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Emergency Dentistry at Kitto Family Dental

A toothache, broken tooth, lost filling, or swelling deserves an answer today, not next week. Call our Santa Maria office and we’ll triage over the phone and offer the soonest time we can, often the same day.

Call for same-day helpNon-urgent contact form
Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

In pain? Call us first.

If you’re in pain, call (805) 922-4109. During office hours we triage true emergencies for same-day care when possible. After hours, our voicemail explains what to do next and the fastest way to reach a doctor for urgent issues.

What are the benefits of emergency dentistry?

Fast relief

We focus first on getting you out of pain.

A clear diagnosis

An exam and x-ray show what is causing the problem.

Saves teeth

Prompt care gives broken or infected teeth the best chance.

Kids and adults

We see urgent problems for the whole family.

Honest next steps

We explain what needs care today and what can wait.

One office for follow-up

From root canals to crowns, follow-up care happens here.

What counts as a dental emergency.

Toothache that won’t quit

Persistent pain, sensitivity that lingers after cold or hot, or pain that keeps you up at night. Don’t wait it out.

Broken or chipped tooth

Especially if it is painful, sharp, or bleeding. We can smooth, bond, or crown depending on what happened.

Knocked-out tooth

Every minute matters. Keep the tooth moist (milk or saliva, not water) and call us immediately. Ideally seen within the hour.

Lost filling or crown

Not always painful, but a tooth without a restoration can crack quickly. Call to schedule same-day or next-day.

Swelling in the face or jaw

Facial swelling can signal an infection that needs prompt attention. Call us. If the swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.

Bleeding that won’t stop

After an injury or a tooth issue. Apply firm pressure with clean gauze and call us. Uncontrolled bleeding needs the ER.

What can probably wait.

Not everything is an emergency, and we’ll tell you honestly if it can safely wait for a regular appointment. Things that usually can wait a day or two:

  • Mild sensitivity to cold that resolves quickly
  • A small chip that isn’t painful or sharp
  • Dull ache that comes and goes and responds to over-the-counter pain relief
  • Food stuck between teeth that you can’t floss out

If you’re unsure, call. We would rather answer a question than miss a real problem.

Until you get here, try this.

  • Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed. Don’t put aspirin directly on the gum.
  • Broken tooth: Save any pieces. Rinse mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
  • Knocked-out tooth: Handle by the crown (not the root). If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saliva. Try to reinsert if possible. Otherwise keep in milk and get to us within the hour.
  • Lost filling or crown: If you have the crown, keep it. Cover the exposed tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum until you can be seen.
  • Bitten lip or tongue: Clean gently. Apply pressure with clean gauze. Cold compress reduces swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop, seek urgent care.

Kitto Family Dental

Address: 937 E Main St, Ste 105, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Phone: (805) 922-4109

Hours: Mon to Thu 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Open one Friday a month (call for the date). Sat and Sun closed.

Parking: Free parking in front and in the adjacent lot

When to call versus when to go to the ER

SituationCall usGo to the ER
Severe toothache or infected toothYes, same day when possible
Chipped or cracked tooth, with painYes
Lost crown or fillingYes, within 24 to 48 hours
Knocked-out toothYes, immediately (ideally within the hour)
Facial swelling (jaw or cheek)YesIf also affecting breathing or swallowing
Uncontrolled bleeding after injuryYes
Trauma with jaw fracture or loss of consciousnessYes
Dull sensitivity, resolves quicklyAt next regular visit

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why get dental pain checked quickly?

Pain, swelling, or a broken tooth usually means something needs care. Some problems, like infections, can spread. Being seen promptly often means simpler treatment and less time in pain.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about emergency dentistry?

Do you take emergency walk-ins?
We prefer that you call first so we can triage over the phone and prepare. Call (805) 922-4109 and we’ll offer the soonest available slot.
Are you open on weekends for emergencies?
Our regular hours are Monday through Thursday, plus one Friday each month. After hours, our voicemail explains how to reach us for urgent issues. If your situation is truly urgent and can’t wait, an emergency room is always an option, especially for facial swelling or trauma.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We treat emergencies regardless of insurance status. We’ll explain your options and give you a written estimate before treatment. Financing through CareCredit or Cherry is available for larger treatment.
Do you see kids for dental emergencies?
Yes. Call us and let us know a child is involved so we can prepare.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
An emergency exam and any needed x-ray typically runs less than most people expect. Definitive treatment (a filling, crown, root canal) is quoted before we do it. Call us for your specific situation.
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Call us right away. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently if it is dirty and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk and come in as fast as you can. The best chance of saving the tooth is within about an hour.
When should I go to the ER instead?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. For tooth pain, broken teeth, and lost fillings or crowns, call us first.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideDental Emergencies: When to Call vs. When to WaitWhich tooth problems need same-day care, and which can wait.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideAn Old Filling Needs Attention. What Should You Ask?Questions that help you understand a filling or crown recommendation.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

In pain? We’ve got you.

Call us first. Same-day when we can. A written treatment plan and estimate before anything begins.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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