Same Day Emergency Dentist in Carmel Valley, San Diego
Are you dealing with a dental emergency in San Diego? Whether it’s a sudden toothache, swelling, or a broken tooth, Torrey Hills Dental is here to help during our regular weekday hours.
Call our office today, and you’ll speak with a trained team member who can help you figure out the next step and get you scheduled as soon as possible. We’re happy to help existing patients, and we also welcome new patients who need urgent dental care.
New or returning patients: 858-523-1330
Existing patients with an urgent issue: 858-282-4111
Our office is centrally located at 4765 Carmel Mountain Rd #101, San Diego, CA 92130, making us one of the closest emergency dentist options for residents throughout Carmel Valley, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Del Mar, and nearby communities.
Fast, Reliable Emergency Dental Care in San Diego
A dental emergency can be stressful. At Torrey Hills Dental, we focus on providing calm, compassionate, and efficient care, so you can feel better as quickly as possible.
Our emergency care is led by two highly respected San Diego dentists:
Dr. Brian C. Tasto, DDS
- San Diego native; University of the Pacific School of Dentistry graduate
- Named one of San Diego’s Top Dentists every year since 2010
- Provider of comprehensive general and restorative dentistry, including implants, endodontics, oral surgery, and CEREC® same-day crowns
- Known for his commitment to continuing education and maintaining modern, patient-centered care
Dr. James P. Tasto, DDS
- USC Dental School graduate with an emphasis in cosmetic and sports dentistry
- Recognized as a Top Dentist in San Diego from 2007–2023
- Team Dentist for USD Toreros Athletics
- Active member of D.O.C.S., providing charitable dental care for underserved communities
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Below are the most frequent emergencies with guidance on symptoms, timing, and what to do before you arrive.
Severe Toothache
Signs:
- Sharp, throbbing, or pressure-related pain
- Pain that wakes you up
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting
What it may mean:
Deep decay, a cracked tooth, gum infection, or inflammation of the nerve.
If delayed:
Infection may spread, an abscess may form, or the tooth may become unsalvageable.
Recommended timing:
Same-day assessment is ideal.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Permanent Tooth
Critical window:
A permanent tooth has the highest chance of survival if reimplanted within 30–60 minutes.
Immediate steps:
- Hold tooth by the crown only
- Gently rinse if dirty. Do not scrub
- Place in milk or your cheek pocket to keep it moist
- Head straight to our office and call on the way
Do not wait to see if it “stops hurting.” Time is everything.
Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth
Possible symptoms:
- Pain when chewing
- Sharp edges
- Sensitivity
- Visible fracture line
Why it’s urgent:
Cracks can spread deeper, allowing bacteria to reach the nerve.
Treatment options:
Bonding, smoothing, CEREC® same-day crown, or root canal therapy depending on damage.
Abscess, Swelling, or Gum Infection
Warning signs:
- Swelling near a tooth or in the face
- Gum bump (fistula)
- Bad taste
- Fever
- Throbbing or pressure pain
Why it’s serious:
Infection can spread rapidly and may become a medical emergency.
Recommended timing:
Same-day evaluation.
If swelling spreads to the neck or affects breathing, seek immediate medical care and call us for guidance.
Lost Crown, Filling, or Bridge
If a restoration comes loose or falls out:
- Bring it with you if possible
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Keep the area clean
We can often recement or replace the restoration, and in many cases, a CEREC® same-day crown can be completed during your visit.
Injuries to Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue
Rinse with warm water, apply pressure to control bleeding, and use a cold compress.
If bleeding continues longer than 10–15 minutes, call us immediately.
Symptoms vs. Urgency: Should You Come in Today?
Use this guide to understand how quickly you should be seen:
| Symptom | Urgency Level | Recommended Action |
| Knocked-out permanent tooth | Emergency | Come immediately (within 30–60 min) |
| Facial swelling / abscess | Emergency | Call now for same-day visit |
| Severe toothache, waking you from sleep | High | Contact us today |
| Cracked tooth with pain | High | Same-day or next available |
| Lost crown/filling with sensitivity | Moderate | Seen within 24–48 hrs |
| Minor chip, no pain | Low | Schedule soon |
| Mild sensitivity only | Low | Mention at next checkup |
If unsure, call:
858-523-1330 (new/returning)
858-282-4111 (existing patients)
What to Do While You’re on the Way
- Knocked-out tooth: Keep moist (milk/saliva)
- Bleeding: Apply pressure with clean gauze
- Swelling: Use a cold compress
- Pain: Take over-the-counter medication as directed (never place aspirin on gums)
- Avoid hot/cold foods or chewing on the injured side
Our team can walk you through immediate steps over the phone.
