919-322-0390
fallslakedental@gmail.com
Emergency Dentist in Raleigh, NC
Dental Pain Cannot Wait — We See Urgent Cases Promptly
A dental emergency does not follow a schedule. Whether you are dealing with severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or a swollen jaw, getting prompt professional care protects both your oral health and your overall wellbeing.
Falls Lake Dental is an emergency dentist in Raleigh, NC that reserves time every single day for urgent patients — so you can often be seen within hours of calling.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving significant pain, trauma, infection, or damage that cannot reasonably wait for a routine appointment. Common dental emergencies we treat include:
Severe or sudden tooth pain Intense, persistent toothache — especially with swelling, sensitivity to pressure, or a bad taste — often indicates infection or abscess. This requires prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Knocked-out tooth A tooth that has been completely knocked out has the best chance of being saved if treated within 30 to 60 minutes. Handle it only by the crown, keep it moist (in milk or held between the cheek and gum), and call us immediately.
Cracked or broken tooth A significant crack or break — especially one causing sharp pain when biting — needs prompt evaluation. Leaving it untreated risks further fracture and potential loss of the tooth.
Lost or broken crown or filling A lost crown or filling exposes the tooth to bacteria, pressure, and sensitivity. Call us to have it assessed and re-cemented or replaced quickly.
Dental abscess Swelling, fever, or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth indicates infection. Dental abscesses can spread to surrounding tissue and bone if not treated. This is a true urgent situation — do not delay.
Soft tissue injuries Cuts or lacerations to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums from trauma should be evaluated, particularly if bleeding does not stop within 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure.
Object stuck between teeth If gentle flossing cannot remove an object lodged between teeth, do not use sharp tools. Call us to have it safely removed.
What to Do While You Wait
For a knocked-out tooth: Retrieve it, hold it by the crown only, rinse gently without scrubbing, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and get to us within the hour.
For severe pain or swelling: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the jaw for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Do not apply heat.
For a broken tooth: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply light pressure with gauze. Avoid chewing on that side.
For a lost crown: If the crown is intact, you can temporarily re-seat it using dental cement available at a pharmacy. Do not use super glue. Call us to have it properly evaluated.
For suspected abscess: Do not try to drain it yourself. Take pain relievers as directed and call us immediately — or seek emergency room care if we are unavailable and you have significant facial swelling or difficulty swallowing.
Call (919) 322-0390 as soon as possible in any of these situations.
Emergency Dental Services We Provide
- Emergency exams and X-rays to diagnose the problem quickly
- Root canal treatment for infected or abscessed teeth
- Tooth extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
- Re-cementation of lost crowns and replacement of broken restorations
- Same-day crowns for eligible broken tooth cases
- Temporary and permanent repairs for cracked or fractured teeth
- Treatment and drainage of dental abscesses
- Pain management and follow-up care planning
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Not all emergencies are avoidable, but many are preventable with routine care:
- Regular checkups catch weak teeth, cracked restorations, and infection before they become emergencies
- Addressing small cavities early avoids the abscess and extraction scenario
- Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports protects against knocked-out and broken teeth
- A nightguard protects against cracked teeth from grinding during sleep
- Avoiding biting hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or pen caps reduces fracture risk
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you see me for an emergency?
We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day they call. Call (919) 322-0390) as early as possible and we will get you in as quickly as we can.
What if I call after hours?
Call our number and follow the instructions for after-hours urgent care. For severe facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room.
Is emergency dental care expensive?
Emergency treatment cost depends on what is needed. We provide a full estimate before proceeding. Most insurance plans cover a portion of emergency treatment. Financing options are available for qualified patients.
Will you see me if I am not an existing patient?
Yes. We welcome new patients in emergency situations. Visit our new patient page for what to bring, or simply call and we will walk you through it.
My tooth pain is not that bad — should I still call?
Yes. Dental pain that comes and goes, is triggered by biting, or is accompanied by any swelling should be evaluated. Mild symptoms often precede a more serious problem. Early treatment is always easier and less expensive than waiting.
Serving Raleigh and Surrounding Areas
Falls Lake Dental provides emergency dental care in Raleigh, NC for patients from North Raleigh, Falls River, Bedford, Durant Trails, North Hills, Wake Forest, Millbrook, and the greater Triangle area.
8470 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27615
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