Emergency Dental Care San Diego, CA
Dental emergencies can be frightening and overwhelming. Fortunately, prompt dental care can usually resolve the problem. If you experience sudden or worsening dental issues, seek help right away. Emergency dental care can treat pain, stop bleeding, and prevent infection.
Emergency dental care is available at 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental in San Diego and the surrounding area. Our team helps patients cope with accidents and injuries. We also provide a wide range of preventive services. Call us at (619) 677-6133 to learn more.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can include:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Knocked-out or loosened teeth
- Oral bleeding
During an emergency, it is important to get help right away. Dental emergencies can worsen quickly. Additionally, researchers have also found that dental problems may raise a patient's risk of infection. For example, according to Harvard Medical School untreated gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease.
Treatment can also prevent tooth loss. If a tooth is loosened or knocked out, a dentist can help. Prompt treatment may preserve the tooth — but if the patient delays care, they may lose the tooth.
“…researchers have found that dental problems may raise a patient’s risk of infection.”
Emergency Dental Procedures
During a dental emergency, the dentist performs a complete evaluation. The dental team may begin with an X-ray or other imaging test to check for problems below the gumline. Imaging tests can also diagnose a joint injury or bone fracture.
Next, the dentist performs a visual inspection. Finally, if necessary, they stop any bleeding and stabilize the patient. Once the dentist makes their diagnosis, they develop a treatment plan. Each patient will need individualized care after an emergency.
If the patient has a knocked-out tooth, the dentist attempts to reattach it. If the patient acts quickly, the dental team might be able to restore the tooth. The dentist can also treat heavy bleeding. Patients may receive medication, sutures, or new dental appliances. The dentist also fixes any appliances that might have been broken during the emergency.
If the emergency involves a cracked tooth or broken crown, the dentist plans out the repairs. Sometimes, patients may need multiple office visits to complete their reconstructive work. The dental team can provide a treatment timeline and let patients know how long their restoration work will take.
Often, dental emergencies involve an abscess. Dental abscesses are pockets of infection hidden within the tooth. Sometimes, abscesses lurk below the gum line or within the jaw. Abscesses can be life-threatening without treatment.
Dentists treat abscesses by draining the infection. The dentist may perform a root canal to clear infected material from within the tooth. Afterward, the dentist cleans and repairs the tooth. Patients may also receive medication to help get rid of the infection.
“Without treatment, abscesses can be life-threatening.”
Dental Emergencies vs. Urgent Dental Issues
During a dental emergency, the patient's oral health may be at risk. Dental emergencies can result in permanent dental damage or life-threatening complications. But sometimes, patients experience urgent dental issues that do not require emergency care. These problems require a dentist's care, but patients might not need a same-day appointment.
Urgent issues may include:
- A loose or damaged crown
- A lost or damaged dental appliance
- A suspected cavity
- Bite problems
- Gum recession
- Misaligned teeth
In most cases, patients experiencing these issues do not need a trip to the ER. They may be able to wait a few days for a routine dental appointment. However, patients should reach out to the dental office right away. The office team can determine whether the situation needs emergency care.
Patients who notice a dental problem should not wait until their next scheduled checkup, as prompt intervention can keep the problem from worsening. Call the dental office for advice and an appointment immediately.
“Patients who notice a dental problem should not wait until their next scheduled checkup, as prompt intervention can keep the problem from worsening.”
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The Risks of Untreated Dental Pain
Dental emergencies often cause severe or debilitating pain. Patients should report tooth pain to their dentist right away, as new or worsening pain is a warning sign of serious dental problems like infection or a fractured jaw. If the patient delays treatment, the infection may spread, or the fracture may worsen.
Dentists can perform in-depth testing to identify the source of the pain. For example, if the patient has an infection, the dentist can provide antibiotics. These medications clear up an infection before it can spread into the bloodstream.
Dentists can also treat other sources of oral pain, including broken or decayed teeth. Dental care can fix jaw problems, too. For example, the dentist can provide a targeted treatment if the patient's pain results from jaw misalignment or injury.
“However, pain that is sharp and constant indicates an emergency, so it is recommended to make an immediate appointment even if there are no other signs.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. What happens during an emergency dental visit?
Q. What should I do if I notice changes in my oral health?
Q. What are the risks of untreated dental pain?
People Also Ask
Q. When should I go straight to the emergency room?
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a dental emergency?
A. Dental emergencies may include a broken tooth, oral bleeding, or severe pain. A knocked-out tooth also qualifies as an emergency. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, it is best to seek care right away. Call your dentist for an urgent appointment. If you are not able to reach your dentist, consider visiting the emergency room.
Q. Are dental emergencies life-threatening?
A. Some dental emergencies may put your life at risk. Oral infections can spread into the bloodstream and travel to your heart or brain. If the infection is not treated, you may develop life-threatening complications. Always seek emergency care if you experience severe oral pain or a sudden high fever.
Q. What should I do if I experience heavy oral bleeding?
A. If your gums or inner cheek are bleeding, find a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Apply steady pressure until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding lasts for more than a few minutes or if you took a blow to the head, seek emergency medical care. Make sure to report the injury to your dentist as soon as possible.
Q. What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
A. If you lose a permanent tooth, rinse it in clean water. Next, try to gently reinsert the tooth into the gum. Hold the tooth in place with a finger or by biting down. If you can not reinsert the tooth, tuck it between your cheek and gums. Then seek immediate medical care. If a dental provider acts quickly, they may be able to restore the tooth.
Q. What should I do if my teeth were damaged in an accident?
A. After a serious accident, seek immediate medical care. Some injuries might not appear right away. Adrenaline can numb, and you may not notice that you have life-threatening injuries.
If you suffered a blow to the head, go to the nearest hospital or call emergency services. Afterward, contact your dental provider. They can provide treatment for cracked, chipped, or lost teeth.
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Dental Emergency Terminology
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Fast care for a dental emergency can be crucial. If in doubt about whether you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us at 619-677-6133 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- Colgate®. Lost Filling Or Crown. 2025
- Orajel™. Toothache & Denture Pain Relief. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental was established in 2000.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: San Diego County
- We serve patients from the following cities: San Diego, Chula Vista, Bonita, National City, Spring Valley, La Mesa, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, and Mission Valley
- CA (License #39741). View License Information and Specifics
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Welcome To 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the San Diego, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dental Fillings, Dental Bonding, Smile Makeover, and Gum Disease Treatment.
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