Emergency Dental Care in La Jolla, CA

Accidents happen, which is why cosmetic dentist Dr. Paul Dougherty provides emergency dental care for his patients in La Jolla, CA. Broken or chipped teeth and even teeth that have been knocked out are quite common results of accidental dental injury. You could damage your teeth when chewing food that's too tough for your teeth to manage, when playing sports, or due to a bad fall or a blunt-force injury. You may or may not feel pain in your mouth following this injury, but it is important to have your mouth assessed immediately to look for hidden damage. At Dougherty Dental, we will always make your dental crisis a priority by providing fast care and protection against future problems.

You will most likely need emergency dental care if a tooth or restoration comes out, you are in pain, or if a tooth is cracked. Whenever you experience an injury to your mouth that impacts your gums, teeth, or jaw, it's smart to get in touch with our office immediately. In some circumstances, you may be uncertain about how fast you need treatment (as an example, a loose restoration or tooth, a trauma that does not result in bleeding or pain, or a chip in a tooth). Dr. Dougherty and his staff can help you determine how quickly to come in for an appointment, ways to manage pain, and how to best preserve your tooth or dental restoration. Even small injuries can lead to bigger issues if not handled right away so it's best to contact our office as soon as possible.

Each dental crisis is unique so it's tough to predict exactly what your emergency dental treatment will entail. Dr. Dougherty will thoroughly assess your situation at our office prior to a diagnosis or emergency dental work. Digital x-rays or images with an intraoral camera may be required to inspect your mouth for additional damage. After Dr. Dougherty understands the extent of your condition, he will thoroughly discuss options for treatment with you and create your emergency dental treatment program. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may need one or multiple appointments to restore your mouth to health.

Depending on your dental issue, Dr. Dougherty can offer you instructions that will help you heal following your treatment at Dougherty Dental. He may give you prescriptions for pain medication or antibiotics that need to be used as directed. He may also schedule an appointment for another treatment or a follow-up exam. After your dental emergency is treated, you might talk with Dr. Dougherty about methods to prevent future injuries, including a custom-made mouth guard to be worn while playing sports. You must continue to adhere to a good home oral care routine with brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. During your yearly dental exam and twice-yearly cleanings at Dougherty Dental, Dr. Dougherty will continue to monitor your healing progress.

If you are using dental insurance, we'll contact your provider to determine your benefits after Dr. Dougherty has determined your treatment program. For those not using dental insurance, Dougherty Dental takes many payment methods and we can help you get low-interest financing to help make your care more affordable. Don't delay handling a dental crisis due to concerns over price because waiting may lead to bigger and more expensive issues.

Anytime you have pain, bleeding, or experience trauma or injury to your mouth, call Dougherty Dental for urgent dental care. Dr. Dougherty and his team will work with you to manage your pain and repair any damage to your teeth, gums, jawbone, or dental restorations. Quick treatment is the key to preserving your oral well-being and preventing future problems so do not hesitate to contact our office in La Jolla, CA for assistance.