Do this right now
Salt-water rinses
Warm, several times a day, aimed at the back of the mouth to flush food from under the gum flap.
Pain relief you can normally take
Ibuprofen is the most effective for this; acetaminophen if you cannot take it.
Cold compress on the jaw
If the cheek is swollen. No heat.
Call (530) 406-1730
Say “wisdom tooth”. Swelling or difficulty opening your mouth is a same-day visit.
Do not
- Poking the gum flap with a toothpick
- Hard or seedy food on that side
- Smoking — it slows healing and feeds the infection
- Waiting if you cannot open your mouth fully or the swelling is spreading
Go to the ER instead of us if
- Trouble swallowing or breathing, or swelling spreading into the neck.
- Fever above 101°F with jaw swelling.
- 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
Panoramic X-ray
Shows the tooth, its roots and the nerve beside it, and whether it is impacted.
Settle the infection
Clean under the gum, antibiotics where needed, and pain relief that works.
Remove it, here
Most wisdom teeth are removed in our Woodland office — local anesthetic, nitrous, oral or IV sedation. Often the same week, sometimes the same day. Written fee first.
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
Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?
No. A wisdom tooth that has come through straight, can be cleaned, and does not hurt can stay. Impacted, infected or decayed ones are removed.
Can you remove wisdom teeth or will I be referred?
Dr. Singh removes most wisdom teeth, including impacted ones, in our office with sedation. Only unusual cases near the nerve are referred to an oral surgeon.
How long is recovery?
Two to four days of swelling and soreness, a week to feel normal. We give written aftercare and you can call us with any worry.
Can I be seen today?
Yes, during office hours Monday to Friday. Call (530) 406-1730 first thing.
Other dental emergencies
Emergency dentist near: Davis · West Sacramento · Dixon · Winters · Esparto · Knights Landing