emergency-dentist-santa-monica

Emergency Dentist in Santa Monica​

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Whether dental pain starts as a mild and dull ache or suddenly becomes severe, you should not have to wait days to get help.

If you need urgent dental care in Santa Monica, our office provides same-day emergency dental appointments for toothaches, broken teeth, dental infections, abscesses, and other urgent dental problems. When you call, our team will guide you on what to do next and help you get seen as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Dr. Nima Mashkouri?

When you are dealing with dental pain, you want more than just fast care—you want to feel confident you are in the right hands.

Dr. Nima Mashkouri is known throughout Santa Monica for providing thoughtful, reliable dental care that puts patients at ease. He has over 20 years of experience practicing dentistry, having graduated from a highly ranked Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA with extra training in a postdoctoral residency program in Endodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry. He has treated several collegiate and professional athletes. Having extensive clinical experience in dental trauma and pain management, Dr. Mashkouri’s approach is straightforward and patient-focused. He takes the time to understand what you are experiencing, explains what is going on, and walks you through your options without pressure.

Patients appreciate that they are not rushed through emergency visits. Instead, Dr. Mashkouri focuses on getting you out of pain while making sure the underlying issue is properly addressed.

Our office is comfortable and welcoming for both routine and urgent visits, with a focus on minimizing stress and streamlining your experience.

We work with all PPO insurance plans and offer flexible payment options, making it easier to get the care you need without unnecessary barriers.

If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Santa Monica who is experienced, approachable, and focused on doing what is right for you, Dr. Mashkouri and his team are here to help.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care

When something does not feel right, it is usually your body’s way of telling you to act quickly. Dental issues are no different.

At our Santa Monica office, we prioritize emergencies with same-day appointments. Our goal is simple: relieve your pain, identify the issue, and restore comfort.

We treat a wide range of dental emergencies, including:

  • Persistent toothaches
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Swelling or signs of infection
  • Dental abscesses
  • Sudden sensitivity or sharp pain
  • Dental accidents or trauma

If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, it is always better to call and ask. We will help you decide the next step. Call (310) 458-8811 now for emergency dental care.

Top-Rated Emergency Dentist Near You

Toothache Treatment

A toothache can range from mild discomfort to intense, throbbing pain that makes it hard to focus, eat, or sleep. Even if it comes and goes, it is important not to ignore it.

Common Symptoms

  • Persistent or sharp tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Swelling around the tooth or gums
  • Headaches or jaw discomfort
 

Likely Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the nature of the chief complaint or the cause of pain. It can range anywhere from a very conservative, non-invasive approach to more invasive procedures depending on the condition and history. After a thorough clinical and radiographical exam, we may recommend:

  • Filling for cavities
  • Different types of restoration (i.e. Inlays, Onlays, Crowns) for more extensive damage
  • A root canal if the tooth is highly inflamed or infected
  • Gum treatment if gingivitis (gum inflammation) is involved
  • Extraction if tooth is not salvageable
  • Or simple conservative options in certain mild cases
 

Our top priority is to relieve pain, then resolve the problem so it does not return. Our goal is to save your tooth as much as possible. If you have a toothache or a dental problem, call us at (310) 458-8811 or request a same-day appointment.

Dental Pain Relief

Not all dental pain is easy to pinpoint. You may feel pressure, sensitivity, or discomfort without knowing exactly which tooth is causing it, also known as referred pain. It may also result from occlusal trauma from grinding and clenching (bruxism). 

Common Symptoms

  • Generalized mouth or jaw pain
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot when eating or drinking
  • Lingering pain to cold
  • Pain on pressure or chewing
  • Pain that radiates to the ear or temple
  • Discomfort when opening or closing your mouth
  • Spontaneous pain (pain that starts without even eating or drinking)
 

Likely Treatment Options

We start by identifying the source of the pain. This may include diagnostic tools such as:

  • Digital X-rays
  • Bite evaluation
  • Gum health assessment
  • Pulp tests to determine the cause of pain
 

Depending on what we find, treatment may involve:

  • Adjusting your bite
  • Treating gum inflammation
  • Repairing a damaged tooth
  • Addressing grinding or clenching
  • Prescribing appropriate medications
  • Conservative options 
  • Monitoring with no procedures involved
 

Relieving dental pain is not just about masking symptoms—it is about finding the cause and treating it properly. Call us today at (310) 458-8811 for fast, effective dental pain relief.

Broken Tooth Repair

A broken or chipped tooth can happen suddenly—from biting into something hard, a fall, or an accident. Even if it does not  hurt right away, it still needs attention.

