Emergency Dentist — Raleigh, NC

Quality Dental Care When You Need It

Just like a good plumber, it’s smart to have an emergency dentist’s number in your phone, because when you need one, you usually need them right now. Should you or a loved one ever develop terrible dental pain due to a toothache or knocked out tooth, know that you can always call Connection Dentistry. Our team is able to handle all types of dental emergencies, and same-day care is available so that Raleigh residents can get the relief they deserve without delay.

Man with a toothache in Raleigh holding his cheek

Why Choose Connection Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Same-Day Appointments Welcome
  • Team Led by 2 Highly-Experienced Dentists
  • Hassle-Free Financing Makes Urgent Care Affordable

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Woman visiting an emergency dentist in Raleigh
  • Same-day emergency appointment: Whether you’re dealing with a toothache or broken/knocked out tooth because of an accident, the best thing you can do is give our dental office a call right away. Explain your situation over the phone, and our team will let you know exactly what to do and if you should come see us the same day.
  • Emergency exam: As soon as you get to our office, Dr. Rensch or Dr. Laster will get you seen for an emergency exam and capture X-rays if necessary to locate the source of your problem. They'll also work to get you out of pain.
  • Review findings: Once the exam is complete, we will go over our findings, then recommend a treatment that will best address your symptoms. We'll also break down the estimated costs and expected length of your care ahead of time.
  • Get the care you need: Our team works quickly to address any and all of your dental emergency concerns. Common treatments performed to handle dental emergencies include but are not limited to dental fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, and extractions.

Our priority is to relieve your pain fast and protect your long-term oral health. With advanced technology and a caring team, you’ll receive efficient and effective care every step of the way. When unexpected dental issues arise, you can count on our trusted emergency dentistry in Raleigh to restore your comfort and peace of mind quickly.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Many different types of dental emergencies can occur, which is why it helps to know how to manage them ahead of your emergency appointment. Before you arrive at our practice, keep the following tips in mind to take control of your dental emergency.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry in Raleigh, NC

Man listening to Raleigh emergency dentist and holding his cheek

We know that emergency dental care is always an unexpected expense, which can incite some panic and anxiety. Don’t worry though – our Raleigh dental team will provide you with an estimate of the cost beforehand, explain all of the financial solutions available, and answer any questions you have. That way, understanding the cost of your treatment is stress-free instead of stressful.

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The Reason Every Dental Emergency is Different

Dentist reviewing X-ray with patient

The reason the cost is different is because each case is different! For example, one person might need a small filling to stop a toothache, while another may require multiple teeth to be removed and replaced to restore their pain-free smile. Over the phone, we will learn about what happened and your symptoms, but at your emergency exam we can actually take a look at your teeth and gums, assess the severity of the damage, and determine which treatment (or treatments) is needed. Once we have all of this information, we can share our recommendations and provide you with an estimate of the cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Patient filling out dental insurance information on laptop

In addition to covering the cost of preventive care, many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of essential restorative services. So, if you need a tooth-colored filling, dental crown, root canal, or even a tooth extraction, there’s a good chance that you won’t have to pay for the entire cost out-of-pocket if you’re insured. Of course, there is quite a bit of red tape when it comes to dental plans, including waiting periods and yearly deductibles, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about what is and isn’t covered.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Woman eating healthy snack at table

Here are a few other ways we make the cost of emergency dentistry more affordable:

  • Flexible Financing – If paying for the entire cost of your emergency dental care at once would strain your wallet, talk to us about flexible financing! We’re proud to work with trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit, so you don’t have to stress about the cost.
  • In-House Membership Plans – After you pay the flat, annual fee, you’ll enjoy savings on everything from basic dental care to treatments that often aren’t covered by dental insurance. For details, give us a call!
  • Special Offers – In the past, we’ve offered specials like a $39 emergency exam, so don’t hesitate to take a look at the “Offers & Promotions” page on our website or ask us at your appointment about how you can save.

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Man taking out red mouthguard

If you take good care of your smile, you’re much less likely to experience a dental injury. In turn, you’re less likely to wind up with an unexpected expense! So, make sure that you’re consistently brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash as well as adopting other healthy habits, like coming in twice a year for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Man with curly hair in collared shirt smiling

Dental emergencies can never be completely avoided, however there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk and protect your smile. It’s always better to be proactive rather than having to spend your time and money on a painful injury. That’s why we’ve included some easy tips on how to prevent dental emergencies in Raleigh below.

