Emergency Pediatric Dentist Near Me in San Diego

When a dental emergency strikes—whether it’s a knocked-out tooth from a soccer game at Balboa Park or a sudden, throbbing toothache in the middle of the night—the stress can be overwhelming for both the parent and the child. If you are searching for an “emergency pediatric dentist near me in San Diego,” you need more than just a quick fix; you need a team that can provide immediate, compassionate care in a child-centered environment.

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Diego, we prioritize dental emergencies to ensure your child gets out of pain and back to their smiling self as quickly as possible.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Understanding what constitutes an emergency can help you stay calm and take the right steps before you reach our office. Common issues include:

• Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: This is a true time-sensitive emergency. If possible, find the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), and place it in a container of milk or the child’s saliva. Call us immediately.

• Severe Toothache or Swelling: Facial swelling can indicate an infection or abscess, which requires urgent professional attention to prevent the spread of bacteria.

• Fractured or Chipped Teeth: If a tooth is broken, try to find the fragments. Even if it doesn’t seem painful, a crack can expose the sensitive inner pulp of the tooth.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Tears or significant cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue should be evaluated, especially if bleeding doesn’t stop with gentle pressure.

For detailed guidance on handling these situations at home, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) provides an excellent emergency resource guide.

Expert Care for Every Child

In an emergency, communication can be difficult, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or developmental delays. As a dedicated special needs pediatric dentist, Dr. Parvathi Pokala and her team are uniquely trained to handle urgent situations with a calm, patient-first approach. We understand that an emergency can be particularly frightening for neurodivergent children, and we adapt our techniques to ensure they feel safe while receiving the necessary treatment.

Our San Diego office is designed to be a “dental home” where your child’s medical and emotional history is already understood, which is invaluable during a high-stress emergency visit.

Managing Pain with Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Traumatic dental injuries often require immediate restorative work. To ensure your child doesn’t develop a long-term fear of the dentist due to an emergency, we offer several pediatric sedation dentistry options. From mild nitrous oxide to help them relax to deeper sedation for complex repairs, we tailor the approach to the child’s age and the severity of the injury.

For severe trauma or patients with complex medical backgrounds, Dr. Pokala maintains privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital, providing the highest level of safety and care available in San Diego, CA.

How to Book an Emergency Appointment in San Diego

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, do not wait. Early intervention is the best way to save a tooth and prevent infection.

1. Call us immediately: Contact our Linda Vista office at (858) 278-8700. We make every effort to see emergency cases on the same day.

2. Describe the situation: Tell our team exactly what happened so we can give you specific instructions over the phone.

3. Visit our office: We are located at 8031 Linda Vista Rd, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92111.

For non-urgent inquiries or to establish a dental home before an emergency happens, feel free to contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Diego through our online form.