Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Have you ever had a dental emergency? Here are some common questions and helpful tips for handling urgent dental situations.

What is considered dental emergency?
Dental emergencies encompass a range of issues, from severe toothaches and dental abscesses causing facial pain or swelling to tooth fractures or complete tooth dislodgement due to trauma. These conditions require immediate attention and treatment. Please note, we are a dentist office open on Saturday. Call us, and we are here to help immediately, even on a Saturday.

Is tooth pain considered an emergency?
Maybe. Tooth pain can indicate underlying issues like dental abscesses or extensive cavities, necessitating a thorough examination by an emergency dentist right away. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction may be required. Your emergency dentist will discuss all options to address the pain and restore oral health.

Would a dental emergency require going to the ER?
Maybe. Most dental emergencies can be managed by your emergency dentist without the need for an ER visit. However, if you experience significant facial swelling due to untreated dental infections, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest Emergency Room for specialized care. Here is a list of the major hospitals in San Diego with Emergency Rooms (list may not be complete):

• Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
• Scripps Mercy Hospital Hillcrest
• Sharp Memorial Hospital
• Sharp Grossmont Hospital
• Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center

What steps should be taken for a knocked-out tooth?
If a tooth is knocked out, avoid discarding it and instead rinse it gently under water. Attempt to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If unsuccessful, store the tooth in milk and seek dental care within 24 hours. Keeping the socket clean is essential to prevent infection and facilitate successful re-implantation. It is important that you see your dentist within the following 24 hours. He will re-plant the tooth in the socket.

Is emergency dental care more expensive than regular dental visits?
No. Costs for emergency dental care may vary but are generally comparable to regular dental visits, especially when covered by your insurance or when you are signed up for our in-house discount plan.

Can I prevent dental emergencies?
Sometimes. While some emergencies are unavoidable, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing protective gear during sports, and avoiding harmful habits can reduce the risk of dental emergencies.

What to do in case of a dental emergency?
In the event of a dental emergency, contact us immediately! We prioritize emergency cases during our regular business hours and offer weekend coverage for urgent situations. Our dentist office is one of the few San Diego dentists open Saturdays! We are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide prompt and effective treatment to address your dental needs.

Read more about our urgent dental care at Miramar Dental Studio.

For after-hours emergencies, contact us directly for assistance at 858-397-2201. Remember, timely action is crucial in managing dental emergencies and ensuring optimal outcomes for your oral health.