Emergency Pediatric Dentist in San Diego
Same-day care. Five locations. Board-certified specialists who know kids.
5 San Diego locations · Most insurance accepted · New patients welcome
What to Expect
A dental emergency with a child is one of the most stressful situations a parent can face — especially when you don't know whether to go to the ER, wait it out, or call the dentist. At Coastal Kids, we see pediatric dental emergencies the same day whenever possible. Our board-certified pediatric dentists know how to manage pain, trauma, and anxiety in children quickly and gently. If you're unsure whether your child's situation is an emergency, call us — we'll help you decide over the phone.
Call Us First
Describe what happened and what your child is experiencing. Our team can advise you on what to do at home in the next few minutes — whether to replant a knocked-out tooth, rinse a wound, or manage swelling — while we get an appointment ready for you.
Same-Day Evaluation
We examine the injury, take X-rays if needed, and assess the extent of damage to teeth, roots, and surrounding bone. For trauma cases, we also check for signs of concussion or other injuries that should involve your pediatrician.
Immediate Treatment
We treat what needs treating the same day — reattaching avulsed teeth, splinting loose teeth, placing temporary restorations, draining abscesses, or extracting severely damaged teeth. We explain every step before we do it.
Why Families Choose Coastal Kids
Board-Certified Specialists
Our pediatric dentists and orthodontists completed 2–3 years of specialty training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on children's development, behavior, and oral health. Not generalists who also see kids — specialists who see only kids.
Dentist & Orthodontist, One Roof
Your child's dentist and orthodontist share records and coordinate care in the same practice. That means developmental concerns get caught early, treatment decisions are informed by the complete picture, and your family doesn't shuttle between offices.
Same-Day & New Patient Access
Five locations across San Diego means we almost always have same-day appointments available — for emergencies and new patient exams alike. You shouldn't have to wait weeks for your child to be seen.
Insurance Handled for You
We accept most major insurance plans, Medi-Cal, and Smile California. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and explains exactly what's covered and what isn't — no surprises at checkout.
Available at All 5 San Diego Locations
Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · New patients welcome · Same-day emergency care
Frequently Asked Questions
My child knocked out a tooth. What do I do?
For a permanent (adult) tooth: pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently with water but don't scrub. If possible, place it back in the socket immediately and have your child hold it there. If not, store it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to us within 30 minutes — time is critical. For a baby tooth: do not replant it. Call us and we'll advise you on next steps and schedule a check-up.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Call us if your child has: a knocked-out or severely loose permanent tooth, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, severe or persistent toothache, a dental abscess (swelling in the gum or face), a broken tooth with exposed nerve (visible pink or red inside the tooth), or dental trauma from a fall or accident. When in doubt, call — we can help you assess over the phone.
Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
The emergency room is appropriate for: uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop, severe facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or facial trauma with possible fractures. For dental injuries alone — broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, toothaches — an ER can manage pain but typically cannot perform dental treatment. We're your fastest path to actual dental care.
Do you charge extra for emergency visits?
Emergency visits are billed at our standard exam rates — there's no emergency surcharge. Most dental insurance plans cover emergency exams the same way they cover regular exams. We'll tell you exactly what to expect cost-wise before treatment begins, and we'll work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
Emergency Pediatric Dentist in San Diego — Ready When You Are
Five locations across San Diego. Most insurance accepted. Same-day emergency appointments available.
Dental emergency? Call any location for same-day care.
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