Emergencies & Same-Day Care
Emergency & Same-Day Dentistry
When you need to be seen now — call us first, and we’ll do everything we can to get you in.
When You Need to Be Seen Now
Dental emergencies don’t schedule themselves. When you’re in pain, have a broken tooth, or something’s gone wrong with existing dental work, waiting a week for an appointment isn’t reasonable. Call our office, tell us what’s happening, and we’ll do our best to get you in.
Dr. Yates believes in efficient care — same-day treatment when the patient wants it and the situation allows. If you’re able to come in the same day you call, we’ll often be able to complete the treatment during that visit rather than sending you home to come back later.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
- Severe tooth pain, especially with swelling
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken or cracked tooth causing pain or a sharp edge
- A lost filling or crown
- An abscess or visible swelling in the gums or face
- Bleeding that won’t stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure
- Jaw injury after a fall or accident
If your situation is life-threatening — major bleeding, difficulty breathing, or a serious head or neck injury — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, not the dental office.
What to Do Right Now
For a knocked-out tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water. If possible, place it back in the socket. If not, keep it moist in milk or saliva. Call us immediately — time matters.
For severe pain
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the package. Don’t place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. Call us to be seen.
For a broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s a sharp edge, cover it with orthodontic wax or a piece of sugarless gum to protect your tongue and cheek. Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you.
For a lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it — in many cases Dr. Yates can re-cement it. Avoid chewing on that side and call to schedule.
Same-Day Treatment
When your schedule allows and the situation is right for it, we prioritize completing your treatment during the same visit — whether that’s an extraction, a crown, or a filling. Not every situation can be handled same-day, but when it can, we’ll offer that option so you’re not making a second trip.
Cost & Payment
Emergency visits are billed like any other dental appointment — based on the exam and any treatment provided. We’ll give you an estimate before treatment starts. If financing helps, we offer CareCredit and Sunbit.
Emergency & Same-Day FAQs
Can I be seen today?
Whenever possible, yes. Call our office as early in the day as you can and describe what’s happening. If we can’t see you same-day, we’ll help you figure out how to manage until we can.
What if it’s after hours or on the weekend?
Call our office and follow any after-hours instructions on the greeting. For life-threatening emergencies, go to an ER.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
The exam itself is one fee; any treatment done at the visit is billed separately. You’ll get an estimate before any treatment starts.
Do you take walk-ins?
Please call first, even for emergencies — that way we can make sure the right team member is ready when you arrive, and can prepare for what’s needed.
Will you prescribe antibiotics or pain medication?
If they’re clinically appropriate, yes. Dr. Yates prescribes conservatively — only what’s actually needed to manage the problem and only after examining you.
Have a Dental Emergency?
Call our office at (912) 296-2023 as early in the day as possible.