Emergency Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry in North Carolina

Are you looking for emergency dental care in North Carolina? Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry has got your back. We strive to accommodate your dental emergency as quickly as possible, by keeping spaces open in our schedule and offering Saturday appointments. Your smile is important, and we want to preserve it as best we can.

Don’t wait in pain. Contact your nearest office immediately!

Current Patients With After-Hours
Emergencies Should Call 1.855.41RICCO

Some Things To Keep In Mind

While you’re on your way to see us, here are some pointers for dealing with your dental emergency before you get to our office.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

• Rinse your mouth: Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.

• Save any broken pieces: If you can locate the broken pieces of your tooth, carefully save them. Your dentist may be able to use them to repair your tooth.
• Control bleeding (if any): If your tooth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the affected area with a piece of clean gauze or a moistened tea bag. This can help to control the bleeding.
• Reduce swelling (if applicable): If you have any swelling, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. This can help to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief: If you're experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication following the instructions on the packaging.
• Contact your dentist: Explain the situation and schedule an appointment for an evaluation and treatment.
• Protect the tooth: If there are sharp edges or fragments that may cause injury to your tongue, cheeks, or lips, you can temporarily cover the tooth with dental wax (found at the pharmacy) or sugarless gum. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further damage.

Remember, these steps are general guidelines, and it's essential to consult with a dental professional to determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific situation. They will be able to assess the damage, provide treatment options, and guide you through the recovery process.

Severe Tooth Pain

• Rinse your mouth: Start by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can help to clean the area and provide temporary relief.
• Use a cold compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek or jaw near the painful tooth. This can help to numb the area and reduce swelling, providing temporary pain relief.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, following the instructions on the packaging. These can help to alleviate the pain until you can see a dentist.
• Avoid triggering foods and drinks: Stay away from hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages as they can aggravate tooth pain.
• Call your dentist: Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Dental professionals are trained to handle emergency cases and can provide appropriate treatment.
• Follow your dentist's advice: Once you visit your dentist, they will examine your tooth, diagnose the underlying cause of the pain, and provide the necessary treatment. Follow their advice, take any prescribed medications, and attend any follow-up appointments.

It's important to remember that severe tooth pain can indicate an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or abscess. Therefore, seeking professional dental care is crucial to address the root cause and prevent further complications.

Crown Came Off (Temporary or Permanent

• Retrieve the crown: Carefully locate and retrieve the crown. Handle it gently to avoid further damage.
• Clean the crown and tooth: Thoroughly clean the inside of the temporary crown and the area of your tooth that it was covering. You can rinse them with water and use a toothbrush to gently remove any debris or old cement. Avoid using any adhesive or glue at this stage.
• Try to reposition the crown (if it fits properly): If the temporary crown seems to fit well and there are no signs of damage to the tooth or crown, you can try to reposition it on your tooth. Apply a small amount of toothpaste or dental adhesive (Pharmacy) inside the crown to help hold it in place. Gently press it onto your tooth, ensuring it aligns properly with the neighboring teeth.
• If the crown does not seat properly or does not stay in place; leave it off and contact your dental office. Avoid hard/crunchy and sticky foods as well as cold food and liquids.
• Avoid chewing on the crown: While the crown is not securely in place, it's important to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Stick to soft foods and avoid sticky or hard items that could dislodge the temporary crown.
• Contact your dental office. Explain that your temporary crown has come off, and they will advise you on the next steps.

It's important not to try to permanently reattach the temporary crown yourself using household glues or adhesives. These products are not designed for dental use and can cause further damage or compromise the fit of the final crown

Knocked-Out Adult Tooth

Keep the tooth moist by either placing it in a cup of milk or holding it in between your cheek and gums. Whenever you pick up the tooth, hold it by the top/crown part and not the root. It’s crucial to see a dentist right away to save the tooth.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care

Our wide array of comprehensive emergency dental services are here to help you feel better sooner. They include:

• Root Canal Therapy
• Dental Bridges
• Digital X-Rays
• Porcelain Crowns
• Sedation Dentistry
• And Much More

If you’re a more nervous patient, we offer relaxing sedation options to keep you at ease during your treatment.

Temporary Crown Post Op Care + Instructions Tooth Extraction Post Op Care + Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are emergency dental services?

Emergency dentistry includes any dental treatment that is performed urgently. If you’re experiencing pain and treatment can’t wait until your next scheduled appointment, it’s considered an emergency.

How much do dental emergency services cost?

Each treatment is different and the cost varies on a case-by-case basis. For assistance with out-of-pocket costs, we happily accept financing through CareCredit®.

Does insurance cover dental emergencies?

Your coverage for dental emergencies depends on your insurance provider. You can get in touch with your provider to check your coverage, or our team is happy to look into your coverage for you upon your arrival. If you aren’t covered, don’t stress, we offer accept CareCredit and offer an in-house dental membership plan.

Does your in-house dental membership plan cover emergency visits?

If you’re uninsured, we offer an in-house dental membership plan. Yearly membership covers a variety of treatments including one yearly emergency exam and X-ray, and up to 10% off other services. For top-notch emergency dentistry and a gentle touch, Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry is here for you.