Emergency Dentistry

Our usual advice is that if it looks or feels like an emergency, then you are likely right that it is one. You can always start by calling our office to confirm if you need timely treatment. Usually, any of the following will point to needing a trip to your emergency dentist.

• Oral bleeding
• Physical damage to your teeth or gums
• Severe oral pain
• Discoloration

We provide a full suite of treatments when your smile needs it most. Some of the more common emergency dental treatments include:

• Root Canal: Treats an abscess or infection to save a tooth and alleviate painful symptoms. Despite its reputation, the treatment is pain-free.
• Extractions: Remove a damaged tooth that is putting your oral health at risk. These are surprisingly quick and painless.
• Device Repair: Fix your braces or dentures to avoid oral injuries or mishaps.
• Filling Repair: Retore a filling that fell out to protect a vulnerable tooth. Keeps bacteria from getting into the tooth.
• Crown Repair: Replace a damaged crown that has exposed the underlying tooth.

Any trauma or concerns directly related to your teeth or gums will merit a visit to an emergency dentist. For other facial trauma or issues, patients may need to visit the emergency department (ED) of a hospital. When in doubt, you can call our office and we can recommend where to go. Many EDs do not have dental staff, so they may not be able to help with oral health-specific issues.

Emergency dental visits can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. It depends on the type of treatment you will have. For example, a tooth extraction can take only a handful of minutes, while a complex root canal can take an hour or more. In every case, we always ensure we complete your treatment thoroughly. By the time you leave, your issue should be resolved. Most patients can get right back to their day after treatment.

You can be offered a same-day appointment for a severe toothache, swelling, or cracked or chipped teeth. Issues like knocked-out or dislodged teeth are time-sensitive and should be addressed within 30 to 60 minutes of the trauma. 

If you experience a severe toothache, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Intense tooth pain is often a sign of an infection that can worsen quickly or develop into a dental abscess if left untreated.

While waiting to be seen, you can help manage your symptoms by:

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Rinsing with warm saltwater 3-4 times a day to reduce bacteria
• Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time (with 30-minute breaks in between)
• Keeping your head elevated when lying down to minimize pressure and swelling

It’s also best to avoid very hot, cold, or spicy foods and drinks, as they can increase discomfort.

If your pain becomes severe, you notice swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek care at an urgent care center or emergency room right away. Otherwise, give our office a call. We’re here to help you get relief as quickly as possible!

The out-of-pocket cost of an initial emergency visit can range from $75 to $350, with the total amount largely depending on the type of treatment you need. Procedures like tooth extractions and root canal therapy are typically not included in the visit and diagnostic costs and will have a separate price. For example, tooth extraction may cost between $150 and $350, while root canal prices range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the case.

Many dental insurances cover emergency exams and treatments. However, depending on your plan, you might still pay a percentage of the cost, as with routine visits. Be sure to confirm that the dentist you are going to is in your insurance network. 

Insurance may not fully cover emergency dental care if you have not met a waiting period yet, or you have already reached your annual coverage limit. Additionally, some insurance plans may not cover, or only partially cover, so-called major procedures, such as dental crowns or implants.