When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery San Diego, CA
Some dental issues are more pressing than others. When dealing with chipped, cracked, infected teeth or damage to orthodontics, patients should never delay. Emergency dental surgery may be necessary to preserve one's oral health.
Emergency dental surgery is available at Mission Valley Dental Arts in San Diego and the surrounding area. Do not hesitate to get the treatment you need. Call us today at (619) 805-4248 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Dental emergencies often involve uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain and/or infection. Some situations, however, may feel pressing without being dental emergencies. These may include:
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
- Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
- Orthodontic procedures that do not address acute issues
- Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
- Routine dental cleanings and other preventative measures
Patients should keep in mind that the above list is not exhaustive. If there is any confusion about whether or not an immediate visit is necessary, call us at (619) 805-4248. We can determine if an issue can be resolved at a routine visit or requires emergency dental surgery.
“According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.”
Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth may constitute a dental emergency. Sometimes a chip in a tooth is very small and only affects the outer layer of the tooth. These chips are likely to cause no discomfort and may not require emergency dental surgery. However, if one has chipped a tooth and is having pain, it may mean that the tooth's soft pulp, including the nerve root, has been affected.
This can constitute a dental emergency because the soft pulp is at risk of becoming infected. If one has chipped a tooth that is causing pain, they should rinse their mouths with salt water, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact their dentist right away.
“However, if you have chipped a tooth and are having pain, it may mean that the soft pulp of the tooth, including the nerve root, has been affected.”
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth causes discomfort, and it can happen to anyone. Even people who are very conscientious about tooth hygiene are vulnerable to a tooth crack. Some cracked teeth are not emergencies. But if a patient has a cracked tooth and is causing severe pain or bleeding, they may need emergency dental surgery.
Depending on the type of crack and its extent, quick action may save the tooth. A dentist or dental specialist may perform a root canal to restore part or all of the tooth. If one has cracked a tooth, they should make sure to rinse with warm salt water, apply a compress to stop any bleeding, and contact their dentist right away.
“Depending on the type of crack and its extent, quick action may save the tooth.”
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Infected Teeth
Abscesses form as a result of bacterial tooth infections. Though they may occur in different areas of the tooth for different reasons, periapical tooth abscesses are particularly common. This type of abscess typically occurs due to an untreated dental cavity, trauma, or prior dental work.
Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection. In most cases, root canal treatment will be necessary to attempt to save the tooth. However, in more severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. An untreated tooth abscess may lead to life-threatening complications. As such, it requires immediate attention.
“Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. How are infected teeth treated?
Q. What is the treatment for a chipped tooth?
Q. What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?
Q. When is damage to orthodontics a dental emergency?
People Also Ask
Q. What procedures are performed under emergency dental care services?
Q. When should I go straight to the emergency room?
Q. What should I do while waiting to get to the emergency dentist?
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. What should one do for a toothache when waiting to see a dentist?
Damage to Orthodontics
When orthodontics are in place, the mouth is especially vulnerable to trauma. Suppose one has sustained an injury to the mouth that has caused damage to the orthodontics and an underlying tooth. In that case, they may require emergency surgery, particularly if they are having uncontrolled tooth pain or bleeding.
If one's orthodontic hardware breaks and is causing them discomfort, they should call their dental provider immediately for advice. Use a saltwater rinse to help with any irritated areas in the mouth, and apply orthodontic wax to any sharp parts. Additionally, they should remove any pieces of hardware that have completely broken off so that they do not accidentally choke or swallow them.
However, if the orthodontic hardware is only partially damaged, they should not try to repair it or remove the remaining pieces themselves.
“Use a saltwater rinse to help with any irritated areas in the mouth and apply orthodontic wax to any sharp parts.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most common type of dental injury?
A. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), chipped teeth are the most common type of dental injury. To avoid a chipped tooth, you must wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports and never use your teeth to open things.
Q. How can I avoid a cracked tooth?
A. To avoid a cracked tooth, do not chew on hard items, such as popcorn kernels or hard candy. You should also avoid chewing on non-food items such as pens or ice. Wearing a nightguard can also help reduce the wear and tear on your teeth from grinding, making them more vulnerable to cracking.
Q. Why do I have tooth pain?
A. Many events can cause tooth pain, but most dental pain stems from exposure to the inner part of your tooth, known as the tooth pulp. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth pain commonly results from a cavity, cracked tooth, or an exposed tooth root. Therefore, if having pain, it is critical to follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.
Q. What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
A. If you have knocked out an adult tooth, the ADA advises that you keep it as moist as possible. If you can, replace the tooth into the socket while not touching the tooth root. If you cannot replace it, you can put it in milk or hold it in your mouth to keep it moist. Make sure to contact your dentist right away, so you have the best chance of saving the tooth.
Q. What is characterized as a dental emergency?
A. Dental emergencies are dental issues associated with pain, immense discomfort, and sudden swelling. These problems typically do not fix themselves and require immediate medical attention.
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Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Emergency dental surgery can save your tooth and help prevent severe complications. Do not put your health on the line. Call us today at 619-805-4248 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business, license, and website security
- Mission Valley Dental Arts 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: Mission Valley, San Diego, La Mesa, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Lakeside, Santee, Spring Valley, National City, Pacific Beach, Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, and Bonita
- CA (License #105712). View License Information and Specifics
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