Do this right now
Sleep with your head raised
Two pillows, or sleep in a recliner. Less blood pressure in the head means less throbbing.
Pain relief on a schedule
Ibuprofen at the labelled dose, with acetaminophen between doses if you can take both. Set a timer rather than waiting for the pain to peak.
Cold compress, warm rinse
Cold on the cheek for the throbbing; warm salt-water rinse for the gum. Never heat on the face.
Clove oil, if you have it
A drop on a cotton ball against the tooth (not the gum) numbs for a while. Numbing gels from the pharmacy do the same.
Call (530) 406-1730 at opening
8 AM Monday to Thursday, 9 AM Friday. Say it kept you up; we see you the same day.
Do not
- Lying flat
- Alcohol to dull it — it thins the blood and makes swelling worse
- Aspirin on the gum
- Very hot or very cold drinks
Go to the ER instead of us if
- Swelling spreading to the eye or neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a high fever — go to the ER tonight, do not wait for morning.
- Bleeding will not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure.
- There was a blow to the head with confusion, vomiting or loss of consciousness.
We are open Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 9 AM to 2 PM and are not a 24-hour clinic. The nearest ER is Woodland Memorial Hospital, 2000 Sutter Place — or call 911.
What we do at the visit
Same-day exam and X-ray
We find whether it is a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, an abscess or a gum infection.
Numb and relieve
You leave without the pain, whatever the final treatment is.
A plan with the fee in writing
Root canal, filling or extraction — explained, priced, and often done the same visit.
What it costs
The emergency exam and X-ray fee is quoted when you call. Any treatment is priced in writing before it starts, and nothing is done without your OK. Most PPO plans cover emergency exams; monthly plans through CareCredit and Cherry. We do not accept HMO plans or Medi-Cal.
Request a same-day call
Three details and we call you. If it hurts badly, calling is faster: (530) 406-1730
Questions people ask
Why is tooth pain worse at night?
Lying down raises blood pressure in the head and there is nothing to distract you. The cause is the same as in the day — usually an inflamed nerve or infection — it is just more noticeable.
Is there an emergency dentist open at night in Woodland?
SpringLake Dental is open Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 9 AM to 2 PM; we are not a 24-hour clinic. Follow the steps above overnight and call at opening for a same-day slot. For the ER signs listed here, go to Woodland Memorial Hospital.
Can I take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together?
Many adults can alternate them, and dentists often suggest it for tooth pain. Check the labels, your own medical conditions, and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
Will you see me first thing?
Call at opening and tell the front desk it kept you awake. Emergency slots are held each weekday and pain like this goes to the front of the line.
Other dental emergencies
Emergency dentist near: Davis · West Sacramento · Dixon · Winters · Esparto · Knights Landing