A dental emergency is scary. You’re in pain, worried about losing a tooth, and don’t know who to call or where to go. In that moment, the last thing you want is to be shuffled between offices. You don’t want to hear, “We’ll refer you to a specialist.” You want answers.
At Claremont Dental Institute, we’ve built our practice around a simple idea. When you need help, you shouldn’t have to go anywhere else.
Our Claremont office is home to a team of in-house specialists. That means we can handle almost any dental emergency in one location.
The Problem with Referrals During an Emergency
A general dentist handles routine care. But when something complex happens, they send you to a specialist. Maybe you need a root canal, so they refer you to an endodontist. Maybe you need a tooth extracted, so they refer you to an oral surgeon. They may refer you to someone else entirely if you have a TMJ issue. For routine care, that’s inconvenient. During an emergency, it’s a nightmare.
You’re already in pain. Now you have to call another office. You have to explain your situation again and wait for an opening in their schedule. You might have to drive across town.
Every delay adds stress. Every extra step adds frustration, and in some cases, every hour matters when it comes to saving your tooth.
What Makes Claremont Dental Institute Different
We built our team differently. Instead of referring patients out, we brought the specialists in.
Dr. Steve Fountain leads our practice. He’s been serving Claremont for over 30 years. He’s a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and has hundreds of hours of advanced training in implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics.
Dr. Michele Pavlisin is our TMJ specialist. She has nearly 40 years of experience. Her advanced training includes the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Center, and Spear Education. She focuses on jaw joint pain, orofacial pain, and smile cosmetics.
Dr. Nadia Hassan is our oral surgeon. She graduated from the UCLA Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program. She earned her dental degree from UCLA and her medical degree from UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. She’s been performing oral surgery since 2011. Her training includes TMJ disorders, maxillofacial trauma, and dental reconstruction with implants.
Dr. Parth Karia is our endodontist. He completed his specialty residency at Temple University. He’s passionate about saving teeth. He even served as one of only two residents selected nationally for an international outreach mission to Jamaica.
Scott Bertrand, CRNA, is our nurse anesthetist. He provides sedation services for patients who need extra comfort during treatment. CRNAs are anesthesia experts. They focus solely on patient safety and monitoring during procedures.
This team is rare. Most general dental practices don’t have this depth of expertise on staff, but we do.
What This Means for Your Emergency
When you call us with a dental emergency, here’s what happens. You don’t get a referral. You get an appointment. When you come to our Foothill Boulevard office, you see a dentist who can actually solve your problem.
If You Need a Root Canal
A severe toothache means the pulp inside your tooth is infected. You might need a root canal. Dr. Karia is an endodontist. He specializes in exactly this. He can relieve your pain and save your tooth, all in our office.
If You Need an Extraction
Sometimes a tooth can’t be saved. If it’s severely damaged or infected, extraction might be the best option. Dr. Hassan is an oral surgeon. She handles extractions every day. You don’t need to go anywhere else.
If You Have Jaw Pain or TMJ Symptoms
Dental emergencies aren’t always about teeth. Jaw pain, clicking, and limited movement can signal a TMJ disorder. Dr. Pavlisin has nearly 40 years of experience in this area. She can diagnose the problem and provide TMJ treatment.
If You’re Anxious or Need Sedation
Dental anxiety is real. Some patients avoid care for years because of fear. During an emergency, that fear doesn’t go away. Scott Bertrand, CRNA, can provide sedation options to help you relax. You get the care you need without the panic.
The Technology Advantage: Solea Laser
We also use advanced technology that makes emergency treatment faster and more comfortable. Our Solea laser lets us perform many procedures without a drill. No drill means less noise, less vibration, and no need for anesthetic injections. For patients who fear the dentist, this changes everything. You can get the care you need without the sounds and sensations that trigger anxiety.
The Solea laser is also precise. It preserves more healthy tooth structure, reduces bleeding and swelling, and speeds up healing. During an emergency, these benefits matter. You’re already stressed, so the last thing you need is a traumatic experience on top of it.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental problem requires immediate care, but some do. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Call Us Right Away If You Have:
- Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth
- Severe, spontaneous pain that won’t go away
- A knocked-out permanent tooth (this is a race against time)
- A loose or dislodged adult tooth
- Signs of serious infection like a pimple on your gums, facial swelling, or fever
- Swelling in your face or jaw
These situations need quick professional care. The sooner you call, the better your chances of a good outcome.
You Can Wait for a Regular Appointment If You Have:
- A dull, constant toothache
- A chipped or cracked tooth without severe pain
- A lost filling or crown (without pain)
These issues still need attention, but they’re not emergencies. Call us during business hours to schedule an appointment.
Serving Claremont and the Inland Valley
Claremont Dental Institute is located at 601 East Foothill Boulevard in Claremont, CA. We proudly serve patients from:
- Claremont
- La Verne
- Pomona
- San Dimas
- Upland
- Rancho Cucamonga
- All surrounding communities
Our office is easy to find. We’re right on Foothill Boulevard. When you’re in pain, you don’t want to get lost. You want to get there fast.
Call Us When You Need Us
If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait. Don’t call around to different offices. Don’t settle for a referral to someone you’ve never met. Call Claremont Dental Institute at (909) 277-6919 or request an appointment online. You’ll reach a team of specialists who can handle your emergency under one roof.