Experienced Emergency Dentist in Wilmington, NC
We hope that you will never have to visit our office for a dental emergency, but should you or someone in your household need urgent dental care, our experienced Wilmington dental team would be happy to assist. Before you head to our office, we ask that you give us a call beforehand so we can know what to expect when you get to our practice, and we can start clearing our schedule and preparing a treatment room.
How will I know if what I’m experiencing is a dental emergency?
It’s not always easy to know what dental issues require immediate attention and what can wait until the next scheduled appointment, which is why we always recommend that patients give our office a quick call so our team can advise. The following list is an example of common dental emergencies that require a same-day visit:
- Unbearable Tooth Pain
- Excessive Gum Swelling or Bleeding
- Cracked, Broken, or Dislodged Teeth
- Loose Adult Teeth
- Dental Abscess
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
The first thing you will want to do is locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown, which is the very top of the tooth. Rinse it off if possible, and then try to place it gently back in the socket and hold it there until you get to our office. If it’s too painful to reinsert the tooth, you can also place it in a cup of milk or saliva, which will help to keep it alive for a while. Getting to our office as quickly as possible is the highest priority because the faster you can get to an emergency dentist, the higher the chances are that the tooth can be successfully reattached.
Should I visit an emergency dentist or the emergency room?
When a stressful emergency situation occurs, some patients will immediately head to an emergency room instead of visiting an emergency dentist. If the affliction is gum, tooth, or mouth-related, it’s very likely that an emergency room will not have the tools or experienced team required to assist, and it is better to visit an emergency dentist. If you believe you or a loved one has a broken jaw or there are more time-sensitive injuries that need to be attended to, then it may make more sense to visit the ER first before coming to our office.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
What if my dental emergency happens outside of business hours?
Dr. Gregory Garrett’s office has protocols for urgent dental needs outside regular hours. If you experience a severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or significant injury at night or on the weekend, call the office number for instructions. In some cases, emergency advice can be given over the phone or arrangements made for prompt treatment the following day. In true medical emergencies involving heavy bleeding or trauma, visit your nearest ER and contact the office afterward.
Can I wait until Monday if my tooth just started hurting on Saturday?
That depends on the severity of the pain. A mild, occasional ache may not require immediate attention, but throbbing pain, swelling, or temperature sensitivity could be signs of an infection that needs quick intervention. Waiting too long can allow the condition to worsen, potentially leading to an abscess or tooth loss. If unsure, it’s always better to reach out and get professional guidance, even if it is not an emergency.
Is it okay to go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Emergency rooms are usually ill-equipped to deal with dental-specific problems like extractions, infections, or restorations, even if they may control pain and bleeding. You may be given antibiotics or pain relievers and referred to a dentist. For dental emergencies, contacting a provider like Dr. Garrett is usually more effective for targeted treatment. However, if you have facial trauma, severe bleeding, or signs of a systemic infection, an ER visit may be necessary.
What should I do if a crown or filling falls out?
Please preserve the restoration if possible, and avoid chewing on that side. You can use dental cement from a pharmacy to temporarily reattach it, but this is not a long-term fix. Call the office promptly to schedule a repair. A missing crown or filling can expose sensitive tooth areas to bacteria and temperature extremes, heightening the risk of pain and infection. Please do not attempt to glue it back with household adhesives.
Can an abscess go away on its own?
No, a dental abscess will not resolve without professional treatment. Although it may temporarily feel better if it drains, the infection remains and can spread to nearby tissue or even the bloodstream. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, a bad taste in the mouth, or fever. Emergency treatment usually involves draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics, followed by further restorative work such as a root canal or extraction.
How can I prepare for an unexpected dental emergency?
Keep your dentist’s contact information in your phone and know the location of the practice. Have a dental emergency kit at home that includes a small container for a knocked-out tooth, gauze, dental wax, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Know basic first aid for dental trauma, such as gently rinsing a knocked-out tooth with milk and trying to reinsert it if safe. Preparation can reduce stress and improve the outcome in emergencies.
Does insurance cover dental emergencies?
Many dental insurance plans include emergency care coverage, especially for urgent issues like pain relief, extractions, or temporary repairs. However, the exact coverage varies. Some procedures may require co-pays or be considered out-of-network. Dr. Garrett’s team can assist in reviewing your benefits and helping you understand what is covered before proceeding with treatment. Payment plans or financing options may be available to uninsured patients to reduce their financial burden.
