Severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or a knocked-out tooth can turn an ordinary day into a stressful one fast. When something feels urgent, you need a dental office that can help you understand what is happening and what to do next.

Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS serves San Diego, CA with care for sudden dental problems such as pain, infection, trauma, lost fillings, broken crowns, and damaged restorations. If you are dealing with a new problem or a flare-up that will not settle down, call +18582681618 so we can talk through your symptoms and the next step.


When to call

Some dental problems can wait a few days. Others should be handled as soon as possible because they may get worse, become harder to treat, or cause more discomfort. If you are unsure, it is better to call and describe what you are feeling than to guess.

Common warning signs

  • Sharp or throbbing tooth pain that keeps returning
  • Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
  • A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
  • A lost filling, crown, bridge, or denture tooth
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Bleeding that does not stop after a mouth injury
  • A tooth that feels loose or out of place
  • Sudden sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure

If any of these symptoms show up after an accident, during a meal, or overnight, contact our office. We can help you understand whether the issue needs a prompt visit or can be managed with a short wait.


Common problems

Sudden dental trouble can come from decay, a cracked restoration, a bite problem, gum infection, or injury. The pain you feel may be the tooth itself, the nerve inside the tooth, or the tissues around it. That is why a quick exam matters.

At Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS, we see many urgent concerns tied to the services we already provide, including restorative dentistry, endodontic care, periodontal care, and oral surgery. The goal is to reduce discomfort, identify the source, and choose the right next step.

Problems we often see

  1. Toothaches

    A toothache may point to decay, an inflamed nerve, a crack, or pressure from an infection. Even if the pain fades, the cause may still be there.

  2. Broken restorations

    Fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges, and dentures can break, loosen, or wear down. When that happens, the tooth may become sensitive or difficult to use.

  3. Dental trauma

    A fall, sports injury, or hard bite can chip a tooth, knock a tooth loose, or damage nearby tissue. Fast attention may help preserve the tooth and reduce later treatment.

  4. Swelling or infection

    Swelling, heat, and tenderness can signal an infection that needs prompt evaluation. Do not ignore facial swelling or pain that is getting stronger.


What to do first

Until you reach the office, a few simple steps may help protect the area and keep the problem from getting worse. These are not a substitute for treatment, but they can make the situation more manageable.

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water if the area is irritated.
  • Avoid chewing on the side that hurts or feels unstable.
  • Use a cold compress on the outside of the face for swelling.
  • Keep a broken piece of tooth or restoration if you can safely find it.
  • Wear a night guard if clenching or grinding seems to aggravate the pain.
  • Do not place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.

If you have bleeding after an injury, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. If a tooth is knocked loose, do not try to force it back into place. Call right away and describe exactly what happened.


How visits work

When you come to our office for urgent care, we start by listening to the problem and asking when it began, what makes it worse, and whether anything has already been tried. Then we examine the area, take radiographs if needed, and look for the source of pain or damage.

From there, we focus on relieving discomfort and stabilizing the tooth or surrounding tissue. Depending on what we find, the visit may include a temporary or permanent repair, treatment for infection, or a plan for follow-up care.

Possible next steps

  • Dental exam and radiographs
  • Composite filling repair
  • Crown, bridge, inlay, or onlay evaluation
  • Root canal therapy when the tooth nerve is affected
  • Oral surgery for selected cases
  • Replacement or adjustment of a night guard
  • Restoration planning for implants, dentures, or other prosthetics

Not every problem needs the same treatment. A cracked filling may be handled very differently from swelling around a molar or damage after trauma. The purpose of the visit is to give you a clear answer and a practical next step.


For pain relief

Many people wait too long because they hope the pain will settle down. Sometimes it does for a short time, but that does not always mean the source is gone. Persistent discomfort often points to a problem that needs attention before it spreads or becomes harder to manage.

We may recommend care for a tooth with deep decay, a fractured restoration, an irritated nerve, or tissue infection. If you already have a crown, bridge, denture, or implant restoration that feels different, we can assess whether it has shifted, cracked, or worn down.

Signs not to ignore

  1. Pain with chewing

    This can mean a crack, a high bite contact, or a problem beneath a filling or crown.

  2. Heat and cold sensitivity

    If the discomfort lingers after the temperature change, the tooth may need closer evaluation.

  3. Facial swelling

    Swelling can be linked to infection and should be checked without delay.


After an injury

Dental injuries can look minor at first and still need prompt care. A tooth may be chipped without much pain, or a crown may come off while the tooth underneath remains sensitive. If the mouth was struck during a fall, sports activity, or accident, let us know what happened even if the injury seems small.

Bring any tooth fragments, broken appliance pieces, or detached restoration parts with you if you have them. These details can help us decide whether a repair, replacement, or other treatment is the right path.

  • Chipped or fractured tooth
  • Loose tooth after impact
  • Broken filling or crown
  • Soft tissue cuts inside the mouth
  • Jaw pain after biting trauma

Quick evaluation can help preserve tooth structure and reduce the chance of further damage. If a child, teen, or adult has dental trauma, call our San Diego office and explain the injury clearly.


Our approach

Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS brings more than 30 years of combined experience to the care of patients who need prompt attention. We use a practical, step-by-step approach so you know what is happening and why.

That means we look at the symptom, examine the tooth and surrounding tissues, and explain the options without unnecessary language. If a temporary fix is appropriate, we will say so. If a longer-term solution is needed, we will outline the follow-up and what to expect.

What we focus on

  • Reducing pain and sensitivity
  • Protecting damaged teeth and restorations
  • Addressing infection concerns
  • Supporting repairs that match your bite and smile
  • Planning follow-up care when needed

Our office at 4320 Genesee Ave UNIT 204 serves patients across San Diego, CA during weekday hours from Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.


Common questions

What should I do if my tooth suddenly hurts?

Rinse gently, avoid chewing on that side, and call the office to describe the pain. If swelling, bleeding, or trauma is also present, mention that right away.

Can a chipped tooth wait?

Sometimes a small chip can wait briefly, but a deeper crack, sharp edge, or pain with chewing should be checked soon. A small chip can also trap sensitivity or worsen with use.

What if my crown falls off?

Keep the crown if you can find it, avoid chewing on that side, and call for guidance. The tooth underneath may be sensitive or vulnerable to further damage.

Why is my face swollen near a tooth?

Swelling can be linked to infection, irritation, or trauma. Because swelling may spread or intensify, it should be evaluated promptly.

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Sometimes a knocked-out tooth can be addressed if it is handled carefully and time is not lost. Call immediately, follow the instructions you are given, and bring the tooth with you if possible.

What if I have pain under a bridge or denture?

Discomfort under a bridge or denture can point to a sore spot, decay, pressure, or a change in fit. An exam can show whether the restoration needs adjustment or replacement.


Call our office

If you are dealing with sudden tooth pain, swelling, a broken restoration, or dental trauma, do not wait and hope it settles on its own. Contact Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS at +18582681618 for care in San Diego, CA. We can help you take the next step with a clear plan and focused treatment.