Dental Emergency FAQs

Any dental problem that involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth with sharp edges, or signs of infection (swelling, fever, pus) is a dental emergency. If you are unsure, call 605-468-1982. We will ask a few questions and tell you whether you need to come in right away or if it can wait for a scheduled appointment.

It depends on the severity. A small chip that is not causing pain might not need same-day care, but you should still see a dentist within a day or two to prevent further damage. If the chip exposes the inner layers of the tooth, causes sharp edges that cut your tongue, or comes with pain, call us right away. We provide same-day broken tooth repair at our Sioux Falls clinic.

A loose adult tooth is always a concern. If it happened because of trauma (a fall, a hit to the face, a sports injury), it is urgent. Call us immediately. The sooner we stabilize the tooth, the better your chances of keeping it. If the looseness developed gradually without trauma, it may indicate gum disease, which still needs prompt attention but may not require a same-day visit.

Yes. A dental abscess is an infection, and infections do not improve on their own. They get worse. Common signs include a persistent throbbing toothache, swelling in the face or jaw, a bump on the gums that looks like a pimple, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. Call 605-468-1982 and we will get you in the same day for abscess treatment.

Your visit starts with a focused exam and digital X-rays to find the source of the problem. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. We will explain what we find, walk you through your options, and give you a cost estimate before we begin treatment. Pain management is always our first step. If you are in significant pain when you arrive, we address that right away.

Yes. If a tooth is too damaged or infected to save, we can perform an emergency extraction on the same day. We will numb the area thoroughly and make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Most simple extractions take 20 to 30 minutes.

Absolutely. We treat patients of all ages, including young children. Kids experience dental emergencies too, from playground accidents to sports injuries to severe cavities. Our team is experienced in working with younger patients and making them feel safe and comfortable.

In most cases, yes. Digital X-rays help us see problems that are not visible during a regular exam, like fractures below the gumline, infections at the root tip, or impacted wisdom teeth. The X-rays we use produce very low radiation and the images are available instantly.

The cost depends on what treatment you need. An initial exam with X-rays typically runs $100 to $200. A simple extraction can range from $150 to $350. A root canal is usually $600 to $1,200 depending on the tooth. We always provide a cost estimate before starting treatment, so there are no surprises. Call 605-468-1982 and we can give you a general idea over the phone based on your symptoms.

We accept most major insurance plans. We will verify your coverage and file the claim on your behalf. Bring your insurance card to your appointment and we will handle the rest.

We believe cost should never stop someone from getting emergency dental care. We offer transparent pricing and will discuss all your options before starting treatment. We accept major credit cards and can work with you on a payment plan for larger procedures. The exam and X-ray alone are affordable, and knowing what is going on with your tooth is always better than guessing.

Time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket and hold it there gently. If that is not possible, keep it in a glass of milk or between your cheek and gums. Then call us immediately. The best outcomes happen when we see you within 30 minutes. Read more on our knocked-out tooth treatment page.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen works best for dental pain, take 400mg to 600mg every 6 hours with food). Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water). Avoid very hot, very cold, or sweet foods and drinks. These steps manage the pain temporarily, but they are not a substitute for treatment. Call 605-468-1982 to schedule a same-day appointment. More tips on our dental pain relief page.

For most dental emergencies, an emergency dentist is the better choice. ERs can manage pain and prescribe antibiotics, but they typically cannot perform dental procedures like extractions, root canals, or tooth repairs. They will stabilize you and tell you to see a dentist anyway. Call us first at 605-468-1982. The exceptions: go to the ER if you have uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop, a broken jaw, difficulty breathing, or swelling that is closing your airway.