Common Symptoms

  • Visible crack or missing portion of a tooth
  • Sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheek
  • Pain when biting
  • Sensitivity to temperature such as cold or hot
  • Loose tooth 
 

Likely Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of the damage, we may recommend:

  • Dental bonding or filling for minor cases (i.e. chips)
  • Inlay/Onlay/Crown to restore strength and appearance
  • Veneers for front teeth
  • Root canal therapy if the nerve is affected
  • Extraction if tooth is not salvageable
 

Prompt care reduces the risk of infection and prevents further damage. If you have broken a tooth, call us at (310) 458-8811 today to request a same-day appointment.

Dental Infection / Abscess Treatment

 

Dental infections are serious and should never be ignored. An abscess is a pocket of infection that can spread if left untreated.

Common Symptoms

  • Severe, persistent tooth pain
  • Swelling in the gums or face
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums
  • Fever or general feeling of illness or malaise
  • Bad taste or odor in the mouth
 

Likely Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on eliminating the infection and protecting your overall health. This may include:

  • Draining the abscess
  • Root canal therapy
  • Antibiotics (when appropriate)
  • Tooth extraction if the damage is too severe
 

Early treatment prevents complications and supports a quicker recovery. If you suspect a dental infection or abscess, call us at (310) 458-8811 immediately.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some symptoms should never be ignored. If you are experiencing any of the following, contact our office right away:

  • Facial swelling
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Severe, worsening pain
  • Signs of infection spreading
  • Fever along with dental pain

If symptoms feel severe or life-threatening, go to the nearest emergency room first, then follow up with a dentist as soon as possible.

Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

Not every dental issue feels urgent at first, but certain signs indicate you should be seen quickly:

  • Pain that doesn’t go away
  • Swelling in the gums or jaw
  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Loose or knocked-out teeth
  • Sudden sensitivity or pressure
 

Waiting often worsens symptoms. When in doubt, get checked promptly. Call us at (310) 458-8811 to or complete our online contact form to schedule your same-day appointment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

We know dental emergencies can be stressful. Our approach is straightforward and focused on getting you relief as quickly as possible.

During your visit, we will:

  1. Listen to your symptoms and concerns
  2. Perform a focused exam
  3. Take digital X-rays if needed
  4. Diagnose the problem
  5. Discuss different treatment options
  6. Begin treatment or stabilize the problem
 

In many cases, we can treat the issue the same day. If additional care is needed, we will walk you through your options and next steps.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Woman smiling leaning on a chair

Emergency Dental FAQs

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency includes:

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Knocked-out or loose teeth
  • Broken or cracked teeth
  • Swelling or infection
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
 

If you’re unsure, call us—we can help determine if you need immediate care.

Do you offer same-day emergency dental appointments?

Yes. We prioritize urgent dental care and do our best to see emergency patients the same day. If you’re in pain or have experienced dental trauma, call us immediately so we can schedule you as soon as possible.

What should I do for a severe toothache?

Call our office at (310) 458-8811 as soon as possible. In the meantime:

  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed)
  • Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods
  • Do not place aspirin directly on the gums (this can cause burns)
 

Do I go to the ER or a dentist for tooth pain?

Most dental problems are best treated by a dentist.
Go to the ER if you experience:

  • Severe facial swelling
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • High fever
  • Trauma involving the jaw or head
 

Otherwise, contact a dentist as soon as possible for faster, more appropriate care.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

This is a true dental emergency—act quickly:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root)
  • Gently rinse it (do not scrub)
  • Try to place it back in the socket if possible
  • If not, store it in milk or saliva
  • Call us immediately—treatment within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth
 

Can a broken tooth be repaired the same day?

In many cases, yes. Minor chips or fractures can often be treated the same day with bonding or smoothing. More severe damage may require additional treatment, such as a crown or root canal, which could involve follow-up visits.

What should I do if my crown or filling falls out?

  • Keep the area clean
  • Avoid chewing on that side
  • If possible, temporarily cover the tooth with dental cement (available at pharmacies)
  • Call us to schedule a repair as soon as possible
 

How do I know if I have a dental abscess?

Common signs include:

  • Severe, persistent tooth pain
  • Swelling in the gums or face
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums
  • Bad taste or odor
  • Fever or general discomfort
 

If you suspect an abscess, seek care right away. Dental infections can spread and become serious if untreated.

Will antibiotics cure a tooth infection?

Antibiotics can help control the spread of infection, but they do not fix the underlying problem. Definitive dental treatment (such as a root canal or extraction) is necessary to fully resolve the issue.

Do you treat dental emergencies for new patients?

Yes. We welcome new patients and will do our best to provide same-day emergency care—even if you’ve never visited our office before.

Do you accept emergency walk-ins?

We recommend calling (310) 458-8811 before arriving so we can prepare for your visit and minimize your wait time. We do our best to accommodate walk-ins when possible.

What can I take for dental pain before my appointment?

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help (follow label instructions). Avoid placing medication directly on the gums.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on the condition and treatment needed. We accept many PPO insurance plans and offer flexible payment options, including financing. Our team will provide a clear estimate before treatment begins.

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