Our Treatments
Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos is pleased to offer emergency dental care to address injuries to the mouth and teeth. Contacting our office as soon as possible can help save a tooth, prevent infection, and reduce suffering. You can count on Dr. Nadia Bala, Dr. Greg Allen, and our entire team for exceptional, gentle care.
When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?
Please call us if your child has any of the following:
- A cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek
- A cracked, loose, or knocked-out tooth
- Swollen or infected gums
- Severe tooth or mouth pain
If your child experiences a dental emergency, call our office immediately. Leaving issues untreated can contribute to complications and poor outcomes. The sooner you seek emergency care, the better the chances of avoiding the need for extensive dental treatments, and the faster we can get your child back to their smiling, happy self.
For existing patients experiencing a dental emergency after hours, please email us your child's name, medical history, date of birth, and a photo of the injury. If your child develops facial swelling or has a knocked out or loose permanent tooth after hours, please head to Rady Children's Hospital and request assistance from the emergency pediatric dentist on call.
Note: If your child has a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or head to your nearest hospital emergency room for immediate assistance.
Common Dental Emergencies and Care Tips
Here is a look at the most common dental emergencies:
Severe Toothache: Rinse the area with water and use dental floss to dislodge any food trapped between two teeth. Cold compresses and children's Tylenol can help ease the pain. Do not put heat or aspirin on the affected tooth to avoid damage to the gums and tooth enamel. Make sure to call our office for an emergency appointment.
A Knocked-Out Baby Tooth: If a baby tooth gets knocked out, we will evaluate your child's condition and determine the best course of action. We never attempt to reimplant knocked-out baby teeth, which can damage the developing adult teeth.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: If an adult tooth is knocked out, pick it up by its crown without touching the root and rinse it in water if it's dirty. Return the tooth to its socket and place gentle pressure to keep it in place. If that's not possible, place the tooth in some milk, not water, and bring it to your child's emergency appointment or head to the hospital if it is after our office hours. The faster you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
A Fractured or Chipped Tooth: Have your child rinse with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling or discomfort if your child's lip is injured. If there are tooth fragments, place them in milk and contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Injury to the Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks: Apply light, firm pressure to stop bleeding, and contact us for an appointment. If there is an open wound and uncontrolled bleeding, head to your nearest emergency room.
Facial Swelling: Facial swelling usually indicates an infection requiring immediate care. Call us immediately to schedule an appointment. If, however, the swelling extends to the eye or if your child has trouble breathing, please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
Head Injury or a Jaw Fracture: Please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
Emergency Dental Care Near Me in San Marcos, CA
If your child experiences a dental emergency, contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos right away at 760-798-2825 . The sooner your child gets the needed care, the better the outcomes. Our experienced pediatric dentists and team are here to support your child’s oral health every step of the way!
We're Ready For Your Ducklings!
We are excited to care for little ones and be part of their journey to bright and healthy smiles. Follow the link to request an appointment that best fits your busy schedule. We can’t wait to meet you!
