24-Hour Dental Emergency Dentist in Encinitas, CA
At Dr. Deering’s dental office, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time—day or night. While routine checkups and preventive care go a long way in avoiding oral health issues, unexpected problems like knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, or infections still occur. That’s why we proudly offer 24-hour dental care to our patients at our Encinitas dental office.
Although we do not recommend to walk-in at our dental office for dental emergencies without an appointment, our team is ready to assist you—anytime. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call us immediately at (760) 753-9036. This ensures we can assess your situation promptly and provide the urgent care you need without delay.
Our emergency dental services are designed to relieve pain, prevent further complications, and restore your oral health. With responsive, around-the-clock care, we're here when you need us most—because dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule.
Call First—No Walk-Ins, Please
Dr. Deering does not accept walk-ins for emergency treatment, as each case needs to be evaluated for urgency and scheduled accordingly. Patients are encouraged to call the office immediately at (760) 753-9036 if they believe they are experiencing a dental emergency.
This allows our team to prioritize your care, give you first-aid guidance over the phone, and ensure we’re prepared to treat you as quickly and effectively as possible.
“Our emergency dental care treats patients dealing with significant dental trauma who need immediate care.”
What Patients Should Know About Dental Emergency Services with Dr. Deering
Dental emergencies can be stressful and painful—but getting fast, expert care can make all the difference. Dr. Dustin M. Deering, D.D.S. in Encinitas offers compassionate, prompt emergency dental services to help patients get relief when they need it most.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not all oral problems require emergency dental care, so patients must examine their situation before making an appointment. Most minor issues can wait a few days for a scheduled appointment. If you’re unsure whether your situation is urgent, here are some common examples of dental emergencies:
- Knocked-out, cracked or fractured tooth: Accidents can occur at any time, and in the event of a missing or cracked tooth, it is best to seek immediate care. Restorative emergencies require dental care to preserve teeth, so they remain functional. Dentists can then replace teeth to restore the patient’s smile.
- Severe toothache or oral pain: Patients should visit Dr. Deering if minor tooth, jaw, or gum pain lasts more than two days. However, those who are in extreme pain should visit Dr. Deering immediately. Pain that persists despite taking over-the-counter medications, such as Aleve®, Tylenol®, or Advil®, could indicate a serious infection or gum disease.
- Oral infection or tooth abscess: Tooth abscesses are caused by pockets of pus that develop underneath teeth. In addition to being extremely painful, a tooth abscess can lead to a life-threatening infection if left untreated. Seeking immediate care allows dentists to drain the pus that causes the pain before the problem becomes more severe.
- Lost filling or crown: When patients lose cavity fillings or crowns, the opening is susceptible to infection. Replacing lost crowns and fillings eliminates pain and reduces the chance of infection setting in. Waiting to receive this treatment could elevate patients’ pain.
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- Trauma to the teeth, mouth, or jaw
“…there are several reasons to seek Dr. Deering’s emergency dental care.”
Benefits of Emergency Dental Care with Dr. Deering in Encinitas
When a dental emergency strikes, prompt care can make all the difference. At Dr. Dustin Deering’s practice in Encinitas, emergency dental treatment is focused on providing fast, effective relief from pain while preventing further damage to your teeth and gums. Whether the result of an accident, injury, or sudden infection, immediate attention helps stop small problems from turning into major oral health concerns.
By responding quickly and seeing Dr. Deering as soon as an issue arises, patients can avoid more invasive procedures, reduce discomfort, and protect the long-term health of their smiles. With personalized care, advanced tools, and a calming environment, Dr. Deering ensures that every patient receives the urgent care they need—when they need it most.
“Seeking immediate care when a problem occurs prevents it from becoming a more extensive issue requiring harsher treatments.”
Check out what others are saying about our emergency dental services on Yelp: Dr. Deering Emergency Dentist in Encinitas, CA
Treatments for Dental Emergencies
Since there are many types of dental emergencies, our treatment options vary. Dr. Deering will first examine the problem to determine the best course of treatment. After diagnosing the issue, Dr. Deering can either treat the infection, remove the infected tooth, or replace missing tooth fragments. Dr. Deering may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to aid in recovery.
“Since there are many types of dental emergencies, our treatment options vary.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What makes emergency dentistry different?
Q. When should I seek emergency dental care?
Q. Why should I seek emergency dental care?
Q. What are the different types of dental emergency treatments?
Q. What should I do while waiting to get to the emergency dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
Q. What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?
What To Do While Waiting For Emergency Dental Treatment
If you’re experiencing dental trauma or sudden oral pain, the first and most important step is to call Dr. Deering’s office immediately for guidance. Our team can help assess the urgency of the situation and provide step-by-step instructions until you’re able to receive professional care.
In the meantime, here are a few recommendations Dr. Deering shares to help manage discomfort and protect your teeth:
For a lost filling or crown: Gently clean the area and cover the exposed tooth with a small piece of sugarless gum or dental wax (available at most pharmacies) to prevent sensitivity and further damage.
For toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause irritation or burns.
For a knocked-out tooth: Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse off any debris, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, store the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and get to Dr. Deering within 30 minutes.
For broken or chipped teeth: Save any fragments you can find, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
For bleeding or trauma: Apply clean gauze to the area with light pressure, and keep your head elevated to minimize bleeding.
It’s important to avoid eating, drinking hot liquids, or chewing on the injured side until you’ve been evaluated. These at-home steps can make a big difference in preserving your oral health until Dr. Deering can provide professional emergency care.
“If a patient is suffering from any kind of dental trauma, the first thing to do is contact Dr. Deering for instructions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does emergency dental care hurt?
A. While many emergency dental treatments are uncomfortable, Dr. Deering will try to keep patients comfortable as possible. More pain may occur during the recovery period. Dr. Deering can provide pain medication to keep patients comfortable during the recovery process.
Q. Is emergency dental care preventable?
A. According to the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, most dental emergencies are preventable with proper preventable care. If patients neglect regular oral care, minor issues can quickly escalate into major problems that require extensive intervention. However, unpreventable accidents do happen occasionally.
Q. How can a displaced tooth be preserved during a dental emergency?
A. The American Academy of Endodontists states that a dislodged tooth can be preserved and restored with proper medical care. After locating the fragment or whole tooth, the patient should place it in a glass of milk or warm saltwater. This preserves the tooth until Dr. Deering can replace it.
Q. How is a restorative emergency different from another dental emergency?
A. Restorative emergencies are often cosmetic and functional in nature, while other dental emergencies typically result in more pain. A chipped tooth may be uncomfortable, but depending upon its placement, cosmetic appearance or functionality may be a bigger concern than pain. Because of this, Dr. Deering may use dental cement or glue to fasten the fragment back in place before restoring its appearance.
Q. What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A. Any type of dental trauma can require emergency dental care. Whether it is caused by an infected tooth, diseased gums, or an accident, a dental emergency needs quick intervention to relieve pain. Therefore, any oral health problem that demands immediate attention qualifies as a dental emergency.
Q. How does emergency dental treatment benefit oral health?
A. Ignoring dental problems can lead to deteriorating oral health. While preventative care is the first line of defense against major dental problems, emergency dental procedures may eliminate the issue once it occurs. By making patients aware of the contributing factors that led to the problem, emergency dental treatment may prevent the issue from recurring and lead to better overall health.
Dental Terminology
Call us for Your Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can be frightening, and it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Dr. Deering can treat your problem to relieve mouth pain quickly. Call Dustin Deering, DDS at 760-753-9036 now to take care of your dental emergency.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Dustin M. Deering, D.D.S. was established in 2017.
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