Emergency Dental Care
Immediate relief for dental emergencies
Same-Day Emergency Care Available
We reserve time in our daily schedule for emergency patients. Call us immediately at (555) 123-4567 for prompt care.
After-hours emergencies: Call our emergency line and follow the prompts to reach our on-call dentist.
Emergency Dental Services
Prompt treatment for urgent dental problems
Severe Toothache Relief
Immediate treatment for intense dental pain, which may be caused by infection, severe decay, or pulp inflammation. We identify the root cause and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent, intense dental pain
- Pain that worsens with pressure or temperature changes
- Swelling around the affected tooth
- Difficulty eating or sleeping due to pain
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Prompt repair of fractured or broken teeth to prevent further damage, infection, and restore function and appearance. Treatments may include dental bonding, crowns, or in severe cases, extraction.
Common Symptoms:
- Visible fracture or missing piece of tooth
- Sharp edges that may cut tongue or cheek
- Pain or sensitivity when chewing or exposed to temperature
- Swelling or bleeding around the damaged tooth
Knocked-Out Tooth
Immediate care for avulsed (knocked-out) teeth. With prompt treatment, we may be able to save and replant your natural tooth, but quick action is essential. If this happens, call us immediately.
Emergency Instructions:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Gently rinse with water if dirty (do not scrub)
- Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket if possible
- If reinsertion isn't possible, store in milk or saliva
- Seek immediate dental care (within 30-60 minutes)
Dental Abscess
Urgent treatment for dental abscesses, which are painful infections that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Treatment typically involves draining the infection, prescribing antibiotics, and addressing the underlying cause.
Common Symptoms:
- Severe, throbbing pain
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
- Fever and general feeling of unwellness
- Foul taste or smell in the mouth
Lost Filling or Crown
Prompt replacement of lost fillings or crowns to protect the exposed tooth from further damage and relieve sensitivity. We provide temporary or permanent solutions based on your specific situation.
Emergency Instructions:
- Save the crown or filling if possible
- Protect the exposed tooth from temperature changes
- If experiencing pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Seek dental care within 24-48 hours
Jaw Pain or Injury
Prompt evaluation and treatment for jaw pain, injuries, or suspected TMJ disorders. We provide diagnosis, pain relief, and appropriate treatment or referral based on the severity and cause of your condition.
Common Symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area
- Difficulty or pain when opening or closing mouth
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds
- Facial swelling after injury
- Inability to properly close mouth or bite properly
Dental Emergency First Aid
What to do before reaching our office
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water).
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the packaging.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
- Avoid extreme temperatures in food and drinks.
- Do NOT place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth as it can cause tissue damage.
- Save any broken tooth fragments and rinse them gently with water.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (not the root).
- Gently rinse it with water without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place.
- If reinsertion isn't possible, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation product.
- Seek immediate dental care within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- Rinse your mouth frequently with mild saltwater (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water).
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the packaging.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
- DO NOT apply heat, as this can spread the infection.
- Seek immediate dental care, especially if you have fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Save the crown or filling if you have it.
- If the area is painful, apply clove oil with a cotton swab to the sensitive area.
- For a lost crown, you can use dental cement, denture adhesive, or even sugar-free gum to temporarily reattach it.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Seek dental care within 1-2 days.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Eat soft foods and avoid wide mouth opening.
- For a suspected broken jaw, gently secure the jaw with a bandage wrapped under the chin and over the top of the head.
- Seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room for severe injuries.
Dental Emergency Kit
- Gauze pads
- Small container with lid
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Salt (for saltwater rinse)
- Dental wax
- Our emergency contact info
What to Expect
When you arrive for emergency dental care
Immediate Assessment
Our team will quickly assess the severity of your emergency. If you're in severe pain or have a time-sensitive issue like a knocked-out tooth, you'll be seen immediately.
Pain Management
Relieving your pain is our first priority. We'll use appropriate anesthetics, medications, or techniques to make you comfortable before proceeding with diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis & Imaging
We'll take any necessary X-rays or images to diagnose the problem correctly. Our digital X-ray system provides immediate images with minimal radiation exposure.
Treatment Options
We'll explain your condition and discuss treatment options, focusing on immediate relief and long-term solutions. All costs will be transparently communicated before proceeding.
