What if it is Sunday?

Text us anyway. We read messages every day, and we will hold you the next open appointment and tell you what to do in the meantime. If you have facial swelling with a fever, or any trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room rather than waiting.

How fast can I be seen?

That depends on the day. Between our two offices Dr. Cortes sees patients Monday through Saturday, so there is usually an option within a day or two. Text us and we will tell you the soonest we can actually do, not the soonest that sounds good.

Should I go to the emergency room instead?

A hospital emergency room can manage pain and infection, but it is not usually equipped to treat the tooth itself, so most people end up seeing a dentist afterward anyway. Go to an ER for facial swelling with fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or any injury involving more than the teeth.

Do I have to be an existing patient?

No. If you are in pain and we can help, come in.

That depends on what is wrong, which is why we ask for a photo first. You will be told the cost before any treatment starts, not afterward.

If You Have Facial Swelling With A Fever,Or Trouble Breathing Or Swallowing, Go To An Emergency Room Now.

A dental infection that has spread that far is a medical emergency and needs to be treated as one. Do not wait for a dental appointment. Everything else on this page can wait until we are open.

Emergency Visits

Emergency Dentist in Kearny Mesa

In pain? Text us a photo.

Text (858) 256-4838 any day of the week, any time of day, and send a picture of the tooth if you can. Dr. Cortes can often tell you what he is looking at before you come in for an emergency visit in Kearny Mesa.

Call (858) 256-4838 Text (858) 256-4838

At a glance

What it is: Emergency dental visits for pain and urgent problems.
Where: Kearny Mesa Smile Center, 8018 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111.
Phone: (858) 256-4838
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
How to start: Text a photo of the tooth to (858) 256-4838 any day of the week.
Closed: Sunday through Thursday at this location.

Six days a week

Between Two Offices,Six Days A Week

Dr. Cortes is the only dentist at both of our locations, and between them he sees patients Monday through Saturday.

Kearny Mesa Smile Center, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 8018 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (858) 256-4838.

San Diego Smile Center, Mira Mesa, Monday through Thursday. 10737 Camino Ruiz Suite 120. (858) 566-0842.

If you are hurting on a Tuesday and do not mind the drive to Mira Mesa, we would rather get you out of pain there than have you wait. And do not worry about it splitting up your care. Once you are comfortable, your cleanings and anything else you have scheduled carry on here at Kearny Mesa.

What counts as a dental emergency

When To Come In

Severe or persistent toothache. Swelling in the gum or face. A tooth that has been knocked out or broken. A lost filling or crown that has left the tooth sharp or sensitive. Bleeding that will not stop. Pain that is keeping you awake or that painkillers are not touching.

A chipped tooth that does not hurt, a lost crown on a tooth that feels fine, or a dull ache that comes and goes can usually wait for a regular appointment. Text us either way and we will tell you honestly which one it is.

What to do right now

Before You Get Here

A knocked-out adult tooth is the one true race against the clock. Pick it up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline, and do not scrub it. Put it back in the socket if you can. If you cannot, keep it in a container of milk, or in your own saliva. Do not let it dry out, and get seen as fast as possible.

A broken tooth. Rinse with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of the face to keep swelling down.

A lost filling or crown. Keep the crown if you still have it and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side.

Toothache. Rinse with warm salt water and take whatever painkiller you would normally take, following the directions on the packet. Do not hold aspirin against the gum, which burns the tissue and does not help the tooth.

How Emergency Visits Work

01. Text us. Any day, any time. Send a photo of the tooth if you can manage it.
02. We look. Dr. Cortes can often identify what he is dealing with from the photo, which means the appointment starts ahead rather than from scratch.
03. We get you in. The next open day here, or sooner at Mira Mesa if the week works better for you.
04. Out of pain first. The priority is relieving the pain and stabilizing the problem. The longer term plan comes after you are comfortable, not while you are still hurting.