Tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth should not have to wait. Call us and we will help you get seen as soon as possible.
Emergency Dentist in San Diego, CA
Same-Day Visits Often Available
Sedation Available
Accepting New Patients
If you have severe tooth pain, facial swelling, a cracked or broken tooth, or a tooth that has been knocked out, call Sunrise Dental Arts at (619) 291-2980 right away. We do our best to fit urgent problems in quickly, and same-day visits are often available for patients in pain.
Our office at 3645 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest is close to Mission Hills, North Park, and Bankers Hill. Dr. Andy Keith can diagnose the problem, relieve the pain, and in many cases start treatment in the same visit, because we provide a full range of dental procedures in one office.
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What Counts as a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency is any problem that causes severe pain, bleeding that will not stop, swelling, or damage that could cost you the tooth if it waits. The American Dental Association advises getting to your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible when one happens, and notes that quick action can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Common Reasons Patients Call Us
- Severe or throbbing toothache. Pain that wakes you up, lingers after hot or cold, or comes with swelling may point to an infection inside the tooth.
- Knocked-out tooth. An adult tooth that comes out has the best chance of being saved when you get to a dentist right away.
- Cracked or broken tooth. A deep crack can expose the inside of the tooth to bacteria, and a sharp edge can cut your tongue or cheek.
- Abscess or gum swelling. A painful bump on the gum, a bad taste, or swelling in the face often signals an infection that needs prompt care.
- Lost crown or filling. The exposed tooth can become sensitive and is more likely to break until it is covered again.
If you are not sure whether your problem is an emergency, call and describe your symptoms. Our team can tell you how soon you should be seen and what to do in the meantime. If Dr. Keith is out of town, an on-call dentist is available, so call the office at (619) 291-2980 for emergency instructions.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
The first goal is to get you out of pain. Dr. Keith examines the area, takes X-rays when needed, and explains what he finds and your options before any treatment starts, so you can make a clear decision even on a stressful day.
Treatment That Fixes the Cause
An infected tooth can often be saved with root canal therapy, and a cracked or badly broken tooth may need a porcelain crown to protect it. When a tooth cannot be saved, a gentle tooth extraction removes the source of pain, and we can talk about replacing it later. If you feel anxious, sedation options including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation can help you get through urgent treatment more comfortably.
Meet the Team
When you call in pain, you need clear answers and a calm voice on the other end. Dr. Andy Keith and our team listen to what happened, explain your options, and help you decide on next steps. As your Hillcrest dentist, we aim to make an urgent visit as smooth as a routine one.
After the emergency is handled, we help you plan any follow-up care so the same problem is less likely to come back.
Services
Our Sunrise Dental Arts Care Process
- Initial Consultation
- Customized Treatment Plan
- Implementation of Treatment
- Aftercare & Maintenance Tips
- Follow-Up
Initial Consultation
An emergency visit starts with your symptoms. Dr. Keith examines the area, takes X-rays when needed, and reviews your medical history and medications before recommending treatment.
Customized Treatment Plan
We explain what is causing the problem and the options for treating it, from a temporary fix that gets you through the day to a longer-term repair. You will know the cost and what your insurance may cover before we begin.
Implementation of Treatment
We numb the area and start with whatever relieves pain fastest. In many cases the main treatment can be done during the same visit, and sedation is available if you feel anxious.
Aftercare & Maintenance Tips
You go home with instructions for the specific treatment you had, including how to manage soreness, what to eat, and which warning signs mean you should call us.
Follow-Up
Some emergencies need a second visit, such as placing a permanent crown after a temporary one. We schedule that before you leave and check that the area is healing well.
Testimonials
What to Do Before You Reach Our Office
For a knocked-out adult tooth, pick it up by the top, not the root, and keep it moist. If you can, place it gently back in the socket, or keep it in milk or between your cheek and gum, then call us right away. For a cracked tooth, rinse with warm water and hold a cold compress to your face to limit swelling.
For a toothache, rinse with warm water and floss gently to clear out any trapped food. Do not put aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. If you have swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, go to the nearest emergency room.
Dental Emergency Questions
What Should I Do If Dr. Keith Is Out of Town?
Call the office at (619) 291-2980 for emergency instructions. When Dr. Keith is out of town, an on-call dentist is available to help.
Can I Be Seen the Same Day for a Dental Emergency?
Often, yes. We do our best to see patients in pain as quickly as possible, and same-day visits are often available. Call as early in the day as you can so we can find you a time.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room Instead?
Go to the emergency room for swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a possible broken jaw. These can be signs of a serious problem that needs hospital care.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
Sometimes, if you act quickly. Keep the tooth moist, hold it by the top rather than the root, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Then call us right away.
How Much Does an Emergency Dental Visit Cost?
The cost depends on what the problem turns out to be and the treatment you need. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network. We explain costs before we begin and offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit.
Get Urgent Dental Care at Sunrise Dental Arts
When something goes wrong with a tooth, Dr. Keith and our team focus on relieving your pain and fixing the cause in one familiar office. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network. We also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit for unexpected treatment.
Call (619) 291-2980 now for the fastest help, or request an appointment online if your problem can wait a few hours.
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