain does not resolve without treatment.

Call 650-755-6000 to arrange an emergency appointment. Save any broken pieces and bring them. Rinse with warm water, apply gentle pressure to any bleeding with gauze, and use a cold compress for swelling. Dental wax (available at pharmacies) can protect sharp edges until your appointment.

Call and arrange an appointment. Keep the crown if you have it and bring it in. Dental cement or temporary filling material (available at pharmacies) can protect the exposed tooth in the meantime. Do not use superglue or household adhesives—this can complicate the repair. Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods on the affected tooth until you are seen.

Signs of a dental abscess include:

  • Severe, persistent toothache
  • Pain radiating to the jaw or ear
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Fever
  • Swelling in the face or cheek
  • Tender lymph nodes under the jaw
  • A swollen, painful bump on the gum

An abscess is a serious infection requiring prompt treatment. If you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency room immediately—this may indicate the infection has spread.

Rinse gently with clean water. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding. Apply a cold compress for swelling. Call our office if the injury involves the teeth or jaw.


If bleeding does not stop within 10 to 15 minutes, or if the injury is severe—go to the hospital emergency room.

Yes. Patients with a dental emergency receive same-day priority access. Call 650-755-6000 as soon as possible and explain the nature of your emergency. We will arrange to see you as quickly as possible. Our practice serves patients from Daly City, San Francisco, Pacifica, San Mateo County, and the wider Bay Area.

Yes—financing is available at Dr. Hovden’s practice. Do not delay emergency care over cost concerns. Emergency treatment will be performed based on clinical need, and your options will be discussed clearly at or after your emergency appointment.

Dental Emergency? Call Now. We Will Help You Today.

Do not wait for a dental problem to get worse. Call 650-755-6000, and our team will arrange same-day care for your emergency.

650-755-6000

Call For Same-Day Care Book Online

901 Campus Dr, Suite 202, Daly City, CA 94015 · Mon–Thu 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Financing Available