Emergency Dentistry in Raleigh, NC

Urgent Dental Pain? Call Us Now for Fast, Same-day Care

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Fast Relief When It Matters Most

When to Call 911 Instead of a Dentist

We handle most dental emergencies right here in Raleigh, but some situations need immediate medical attention before dental treatment. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth that will not stop with direct pressure
Facial swelling that is spreading toward your eyes, throat, or neck
Difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing
A jaw that appears broken, shifted out of place, or locked
Loss of consciousness or a head injury after facial trauma
Rapidly worsening facial swelling paired with a high fever

If you’re unsure, prioritize safety and dial 911 immediately. After confirming it’s not a medical emergency, contact us. We’ll guide you on the next steps and schedule your visit promptly.

Act Fast When It Counts

Common Emergencies And What to Do Before Your Visit

Dental emergencies happen without warning. The steps you take in those first few minutes can play a major role in saving your tooth and reducing pain. Here are the situations we see most often and the actions you can take right now while you are on your way to see us.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Pick up the tooth by the crown only and do not touch the root. If you need to rinse it, use clean water briefly and never scrub or remove any tissue that is still attached. Try to gently place the tooth back into its socket and hold it steady by biting down on a soft, clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert it, store the tooth in a small container of milk or tuck it against the inside of your cheek to keep it moist. Time is critical. Call us right away because quick treatment gives you the best chance of saving your tooth.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek to control swelling. Collect any pieces you can find and bring them with you. Avoid chewing on that side and contact us as soon as you can.

Severe Toothache

Rinse with warm salt water to help calm inflammation. Gently use floss to clear anything that may be trapped between your teeth. Over the counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort until your visit. Never place aspirin directly on the gum tissue because it can burn the soft tissue

Lost Crown or Filling

If your crown came off, try setting it back over the tooth using a small dab of denture adhesive or toothpaste to hold it in place temporarily. For a missing filling, a piece of sugar free gum or temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover the exposed area. Chew on the opposite side and call us so we can restore it the right way.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

Gently guide dental floss around the area to work the object free. Never use sharp instruments or metal tools because these can injure your gums or damage your enamel. If floss does not do the job, call us and we will remove it safely at our office.

Soft Tissue Injury

For cuts or tears to your lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums, rinse gently with a mild salt water solution and apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a damp cloth. Hold pressure for 15 to 20 minutes without letting go. If bleeding has not slowed down after that time, head to the nearest emergency room or call us for further direction.

Every Minute Matters When It Comes to Saving Your Smile

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Your Treatment Process

What Happens During Your Emergency Visit

A dental emergency can feel overwhelming, but getting the care you need is simpler than you might think. We move quickly and keep you informed at every step so you feel confident and comfortable from the moment you walk in. Knowing what to expect takes the stress out of an already difficult situation.

Immediate Assessment

Your dental implant process begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Raleigh office. We perform a thorough examination and use advanced 3D cone beam CT scans to evaluate your jawbone density and overall oral health. This detailed assessment allows us to create a precise treatment plan customized to your specific needs and goals.

Pain Relief and Treatment

Once we have a complete picture, we move quickly to address your discomfort and treat the problem. Whether that means repairing a broken tooth, replacing a lost restoration, or managing an infection, we use the most effective approach for your situation. Your comfort is our priority throughout the entire process.

Follow up and Recovery

Before you leave, we walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth recovery. You will receive clear aftercare instructions, any necessary prescriptions, and a follow up plan to make sure healing stays on track. If additional treatment is needed, we map out the next steps so nothing is left to guesswork.

Relief Is Just One Visit Away

Within hours, you can be free from pain and back to feeling like yourself.

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When Every Minute Counts

Trusted Emergency Dental Care When You Need It Most

Dental emergencies are stressful, painful, and rarely happen at a convenient time. We reserve same-day emergency appointments so you get prompt relief, expert treatment, and compassionate care without the wait.

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

Your comfort comes first; our team focuses on relieving your pain before addressing the underlying problem.

Prompt Pain Relief

Your comfort comes first; our team focuses on relieving your pain before addressing the underlying problem.

Complete Care Under One Roof

From emergency extractions to same-day crowns and dental implants, we handle everything in one location so you avoid referrals and delays.

One-Visit Solutions

With our on-site lab and 3D printing capabilities, many restorations that typically require multiple appointments can be finished in a single visit. You arrive with a damaged tooth and leave with a lasting repair.

Four Levels of Sedation

Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia from an on-site anesthesiologist ensure your comfort no matter how anxious you feel.

Experienced Emergency Team

Our dentists in Raleigh, NC, bring years of hands-on training in implant placement, restorative care, and complex extractions to every urgent case.

Skilled Emergency Care When Every Minute Counts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

Dental emergencies are stressful, and having answers ready can make all the difference. We have addressed common questions below, but please call us if your situation is not covered here.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Any situation that involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or signs of infection (such as swelling or an abscess) qualifies as a dental emergency. Broken teeth, lost crowns or fillings, and soft tissue injuries also require prompt attention. When in doubt, call us right away.

Can you see me the same day if I have a dental emergency?

Yes. We reserve time in our schedule specifically for emergency patients. When you call our Raleigh, NC office, we will work to get you in as quickly as possible so you can get the relief you need without a long wait.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the top part you normally see), not the root. Rinse it gently with water, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk or saliva and get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

I chipped a tooth but it does not hurt. Do I still need emergency care?

Even if there is no pain, a chipped tooth can have hidden cracks or exposed inner layers that leave it vulnerable to infection. We recommend scheduling a visit soon so we can assess the damage and protect the tooth before the problem worsens.

Will my emergency dental visit be painful?

Your comfort is our priority. We offer sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide to IV sedation and even general anesthesia for patients who need it. Between local anesthetics and our sedation choices, we make sure you stay comfortable throughout treatment.

How much does emergency dental care cost?

Costs vary depending on the treatment needed, so we cannot provide a specific number before evaluating your situation. We do present a written treatment plan with clear pricing before beginning any work, so there are no surprises. Payment options are available to help make care affordable.

What if I lose a crown or filling?

Keep the crown if you can find it and avoid chewing on that side. You can use dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary measure until you reach our office. We often restore crowns and fillings the same day using our in-house CEREC technology.

Can an emergency dentist handle infections and abscesses?

Absolutely. Dental infections can spread quickly and become serious, so prompt treatment is essential. We address infections with appropriate care, which may include draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, and treating the underlying cause to prevent it from returning.

Is a severe toothache considered a dental emergency?

A toothache that is intense, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity to heat usually signals an underlying issue like deep decay or infection. These symptoms warrant emergency care because the condition will likely worsen without treatment.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Regular checkups and cleanings at Raleigh Dental Arts help us catch small problems before they become urgent. You can also protect your teeth by wearing a custom mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing ice or hard objects, and maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Call our office or send us a message, and a member of our team will walk you through your options.

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Dental Financing Options

Smile Now, Pay Later

Discover budget-friendly dental financing solutions designed to make our services available to all. We provide adaptable payment plans, competitive interest rates, and special discounts for those who pay upfront, so you can get the dental care you deserve without worrying about your finances.