Dental Trauma

What it is: Prompt evaluation can help protect a knocked-out, displaced, loosened or fractured permanent tooth and identify injuries to nearby tissues.

When considered: Call immediately after an accident involving the teeth, jaw, lips, cheeks, tongue or gums.

What to expect: We begin with an examination and appropriate records, explain the findings, and tailor the sequence to the tooth, tissues, bite, health and goals.

Limits and next step: Major facial injury, loss of consciousness or uncontrolled bleeding requires emergency medical care.

CTA: Request an appointment or call (760) 529-5339

What to do now

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse gently without scrubbing and keep it moist in milk or an accepted tooth-preservation product while you call. Save broken pieces, avoid household glue and use gentle pressure with clean gauze for bleeding.

Your emergency visit

We screen the call, review health information, complete a focused examination and appropriate tests, show you the findings, and explain what can be relieved, stabilized, treated or referred safely.

After 5:00 PM

After 5:00 PM, calls are received through our answering system. Rosa coordinates the message. For established patients, Rosa forwards the information to Dr. Vasquez, who returns the patient’s call. New patients must complete new-patient paperwork and receive an in-person clinical examination; the office will make every reasonable effort to schedule that examination as soon as possible on the next business day.

Frequently asked questions

Will treatment be completed the same day?

Sometimes. Treatment that day depends on the diagnosis, complexity and schedule; other conditions require stabilization, healing, another visit or specialist care.

When should I call 911?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major facial trauma, loss of consciousness or another life-threatening emergency.