It always happens at the most inconvenient time.
You’re settling in for the night, or perhaps you’re enjoying a weekend dinner here in Agoura Hills, when it hits: a sharp, throbbing pain in your jaw. Or maybe a rogue popcorn kernel just cracked a tooth you’ve had for years.
Your first instinct is to panic. Your second is to wonder: “Can this wait until Monday morning, or do I need to find a dentist right now?”
At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we’ve helped our neighbors navigate these “panic moments” for over 47 years. To help you stay calm and make the right call, we’ve put together the ultimate “Emergency Checklist.”
The “Big Three”: When to Call Us Immediately
If you are experiencing any of the following, do not wait. These are signs that an infection or injury needs professional intervention to save the tooth:
- A Knocked-Out Tooth: You have a “Golden Hour.” If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist (in a cup of milk or inside your cheek) and get to us immediately. We can often “re-plant” the tooth if we act fast.
- Swelling in the Gums or Face: This is the “Secret Language” of a serious abscess. Swelling means an infection is spreading. If left untreated, this can affect your systemic health—including your heart.
- Unbearable, Throbbing Pain: If the pain is keeping you from sleeping or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter relievers, the nerve is likely compromised.
The “Wait-and-See” List (Non-Emergencies)
Not every “dental disaster” requires an after-hours trip. You can usually wait 24–48 hours if you experience:
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A Lost Filling: It feels strange, but it’s rarely an emergency. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
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A Small Chip: If there is no pain and no sharp edge cutting your tongue, this is a cosmetic fix.
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A Dull Ache: If the pain comes and goes, it may be a sign of grinding or a small cavity. Schedule a visit, but don’t lose sleep tonight.
Why Technology Matters in an Emergency
When you’re in pain, you don’t want guesswork. At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we use 3D CBCT Imaging. While a standard X-ray shows a “flat” picture, our 3D technology allows Dr. Navjot Sekhon, DDS, FAGD, to see the infection from every angle, ensuring we treat the root cause—not just the symptom.
Are you experiencing a dental emergency in Agoura Hills?
As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), Dr. Sekhon has the advanced training to handle complex cases with a gentle, stress-free touch. We prioritize emergency cases to ensure our community stays out of pain.
Need Help Right Now?
We See Emergencies Same Day—Often Within the Hour.
When you are in throbbing pain, “tomorrow” isn’t an option. At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we reserve specific blocks in our daily schedule specifically for our Agoura Hills neighbors in crisis.
During business hours, our goal is to get you into a chair and out of pain within hours of your call. We don’t just “patch” the problem; we use our 3D CBCT Imaging to get an immediate, crystal-clear view of the issue so we can provide a definitive solution on the spot.