Emergency Dentistry in Encinitas – Compassionate Care When You Need It Most
Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, lost a filling, or are in severe pain, Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry is here for you. We provide emergency dentistry in Encinitas with same-day availability for urgent needs and a focus on relieving pain fast.
If you’re searching for an emergency dentist near you, our office offers expert care in a calm, supportive environment—so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue needs immediate treatment—but some do. If you’re in pain, bleeding, or experiencing swelling, it’s time to call an emergency dental clinic. Common dental emergencies we treat include:
- Severe toothaches or pressure
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Lost fillings, crowns, or bridges
- Abscesses or swollen gums
- Facial swelling or jaw pain
- Broken dentures or appliances
- Pain from impacted wisdom teeth
- Bleeding after dental procedures
- Sports or accident-related injuries
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, don’t wait—give us a call at 760-944-9288. We’ll help determine if you need to be seen right away and provide guidance on what to do in the meantime.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Dental emergencies can escalate quickly. What starts as a small issue—like a lost filling or mild sensitivity—can turn into intense pain or infection within hours or days. That’s why we encourage patients to seek urgent dental care as soon as symptoms begin.
Acting quickly helps to:
- Relieve pain and inflammation
- Save damaged or knocked-out teeth
- Prevent infection from spreading
- Avoid more extensive (and expensive) procedures later
- Protect your overall health
Our goal as your trusted emergency dentist in Encinitas is to resolve the problem, relieve discomfort, and restore your smile as quickly and conservatively as possible.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
While waiting to see us, here are a few helpful tips for managing common dental emergencies:
Severe Toothache
- Rinse with warm saltwater
- Take over-the-counter pain relief
- Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
- Rinse gently if dirty—don’t scrub
- Try to place it back in the socket, or store it in milk
- See us within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Save any pieces if possible
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid biting down until we can evaluate the damage
Lost Filling or Crown
- Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on it
- Temporary dental cement (from a pharmacy) may help for comfort
- Bring the crown or filling with you to your visit
Our Emergency Dentistry Services
As a full-service emergency dental clinic, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental needs, including:
- Toothache relief
- Root canal therapy
- Repair of chipped or broken teeth
- Temporary and permanent fillings or crowns
- Tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth)
- Recementing crowns or bridges
- Draining abscesses
- Emergency dentures repair
- Pain and swelling management
In some cases, we can complete the full treatment in one visit. In others, we’ll provide immediate care and schedule follow-up treatment as needed to restore full function and aesthetics.
Same-Day Appointments Available
Dental emergencies require immediate attention, and we do our best to accommodate same-day appointments whenever possible. If your emergency happens outside of our regular office hours, leave a message or call our main line for after-hours instructions. We’ll get back to you promptly and guide you on next steps.
Patients throughout Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and surrounding areas trust us to be there when they need a reliable emergency dentist near them—with no judgment, no pressure, and no unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Dr. Skeens for Urgent Dental Care?
As a trusted emergency dentist in Encinitas, Dr. Gregory Skeens and our team prioritize your comfort, safety, and peace of mind—especially during stressful situations. We know emergencies can be overwhelming, and we’re here to help you feel supported from the moment you call.
Here’s why local families count on us for emergency dentistry:
- Same-day scheduling when available
- Fast, effective pain relief and treatment
- Clear, honest communication
- Modern diagnostic tools and digital imaging
- Gentle care in a low-stress environment
- Long-term solutions—not just temporary fixes
We’re not just here to get you out of pain—we’re here to get your smile back on track.
Don’t Wait—Call Your Emergency Dentist in Encinitas Now
If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, time matters. Prompt treatment can prevent further complications and save your smile.
Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry at 760-944-9288 for immediate help. Whether it’s pain, injury, swelling, or something just doesn’t feel right—our emergency dental clinic is here for you with fast, compassionate, and expert care when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions – Emergency Dentistry
What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Call our office at 760-944-9288 and follow the voicemail instructions. We check messages regularly and will return your call as soon as possible with guidance.
How much does emergency dental care cost?
Will my insurance cover emergency dental visits?
What if I can’t afford emergency dental care?
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Meet Your Encinitas Family Dentist
Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Encinitas Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Designed specifically for your smile and custom made in one visit.
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Gregory Skeens D.D.S.
519 Encinitas Blvd (# 108)
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
