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Emergency Dental Care
Prompt Relief for Your Dental Emergency

Same-day emergency appointments are available whenever possible.

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Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies don't respect your schedule. A tooth that chips at dinner, pain that wakes you up at 3 AM, or sudden swelling can leave you unsure of what to do next. The most important thing for your oral health and peace of mind is to call us at the first sign of an urgent issue.

At Schuster and Ochoco Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. If you experience pain, trauma, or another sudden oral health change, call our Santa Monica dental office at (310) 453-5300 for relief.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

If you are unsure if it’s a true emergency, always err on the side of calling. Our knowledgeable team can help you decide the next step. Situations that typically require prompt attention include:

  • Severe or persistent tooth pain
  • A broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth
  • A lost filling or crown that exposes a sensitive tooth
  • Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
  • A dental infection or abscess
  • Trauma to the mouth or jaw
  • Bleeding that doesn't subside

Why Chose Us for Emergency Dental Care?

When you have a dental emergency, it can be hard to focus on solutions. That's why our patients choose Dr. Aaron Ochoco to handle the situation expertly and thoughtfully.
Prompt Evaluation
We prioritize same-day appointments so you get answers quickly. A thorough evaluation, not a rushed assessment, is always the first step.
Conservative Treatment
Dr. Ochoco looks for the most conservative solution and only recommends more involved treatment when the situation genuinely calls for it.
Preserving Natural Teeth
Keeping your natural teeth is always our priority. Before recommending extraction, Dr. Ochoco explores every viable option to save the tooth.
Personalized Recommendations
We don't offer cookie-cutter solutions. Dr. Ochoco’s recommendations reflect the specific condition of your tooth, your overall oral health, and your long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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A knocked-out or broken tooth is one of the few dental situations where the minutes before you reach the office genuinely affect the outcome.

Completely Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Call our office immediately. The sooner we evaluate the tooth, the better the chances of saving it
  • Hold the tooth by the crown only. Do not touch the root.
  • Rinse the tooth with water. Don’t scrub.
  • Try gently reinserting the tooth in the socket, but don’t force it. Bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
  • If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a small container of milk or between your cheek and gum to keep it moist.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water
  • Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if there's any bleeding
  • Save any pieces of the tooth
  • Avoid chewing on that side until we see you

For Pain or Swelling in Either Situation

  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek in 10-minute intervals
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed, following package instructions
  • Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth

Call (310) 453-5300 as soon as possible. Schuster and Ochoco Dental serves patients from Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding Westside communities. After hours, voicemail instructions will connect you with a team member as quickly as possible.

How Dr. Ochoco Evaluates Emergencies

When you arrive, Dr. Ochoco's priority is understanding what is happening and why. He carefully evaluates the tooth, reviews any necessary imaging, and explains what he finds before discussing your options.

That sequence matters. Dental emergencies can feel high-pressure, but good decisions require good information. Dr. Ochoco makes sure you understand what's going on, what your options are, and what he recommends before anything else happens.

Possible Treatment Options

After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Ochoco may recommend one or more of the following:

  • Composite Bonding or Filling — For chips, cracks, or cavities that do not compromise tooth structure, we can often restore the tooth in a single visit with bonding or a composite filling.
  • Ceramic Crown — For more significant damage, a crown protects and restores the tooth while preserving its natural root.
  • Root Canal Treatment — Dr. Ochoco may recommend a root canal when an infection or damage reaches the inner portion of the tooth.
  • Extraction — Dr. Ochoco recommends extraction only when he has explored every other option and we cannot save the tooth. 
  • Dr. Aaron Ochoco

    Dr. Aaron Ochoco

    Dr. Aaron Ochoco earned his dental degree from Loma Linda University, where he developed strong clinical skills alongside a genuine commitment to compassionate, whole-patient care. He brings that same thoughtful approach to every patient he sees, taking the time to listen, understand individual concerns, and provide care that goes beyond the teeth.

    Dr. Ochoco is passionate about patient education and believes an informed patient is an empowered one. Whether you're coming in for a routine checkup or exploring cosmetic options, he'll walk you through your choices and help you feel confident ...

    Read More

Emergency Dental Care Technology

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Feeling a little anxious about your dental visit is completely normal. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe, well-established option that helps you feel calm and comfortable throughout your appointment. We simply place a small mask over your nose, and within minutes, you'll notice a pleasant sensation that makes it easier to settle in and relax while we do our work. 

One benefit of nitrous oxide that our busy patients appreciate is how quickly the effects fade. Once we remove the mask, you will feel like yourself again in just a few minutes, with no lingering grogginess or the need for a ride home. Whether you experience dental anxiety or simply prefer a more comfortable experience, we're happy to offer nitrous oxide to patients who want it. Just let us know when you schedule your visit or when you arrive.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go to the ER or call a dentist?

For dental pain, broken teeth, or lost restorations, a dentist is the right call. Emergency rooms can address infections that have spread or facial trauma, but they cannot treat the tooth. If you're experiencing severe swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or significant facial injury, go to the ER and contact our office as well.

Can you repair a broken tooth?

In most cases, yes. The treatment depends on how much of the tooth remains and whether the root and inner structure are intact. Dr. Ochoco evaluates each situation individually before recommending a course of action.

What if my toothache comes and goes?

Intermittent pain often signals an underlying issue that hasn't yet become severe. Catching it early typically means a simpler, more conservative treatment.

Will I need a tooth extraction?

Dr. Ochoco's preference is always to preserve the natural tooth, and he explores every viable option before recommending an extraction. If he does, he explains exactly why and what comes next.

Call Our Emergency Dentist First

If something feels wrong, we encourage you not to wait until it becomes serious. Schuster and Ochoco Dental offers emergency dental care for patients from Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding Westside communities.

Call (310) 453-5300 for same-day emergency appointments when available. After hours, follow the voicemail instructions to reach a team member as soon as possible.

Testimonial

"Very friendly and great environment."

Very friendly and great environment. Dr Ochoco saved a tooth that another dentist said could not be saved.

-Tony K. 

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Emergency Dental Care in Santa Monica, CA
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