How Emergency Care Works at Torrey Hills Dental
Priority Scheduling
We reserve time daily during weekday hours for emergencies.
Focused Exam & Digital Imaging
Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras help us quickly diagnose the cause.
Immediate Pain Relief
We stabilize the tooth, relieve pressure, and begin addressing the source of pain.
Treatment Plan
Depending on the case, we may provide:
- Fillings
- Bonding
- Root canal therapy
- CEREC® same-day crown
- Extractions
- Temporary restorations
Aftercare Guidance
We’ll review next steps to ensure proper healing and prevent future emergencies.
Advanced Technology for Fast, Precise Care
Our Carmel Valley office uses modern tools that improve speed, comfort, and accuracy:
- Digital X-rays for immediate diagnostics
- CEREC® same-day crowns, ideal for cracked or broken teeth
- Intraoral cameras to visually explain findings
- Modern sterilization and gentle anesthesia systems
These technologies help us treat many urgent issues in just one visit.
Cost, Insurance & Payment Options
We aim to make emergency dentistry accessible and manageable:
- We accept many PPO insurance plans
- We’ll provide clear estimates before treatment
- For patients without insurance, we offer transparent fees and payment-friendly options.
Early evaluation often prevents more complex, and more expensive treatment later.
FAQs About Emergency Dentistry
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency usually means sudden pain, swelling, trauma, or infection that can’t wait for a routine visit. Things like a severe toothache, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, facial swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding. If you’re not sure, call us and we’ll let you know if you should come in right away.
What should I do right away if my tooth is knocked out?
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, gently rinse it if dirty, and keep it moist. Either back in the socket, in milk, or in your cheek. Call us immediately and head to the office. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if you’re seen within about 30–60 minutes.
Is a toothache an emergency, or can I wait until morning?
Mild, short-lived sensitivity can often wait. But if your toothache is severe, keeps you from sleeping, or comes with swelling or fever, it’s usually a sign of infection and should be treated as soon as possible. In that case, call us for an urgent or same-day appointment.
What should I do for toothache pain until I see the dentist?
You can gently rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on the sore side, and use over-the-counter pain relief as directed. A cold compress on the cheek can also help with swelling. These steps are temporary, you’ll still need an exam so we can treat the cause of the pain, not just the symptoms.
When should I go to the ER instead of the dentist for tooth pain?
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or serious facial trauma, go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services first. For most other dental problems like toothaches, swelling, broken teeth, or lost crowns. A dentist is the best place to get definitive treatment.
My crown or filling fell out but it doesn’t hurt. Is that an emergency?
Even without pain, an exposed tooth can become very sensitive or start to decay. Keep the crown or filling if you still have it, avoid chewing on that side, and call us. We usually recommend being seen within a day or two to protect the tooth.
Do you see children for dental emergencies?
Yes. We treat children for emergencies like toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, and injuries to lips or gums. Call us first so we can help you decide how urgent it is and what to do before you come in.
How quickly can you see me if I have a dental emergency?
During our regular office hours, we reserve time for same-day emergency visits whenever possible. Call and tell us what’s going on, and our team will work to get you seen as quickly as we can.
What if I have a dental emergency and no insurance?
If you don’t have dental insurance, we’ll still see you for an emergency visit. We can explain the exam and treatment options upfront, give you a clear estimate, and talk through payment or financing options so you’re not putting off important care because of cost.
Can dental pain just go away on its own?
Dental pain may come and go, but if it’s caused by decay, a crack, or infection, it usually won’t resolve without treatment. The pain might lessen for a while as nerves are damaged, but the underlying problem can continue to worsen. So it’s safer to schedule a visit.
Emergency Dentist Serving Carmel Valley & Surrounding Areas
Torrey Hills Dental serves patients across:
- Carmel Valley (92130)
- Torrey Hills
- Pacific Highlands Ranch
- Del Mar & Del Mar Heights
- Sorrento Valley
- Torrey Pines
- Torrey Highlands
- Rancho Peñasquitos
If you’re searching for an emergency dentist near me in any of these areas, our office is likely one of the closest and fastest options.
Call Now for Emergency Dental Care
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or a dental injury, don’t wait.
New / returning patients: 858-523-1330
Existing emergency patients: 858-282-4111
Torrey Hills Dental provides trusted, same-day emergency dentistry in Carmel Valley, San Diego during our regular weekday hours, helping you get comfortable and protect your oral health as quickly as possible.