Emergency Dentist San Diego

Our emergency dental services in San Diego are designed to provide immediate, expert care when you need it most.

Did you know that up to 2 million people in the United States rush to the emergency room for a dental concern? 

In the face of a dental emergency, time is of the essence. Don't let the pain linger; reach out to us. Smiles by Design offers many emergency dental services to address toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings, and more. We even offer a free emergency exam and X-rays.

What is an emergency dentist near me?

An emergency dentist is a dental professional who specializes in treating oral injuries and pain that require immediate attention. They are equipped to handle unforeseen dental crises, providing relief and treatments around the clock, when typical dental offices may be closed.

When to seek an emergency dentist San Diego?

Have you ever wondered if your dental problem qualifies for urgent dental care? It's important to understand when to seek immediate dental attention and timely care in emergency situations.

Common dental emergencies

It may not be surprising that contact sports and sports injuries account for up to 40% of dental injuries.  Knowing what qualifies as an emergency will ensure you are prepared and ready to respond in a timely manner.

Let's delve into the most common dental emergencies that warrant a visit to our emergency dentists: 

• Severe toothaches: Severe tooth pain may indicate underlying problems like infection, gum disease, cavities, or soft tissue injury.
• Chipped or broken teeth: Can cause severe pain, lead to infections if left untreated, and affect your eating or speaking ability.
• Knocked-out teeth: If not immediately addressed, it can lead to severe pain, infection, and potentially permanent tooth loss. 
• Lost filling or dental crowns: Lost dental restorations may expose your tooth to damage or infection, leading to severe discomfort or sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages, making it a dental emergency that requires immediate attention.
• Abscess: A severe infection occurs around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums.  If left untreated, this dangerous infection can spread to other body parts, causing severe health complications.
• Soft tissue: Injuries demand immediate attention as they can lead to severe pain, a high risk of infection, and possible long-term damage if left untreated. 
• Broken braces: Broken braces qualify as a dental emergency due to the potential for discomfort, pain, or injury from loose or sharp components, and the disruption to the progress of your orthodontic treatment.

Emergency dental care and treatments

You don't have to worry if you find yourself in a dental emergency. Smiles by Designs offers a comprehensive range of services to address a variety of dental emergencies, including sedation and pain management options.

• Tooth extraction: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it may need to be extracted. Our team can perform emergency extractions to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
• Root canal treatment: In cases where infection has reached the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary. This procedure removes the infected tissue and seals the tooth to prevent further infection.
• Toothache relief: Dealing with a toothache can be unbearable. Our specialists can provide immediate relief by diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of the pain.
• Emergency fillings: You may experience pain and sensitivity if you lose a filling. We can provide emergency fillings to restore the tooth and alleviate discomfort.
• Broken denture repair: We understand how vital a denture can be for daily life. If your denture breaks, we can repair it promptly to ensure it doesn't impact your daily routine.
• Swollen jaw treatment: A swollen jaw can indicate a serious infection, like an abscess. We can provide immediate treatment to reduce swelling, determine the underlying cause, and treat the infection.

Sedation and pain management in dental emergency

Have you ever grappled with excruciating dental pain or been too anxious to face a dental procedure? Rest assured. Our San Diego clinic provides emergency dentistry specializing in sedation and pain management to address these issues.

What are sedation and pain management in emergency dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's sometimes called "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake except for those under general anesthesia. 

Why might you need this service? 

• Severe toothache: An intense toothache can signify various dental problems, requiring immediate attention.
• Sensitive teeth: It might indicate an underlying issue if your teeth are extremely sensitive to hot or cold.
• Swollen jaw: A swollen jaw can be caused by an infection or trauma and needs immediate emergency care.
• Broken or knocked-out tooth: Accidents can cause your tooth to break or be knocked out. Quick action can save your tooth.

What sedation options are available? 

• Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide helps you relax and reduces pain.
• Oral sedation: Taken by mouth, this sedation ranges from minimal to moderate, depending on the dose.
• IV Sedation: Sedation is delivered through a vein and works more quickly.
• General anesthesia: You are completely unconscious under general anesthesia.

What are the costs of urgent dental care near me?

The cost of emergency dental services in San Diego, California, may vary greatly depending on the severity and type of the dental emergency. Prices usually range from $100 for minor issues to $1000 or more for complex treatments like root canals or tooth extractions. 

Does dental insurance cover dental emergencies San Diego? 

Whether or not dental insurance covers emergency dental care largely depends on your specific insurance plan. It's best for you to consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage for dental emergencies.

Why choose Smiles By Design for emergency dentist services?

Smiles by Design is not just any other dental clinic; it's your reliable partner in maintaining oral health and addressing dental emergencies. If you require an emergency dentist in San Diego, California, here's why you should consider us: 

• Expertise: Our team comprises experienced dentists who are experts in their field. They have years of experience and are committed to providing top-notch dental care.
• Cutting-edge technology: We utilize the latest dental technologies in our practice to ensure effective and efficient treatment.
• Comfortable environment: We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful. At Smiles by Design, we strive to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment to ease your worries.
• Same-day appointment: We know that dental emergencies can't wait. That's why we offer same-day appointments to address your urgent dental needs immediately.
• Extended hours: Dental emergencies don't always happen during regular business hours. We offer extended hours for our services, ensuring that we're there for you when you need us the most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you do if you have a toothache?

Act quickly for toothaches. First, rinse with warm water and try to floss out trapped food.  Don't put aspirin on the tooth or gums, as it can harm them. If the pain continues, contact your San Diego emergency dentist immediately.

What should you do if you have a tooth knocked out?

Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and if possible, try placing it back into the socket. If that's not feasible, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation product until you can see your dentist.

What should you do if you have a dental emergency while traveling?

During a dental emergency while traveling, contact a local dentist like us in San Diego immediately. If you are in severe pain, over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief until you can see a dentist.

Should you go to the ER for major tooth pain?

While severe tooth pain can be alarming, a trip to the ER is not always your best option. Instead, an emergency dentist and dental office can provide specialized, immediate care to alleviate your pain and address the root cause.

How can you relieve dental pain while waiting for an emergency dental appointment?

While waiting for your emergency dental appointment, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary relief.

Contact a top-rated emergency dentist in Carmel Mountain Ranch

Don't hesitate to contact us if it's a sudden toothache, a lost filling, or any oral health issue causing you distress. Your dental health is our top priority. Our expert team will be ready to help you whenever you need to.

Call Smiles by Design today to schedule emergency dental care!