Dental emergency?
Pain, swelling, a broken or dislodged tooth? Call first thing and we'll do our best to see you the same day.
A dental emergency rarely comes at a good time. It might be a toothache that kept you up all night, a tooth that cracked out of nowhere, a crown that came off at dinner. Whatever it is, you want relief, and you want someone who takes it seriously. At Serene Dentistry in Ventura, Dr. Klara Efner and our team will listen, help you work out how urgent it is, and do our best to see you the same day.
What counts as a dental emergency
Facial or gum swelling (possible infection)
Injury to the mouth or jaw
Dislodged tooth
Severe or worsening toothache
Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
Lost filling or crown
When in doubt, call — we'll help you decide.
What to do right now
Swelling or a gum bump
Call today — that can be an infection.
A dislodged tooth
Pick it up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse, keep it in milk or against your cheek, and get to us fast — time matters.
Broken tooth
Save any pieces and rinse with warm water.
Pain
A warm salt-water rinse and over-the-counter pain relief until we see you.
A lost crown or filling
Keep the crown somewhere safe and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side, and please don't try to glue it back with a household adhesive.
A sharp or chipped edge
If a broken edge is catching your tongue or cheek, a small piece of sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax over it can help until your visit.
When to go to the emergency room first
Some problems need a hospital before they need a dentist. If swelling is making it hard to breathe or swallow, if swelling is spreading quickly or comes with a high fever, if you may have a broken jaw, or if bleeding is heavy and won't slow down, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Once you're safe, call us and we'll take care of the tooth. For most toothaches, broken teeth or lost crowns, though, a dentist is the right place: an emergency room can help with pain or infection but usually can't repair the tooth.
What happens when you call
Call or text (805) 653-1599
Tell us what happened and how you're feeling. We'll ask a few questions so we understand how urgent it is, and we'll do our best to see you the same day.
A careful look
Dr. Efner examines the tooth and the area around it and takes the X-rays she needs to see what's really going on.
Relief first
She explains what she sees in plain language and talks you through your options. When it's possible, the first goal is to get you out of pain at that visit.
A plan for what's next
Some problems are fixed in one visit. Others need a follow-up, such as a crown or a root canal, once the urgent part is under control. You'll know what's recommended, why, and what it will cost before anything is done.
How it feels
We know you may arrive in pain, worried, or both. Our office is calm and quiet, and we won't rush you. We buffer our anesthetic and use a vibrating facial massager so injections are more comfortable, and we have warm neck pillows, blankets and soft music if they help. If you're nervous, tell us; we'll go at your pace and explain each step before we do it.
After your visit
Follow the care instructions Dr. Efner gives you for your specific treatment. A tooth that has calmed down can still need further care, so book any follow-up rather than waiting. Fixing the cause is what keeps the same emergency from coming back.
Why Serene for an emergency
Calm, gentle care even on a bad day — and a dentist trained to fix the cause, not just numb the pain. Dr. Efner trained at the Kois Center in comprehensive dentistry, so she looks for why an emergency happened, not just at the tooth that hurts today.
Read more about Dr. Efner →Cost, insurance and financing
We're in-network with Cigna PPO. For all other Dental PPO plans we file your claims for you so you still get to use your benefits. Financing is available, and we offer an in-house membership plan for uninsured patients or those with HMO plans.
We offer third-party financing through Cherry and CareCredit, including interest-free options, when applicable. Before treatment begins, we'll explain the cost and give you an estimate of your portion.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see me today?
We'll do our best to see you the same day. Calling early in the day gives us the most room to fit you in, so call as soon as you can.
What if it happens after hours or on a weekend?
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Outside those hours, leave a message with a callback number. Dr. Efner checks messages herself and will call you back if it's an emergency, evenings and weekends included. Until then, follow the steps under “What to do right now.” If you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury, go to the emergency room.
Do I have to be a patient already?
No. You don't need to have been here before to call us with an emergency.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
If it hurts, is sensitive, or has a sharp edge, call us. A small chip with no pain is less urgent, but it's still worth having it looked at soon so it doesn't turn into a bigger break.
It's been years since I saw a dentist. Is that a problem?
Not with us. You won't get a lecture. We'll take care of what's urgent first, and if there's more to do later, we'll talk about it when you're ready.
Don't wait it out
Call or text (805) 653-1599, or book online. We're at 3003 Loma Vista Rd, Suite G, Ventura, CA 93003, and we'll do our best to see you the same day.
We can’t wait
to meet you
Call (805) 653-1599 or book your appointment through the link below. We’ll see you soon.
