Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Mira Mesa, San Diego
In pain? Call Scripps West Dental at 858-695-1776 for immediate help.
We reserve same-day emergency appointments daily, so you never wait in pain.
Located in Mira Mesa, we provide urgent dental care in San Diego and surrounding neighborhoods within a 20-mile radius, restoring comfort fast and safely.
Trusted Emergency Dental Care—Right When You Need It
Our team, Dr. James P. Tasto, DDS, Dr. James Choi, Dr. Gary M. Sigafoos, DDS, and Dr. Joel Altshul, DMD, delivers gentle, same-day care for pain, trauma, and infection.
With advanced imaging and on-site specialists, we treat emergencies efficiently under one roof.
If you’re searching for an emergency dentist near Mira Mesa, you’ll find us just minutes from Mira Mesa Blvd and Camino Ruiz—easy access from I-15 and I-805.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Below are the most frequent emergencies and what to know about each:
Severe Toothache
Signs: Throbbing or sharp pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot/cold.
Why it matters: Often indicates infection or nerve inflammation.
If delayed: Infection can spread, leading to abscess or tooth loss.
Fast relief: Call for toothache relief in San Diego. We’ll identify the cause and treat the infection on the same day.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Timing is critical. Reimplantation works best within 30 minutes.
- Keep the tooth moist (milk or saliva).
- Avoid touching the root.
- Arrive immediately. Our team can often save it.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Signs: Pain on biting, sensitivity, visible fracture.
Why it matters: Even hairline cracks allow bacteria inside.
We restore and seal the tooth using bonding or a crown during your same-day emergency dentist visit in Mira Mesa.
Abscess or Facial Swelling
Symptoms: Gum bump, swelling, bad taste, fever, jaw pain.
Urgency: Infection can spread quickly; treat within hours.
We’ll drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and perform root-canal or extraction to remove infection.
Lost Crown or Filling
If a crown or filling dislodges, rinse gently and bring it with you.
Leaving it open may expose sensitive dentin or nerves.
We can replace or re-cement restorations the same day.
Soft-Tissue Injury (Gums, Lips, Tongue)
Clean with mild salt water, apply gentle pressure, and use a cool compress.
Severe bleeding that won’t stop after 10 minutes warrants an emergency visit or ER check.
Symptoms vs Urgency: Should You Come In Now or Can It Wait?
| Symptom | Recommended Action |
| Knocked-out or loose adult tooth | Come in immediately (within 30 min) |
| Facial swelling or abscess | Same-day visit required |
| Severe tooth pain or pressure | Call now; seen within hours |
| Broken crown/filling without pain | Schedule within 24–48 hrs |
| Mild chip or sensitivity | Monitor and book soon |
Still unsure? Call 858-695-1776, and our team will triage your symptoms and reserve the right appointment length.
What to Do Before You Arrive
While on your way to our office:
- For a knocked-out tooth: Gently rinse (do not scrub) and place it in milk or your cheek pocket to keep it moist.
- For bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
- For swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your face.
- For pain: Over-the-counter relief may help avoid aspirin on the gums.
- Avoid eating on the injured side until examined.
Our Same-Day Emergency Dental Process
- Immediate Assessment & Digital Imaging – Identify the source of pain quickly with low-radiation digital X-rays and 3D scanning.
- Pain Relief & Stabilization – Prompt care to ease discomfort and prevent further damage.
- Treatment Plan & Repair – Fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, extraction, or temporary restorations as needed.
- Follow-Up & Preventive Care – Long-term plan to restore and maintain your oral health.
Our office handles both simple and complex emergencies, coordinating specialty care when necessary.
Advanced Technology for Faster, More Comfortable Care
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology to make emergency visits faster, safer, and more precise.
We use digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and 3D CBCT imaging to diagnose issues accurately in minutes.
This allows us to begin treatment immediately and often complete it the same day, minimizing your time in pain.
Our technology also enhances patient comfort, with no messy impressions, minimal radiation, and clear visual explanations so you can see exactly what’s happening with your teeth.
Cost & Financing for Emergency Visits
We believe emergency dental care should be accessible for everyone.
That’s why we accept most PPO insurance plans, work with popular third-party financing partners, and provide affordable emergency exam fees for uninsured patients.
During your visit, our front office team will:
- Verify your insurance benefits in minutes
- Explain all treatment options and associated costs upfront
- Help you find a payment plan that fits your budget
If cost is a concern, don’t delay care. Our team will work with you to find a manageable solution. Early treatment often prevents more extensive (and expensive) procedures later.
Why Choose Scripps West Dental for Emergency Care
- Same-Day Appointments Guaranteed when you call before 3 PM
- Walk-In Emergency Dentist – accepted during office hours
- Experienced Multispecialty Team – cosmetic, implant, periodontic & endodontic expertise
- Advanced Technology – fast, precise diagnostics
- Gentle Approach – comfort-first, conservative care
- Convenient Mira Mesa Location – close to Mira Mesa High School, quick access from I-15 & I-805
FAQs About Emergency Dentistry
How soon can you see me?
If you call during office hours, we’ll do our best to see you the same day. Often within a few hours. After-hours calls are returned promptly to arrange urgent care.
Is my toothache an emergency?
Persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity can indicate infection or nerve damage. Call us right away for evaluation.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We offer affordable emergency exam and X-ray fees and can discuss financing options to fit your budget.
Do you treat children with dental emergencies?
Yes. Our gentle, family-friendly team treats patients of all ages.
How can I prevent future dental emergencies?
Regular checkups, protective mouthguards for sports, and addressing dental issues early are the best ways to prevent emergencies.
How fast must a knocked-out tooth be reimplanted?
Within 30–60 minutes gives the highest success rate. Store it in milk or saliva and head straight to our office.
What should I do if swelling spreads to my face or neck?
This can signal a serious infection. call us immediately. If breathing or swallowing becomes difficult, go to the nearest ER.
Can I wait until morning for a toothache?
If pain wakes you, swells, or throbs, call now. We keep time open for after-hours calls and can arrange early-morning care.
Is it safe to go to the ER for dental problems?
ERs can provide temporary relief but rarely treat the cause. Dentists offer definitive treatment. Call us first for evaluation.
Serving Mira Mesa and Nearby Communities
We proudly provide same-day emergency dentistry for patients across Mira Mesa and the greater San Diego County area.
Our service radius covers approximately 20 miles. Including Scripps Ranch, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Poway, Rancho Peñasquitos, Carmel Valley, and University City.
Looking for a “dentist near me”?
The closest emergency dentist from Mira Mesa is less than 2 miles away. Right here at 9420 Mira Mesa Blvd Ste D, San Diego, CA 92126.
Call Now for Immediate Relief
Dental emergencies can’t wait.
Call Scripps West Dental at 858-695-1776 for same-day emergency dentistry in Mira Mesa and San Diego. Our caring team is ready to get you out of pain and smiling again today.