Emergency Treatment
Our skilled dentists will provide the necessary emergency treatment to address your immediate concern, using the latest techniques and materials for optimal results.
Follow-Up Plan
Before you leave, we'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure complete resolution of your dental emergency.
Emergency Care Testimonials
Real experiences from patients we've helped
I called in extreme pain on a Saturday morning and was seen within the hour. Dr. Chen was incredibly gentle and found the source of my pain immediately. After treating an abscess and starting me on antibiotics, the relief was almost instant. I can't thank the team enough!
My daughter knocked out her front tooth during a soccer game, and I was in a panic. The staff at Wisdom Bites told me exactly what to do over the phone and saw us immediately. Thanks to their quick action and expertise, they were able to save her tooth. Eternally grateful!
I broke a crown while traveling for business and was in tremendous pain. I called Wisdom Bites as a new patient, and they fit me in that same day. Dr. Wilson repaired my crown, explained what happened, and even coordinated with my regular dentist back home. Outstanding service!
Emergency Care FAQs
Answers to your urgent dental questions
Dental emergencies typically include situations involving severe pain, infection, bleeding, or trauma that require immediate attention to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. Examples include:
- Severe, persistent toothache
- Knocked-out or loosened tooth
- Cracked or fractured tooth (especially if painful)
- Dental abscess or severe swelling
- Tissue injury or severe bleeding from the mouth
- Lost crown or filling when accompanied by pain
- Broken jaw or severe jaw pain
If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call our office at (555) 123-4567, and we'll help you determine the appropriate course of action.
We reserve time in our daily schedule specifically for emergency patients. For severe emergencies like a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or facial swelling, we make every effort to see you the same day, often within hours of your call. The timing can depend on:
- The nature and severity of your emergency
- The time of day you call
- Whether you're a current patient (though we welcome emergency patients of record or not)
For the most time-sensitive emergencies (like a knocked-out tooth, which should be treated within 30-60 minutes), we prioritize immediate care. For after-hours emergencies, call our regular number and follow the prompts to reach our on-call dentist.
The cost of emergency dental care varies based on the specific treatment needed. Your total cost will depend on:
- The type and extent of the emergency
- The treatment(s) required to address it
- Your dental insurance coverage
- Whether any follow-up treatments are needed
We understand that emergency situations are unexpected, and we strive to make care accessible. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer payment plans through CareCredit. Before proceeding with any emergency treatment, we'll discuss the estimated costs with you so there are no surprises.
While dental emergencies are best treated by a dentist, there are certain situations where you should go to the emergency room instead of or before seeing a dentist:
- Severe facial or jaw trauma
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- Significant swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
- Signs of severe infection (high fever, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Suspected broken jaw
For other dental emergencies, contact our office first. Hospital emergency rooms typically aren't equipped to provide definitive dental treatment and will often provide pain relief and antibiotics before referring you to a dentist. For the most effective care, contact us directly at (555) 123-4567.
If you experience a dental emergency while traveling:
- Call our office at (555) 123-4567 for guidance and to determine if treatment can wait until you return.
- For urgent care needs, we can recommend emergency dental services in your location or help you find a dentist through dental society referral services.
- We can coordinate with another dental office to share your records if necessary.
- Your dental insurance may cover emergency treatment out of network or while traveling; we can help you understand your coverage.
As a precaution when traveling, carry our contact information, your dental insurance card, and basic pain relievers. If you have upcoming travel and have any dental concerns, consider scheduling a check-up before your trip to address potential issues before they become emergencies.
For pediatric dental emergencies:
- Stay calm to help your child remain calm as well.
- Call our office immediately at (555) 123-4567 for guidance specific to your child's situation.
- For a knocked-out permanent tooth, gently rinse it without scrubbing, try to place it back in the socket, or store it in milk and seek immediate care.
- For a knocked-out baby tooth, don't try to reinsert it, but save it and come in for an evaluation to ensure no fragments remain.
- For broken teeth, save any fragments, rinse your child's mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress for swelling.
- For toothaches, rinse with warm saltwater and give appropriate children's pain medication as needed.
Our pediatric specialist, Dr. Rodriguez, has extensive experience making emergency dental visits comfortable and less frightening for children. We prioritize creating a positive experience even during emergency situations.
Dental Emergency? Don't Wait.
Call us now for immediate assistance or book an emergency appointment online.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.