Dental Emergencies · Orange Ave NE
In pain? Call us right now.
It’s easy to feel anxious or panicked when something goes wrong with your teeth. Stay calm, give us a call, and you’ll be glad to know that many dental issues can be treated when they’re handled as soon as possible.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
540-342-8781If you have a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
When is it a true dental emergency?
It’s a great question, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and give us a call. We can quickly tell whether you need to come in today or whether the right call is to schedule an appointment within the coming days.
Common dental emergencies
- A dislodged or knocked-out tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A toothache
- A broken dental crown, implant, or other restoration
- A bitten tongue or cheek
- Broken braces
Until you can get to us
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain.
- Apply an ice pack to the affected side to ease pain and inflammation.
- Knocked-out tooth:clean the tooth gently with warm water and, if possible, place it back into the socket. Always handle a tooth by the crown, never the root. If you can’t get it back in, place it in a container of milk and come straight to our office.
- Broken tooth: if a large piece has broken off, it may be able to be bonded back on. Save the pieces in a hard protective carrier and bring them in.
- Over-the-counter analgesics like Orajel can help temporarily numb a sore, throbbing area.
Common Emergencies
Toothache
Pain relief and a real diagnosis, not just a quick fix.
Learn More →Broken Tooth Repair
Cracked, chipped, or broken, bring the pieces if you can.
Learn More →Knocked-Out Tooth
Time-sensitive care to give your natural tooth the best chance.
Learn More →Lost Filling or Crown
Quick replacement so the underlying tooth stays protected.
Learn More →Dental Abscess
Infection that needs care now, not next week.
Learn More →Emergency Extractions
When a tooth is hopelessly damaged or decayed.
Learn More →Emergency Care Questions
How fast can I be seen for a dental emergency in Roanoke?
Time is held in our schedule every weekday specifically for emergencies, so in most cases you can be seen the same day you call. Phone our Orange Ave NE office at 540-342-8781 as early in the day as you can, describe what is happening, and we will get you in.
Should I go to the ER or the dentist for severe tooth pain?
For tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a lost filling, a dentist can treat the actual problem, while an ER can usually only manage the pain. Go to the hospital instead if you have facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a head or jaw injury from an accident.
What should I do if my dental emergency happens at night or on the weekend?
Call our office at 540-342-8781 anytime; the line is answered around the clock, and we will get you in as soon as we can. Manage pain with ibuprofen and a cold compress until then. If you have spreading swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or heavy bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room.
Can I get emergency dental care without insurance?
Yes. Tell our front desk you are uninsured when you call and we will talk cost before treatment, not after. Virginia Dental Club membership includes one problem-focused emergency exam at no charge each membership year, and members get 20% off our standard fee for palliative emergency treatment. CareCredit financing and in-office payment plans help too, so please do not put off a painful tooth because of cost.
Will a toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes the pain fades temporarily, but the cause, usually decay, a crack, or an infection, does not fix itself. A toothache that disappears can even mean the nerve inside the tooth has died, which lets infection spread quietly. It is always worth a call so we can take a look.
We’d rather see you today
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll walk you through what to do next , and get you in as soon as possible.
Call 540-342-8781