Dental Emergency KEARNY MESA, SAN DIEGO
At Kearny Mesa Smile Center, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies. If you experience a dental emergency in Kearny Mesa or nearby areas of San Diego, our dedicated team led by Dr. Paulo Cortes is here to help. Contact our facility for immediate guidance and support.
Our caring staff will provide you with instructions and make every effort to accommodate your emergency appointment promptly. Dr. Cortes will assess your condition and discuss suitable treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Rest assured, our experienced team can handle a wide range of dental emergencies, including toothaches, broken teeth, and lost fillings. We are committed to delivering compassionate and effective care to alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health.
For urgent dental assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Kearny Mesa Smile Center. We are ready to provide you with immediate attention and the necessary treatment during your dental emergency in San Diego.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency refers to an injury that requires immediate attention and cannot wait for regular business hours. These time-sensitive injuries include situations such as a knocked-out tooth or a laceration to the tongue or gums that necessitate immediate medical intervention. Dental emergencies often occur as a result of sporting events or auto accidents.
Young children are particularly susceptible to dental emergencies as their teeth are still developing. While damaging a baby tooth may not be a major concern, injuring a permanent tooth can have lasting effects on their dental health. Seeking prompt treatment is crucial as it can save the tooth and prevent long-term damage that may impact the child’s dental well-being as they grow older.
When to Seek Emergency Room Care?
While Dr. Cortes can address minor dental emergencies, there are instances where immediate emergency room care is necessary for trauma-related cases. These situations include:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Broken bones
- Severe damage to the soft tissues of the mouth
- Injury extending beyond the joint and affecting the ear
- Damage to the palate or epiglottis
As a general guideline, if you have an open or gaping wound where the fascia or bone is visible, it is essential to go to the emergency room. The same applies if there is evident structural damage. For instance, a broken jaw may require surgical intervention for repair. When in doubt about the severity of an injury, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Reinserted?
If a tooth has been dislodged or completely knocked out, prompt action can increase the chances of successful reinsertion. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth as quickly as possible and handle it by the crown (top) rather than the root.
- Rinse the tooth gently with water to remove any debris but avoid scrubbing or using soap.
- If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it is facing the correct way. Do not force it into place.
- If reinsertion is not feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a small container of milk. Alternatively, you can use a tooth preservation kit or saliva (between the cheek and gums) as a last resort.
- Seek immediate dental care by contacting Dr. Cortes’s office. Time is crucial, as the optimal window for successful implantation is less than 60 minutes.
If the tooth is still in the socket but unstable, use a piece of gauze to stabilize the area and seek professional assistance without delay. Acting swiftly increases the likelihood of saving the tooth, so it’s essential to contact Dr. Cortes as soon as possible.