Emergency Dentist in Wilmington, NC

Calling ahead helps us get ready for you. Our team will ask a few quick questions, tell you what to do in the meantime, and find you the earliest possible time. Our office on Randall Parkway is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm and Friday from 8am to 2pm by appointment.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat:

Severe Toothache

A toothache that throbs, wakes you up, or gets worse when you bite down is usually a sign of deep decay or infection. We'll find the cause and get you out of pain. Sometimes that means a filling, and sometimes the nerve needs care with a root canal.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

Small chips can often be smoothed or bonded with a tooth-colored filling. Bigger breaks usually need a crown. Because we make CEREC same-day crowns in our office, many patients who come in with a broken tooth leave with it fully repaired, no temporary crown and no second visit.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time matters most here. A permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if we see you within about an hour. See the first aid steps below and call us right away.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown leaves the tooth sensitive and easier to break. Keep the crown if you have it and bring it with you. We can often re-cement it or replace it the same day.

Swelling or a Dental Abscess

A pimple-like bump on the gums, a bad taste, or swelling in your face or jaw can mean an infection. Infections don't go away on their own and can spread, so these visits get top priority. We'll treat the source and prescribe antibiotics when they're needed.

Broken Dentures, Night Guards, or Other Appliances

If your denture cracks or your night guard breaks, we can repair or replace it so you're not going without. If grinding is what broke it, we'll talk about bruxism treatment to protect your teeth going forward.

• Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to clear out anything stuck. An over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed can help. Don't put aspirin directly on your gums, since it can burn the tissue.
• Knocked-out adult tooth: Pick it up by the top (the part you chew with), not the root. Rinse it briefly without scrubbing. If you can, gently put it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If not, keep it in a small container of milk and call us immediately.
• Knocked-out baby tooth: Don't try to put it back in. Call us so we can check the area and make sure the adult tooth underneath is okay.
• Broken tooth: Save any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and hold a cold compress on your cheek to keep swelling down.
• Lost crown: Keep the crown in a safe place. A temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can hold it until your visit. Please don't use superglue.
• Bleeding: Press a clean piece of gauze on the area for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your face. Skip heat, since it can make an infection worse.

When to Go to the ER Instead

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever along with facial swelling, a possible broken jaw, or bleeding that won't stop with pressure. Once you're stable, call us and we'll take care of the tooth that caused the problem.

1. We listen first. You'll tell us what happened and where it hurts.
2. We find the cause. Digital x-rays and our intraoral camera let us see exactly what's going on. We'll show you the images, too, so you understand what we're seeing.
3. We get you comfortable. Relief comes first. If you're nervous, just tell us. Nitrous oxide can help you relax.
4. We explain your options. You'll know what we recommend, why, and what it costs before we start anything.
5. We fix what we can that day. Fillings, CEREC crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions when a tooth can't be saved can often happen in the same visit.

If you need a specialist, we'll set up the referral and check in with you afterward to make sure you're taken care of.

Emergency Care for Kids

Kids are active, and bumps, falls, and sports injuries happen. We see children for dental emergencies and know how to keep little ones calm. If your child chips or knocks out a tooth, call us right away. Learn more about our children's dentistry.

How Much Does an Emergency Dental Visit Cost?

The cost depends on what's causing the problem and what it takes to fix it. An emergency visit usually starts with an exam and x-rays. From there, we'll go over your treatment options and costs before any work begins, so there are no surprises. Many dental insurance plans cover emergency exams and part of the treatment, and our team is happy to check your benefits for you.

Preventing the Next Emergency

Most dental emergencies start as small problems that grow quietly. Regular checkups and cleanings catch cracks, worn fillings, and early decay before they turn into a painful weekend. A few other habits help too: wear a mouthguard for sports, wear a night guard if you grind, and avoid chewing ice or hard candy.

Serving Wilmington and Nearby Communities

Our office is at 4914 Randall Parkway in Wilmington, near UNCW. We see emergency patients from all over the area, including Leland, Ogden, Porters Neck, Monkey Junction, Castle Hayne, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Hampstead.

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?

Yes. We keep time in our schedule for urgent visits and do our best to see you the same day you call. Call 910-799-9059 as early as you can so we can find you a spot.

Should I go to the ER or the dentist for a toothache?

For most toothaches, a dentist is the right call, since an ER can manage pain but usually can't fix the tooth. Go to the ER if you have swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever with swelling.

Can you fix a broken tooth in one visit?

Often, yes. We make CEREC crowns right in our office, so many broken teeth can be fully restored in a single appointment without a temporary crown.

Do I need to be a current patient to be seen for an emergency?

No. We welcome new patients with dental emergencies. Just call and let us know what's going on.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

If it's a baby tooth, don't put it back in. If it's an adult tooth, hold it by the top, rinse it gently, and put it back in the socket or keep it in milk. In either case, call us right away.

How do I know if my tooth is infected?

Common signs include a throbbing toothache, pain when biting, swelling in your gums or face, a pimple-like bump on the gums, a bad taste in your mouth, or a fever. If you notice any of these, call us so we can check it quickly.

Get Help Today

If you're dealing with tooth pain, a broken tooth, or anything that just doesn't feel right, don't wait for it to get worse. Call Burns Family Dentistry at (910) 218-8939 or request an appointment and we'll get you taken care of.