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Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Woman smiling in the dental chair

Regular checkups and cleanings are vital for your oral health. While some dental emergencies are caused by injuries, many develop slowly from poor dental hygiene. Cleanings allow an expert hygienist to clean away plaque and tartar that couldn’t be removed on your own. Checkups give Dr. Rensch or Dr. Laster a chance to catch any dental issues early on, saving you from a dental emergency in the future.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Woman with brown hair brushing her teeth

While checkups and cleanings are important, your first defense against dental emergencies is your at-home routine. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session, paying close attention to your gumline. Angle the brush at 45-degrees for the most effective cleaning. Additionally, floss to remove pesky food and germs that like to get stuck between teeth. For an added layer of protection, work mouthwash into your oral health regimen – just make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Woman eating healthy snack at table

Taking care of your smile extends to your diet. You can lower your risk of dental emergencies by decreasing your consumption of sugary and acidic foods that damage enamel. Instead, choose foods rich in calcium and fiber like low-fat yogurt, veggies, and more. Do your best to avoid sticky candy like taffy, toffee, or caramel because they stay in contact with your smile for longer periods of time. Additionally, do not bite down on hard items like hard candy or ice cubes because you could crack your teeth.

Wear a Mouthguard

Man taking out red mouthguard

Do you play sports or participate in physical activity? No matter someone’s age, ability, or chosen game, they should always wear a protective mouthguard to keep their teeth safe from unexpected (or expected!) impacts. Our custom-made mouthguards work better, last longer, and fit more comfortably compared to store-bought products. They minimize concussion and protect your smile when you need it most. Additionally, if you tend to grind your teeth at night, it’s a good idea to wear a nightguard so your teeth don’t crack or break over time.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Woman smiling with green leaves in background

Your teeth should only be used for chewing, speaking, and smiling. Anything else, including using them to open packages or bottles, will put your grin at risk of serious damage. Enamel is incredibly strong, however it can still crack if you use your smile improperly. Keep some scissors and/or a bottle opener handy if you tend to get impatient – it’s worth avoiding a trip to our emergency dental office in Raleigh.

What To Do Before Your Emergency Visit

Man smiling after handling a dental emergency in Raleigh

Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, but taking the right first steps can make a big difference. Here are simple ways to stay safe and comfortable before your appointment for urgent dental care:

  • For tooth pain: rinse with warm salt water & use a cold compress
  • For bleeding: apply gentle pressure with clean gauze
  • For a knocked-out tooth: keep it moist in milk & avoid touching the root
  • For swelling: use a cold compress in short intervals
  • Avoid chewing on the injured side or placing aspirin on gums

If you're unsure what to do, contact us right away, our experienced team provides quick, compassionate care through emergency dentistry in Raleigh to restore your comfort and peace of mind.

Dental Emergency FAQ’s 

Man smiling after handling a dental emergency in Raleigh

Accidents are never completely avoidable, which is why it’s important to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. When you contact your emergency dentist in Raleigh right away, you can reduce your risk of developing additional problems that could have permanent effects on your oral health. In situations where time is of the essence, acting quickly and efficiently is key. That’s why we’ve collected some of the most common questions we get from our patients for your convenience.

Will my dental insurance cover my emergency visit in Raleigh, NC?

Coverage for emergency dentistry varies by insurance plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and file claims for you. We also offer flexible financing options like CareCredit and Compassionate Financing to make urgent care manageable.

Should I visit the ER first for a dental emergency in Raleigh, NC?

Visit the ER first if you have severe facial trauma, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing. For urgent but non-life-threatening tooth injuries, call us right away for emergency dentistry in Raleigh so we can provide prompt care.

What’s considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to your teeth or gums. If you're unsure whether your situation needs urgent attention, it's better to be safe and call our office. We provide emergency dentistry in Raleigh and can quickly determine if you need same-day care to prevent the issue from worsening.

Will a toothache go away on its own?

A toothache may fade temporarily, but that usually means the nerve is damaged — not healed. Ignoring it can lead to serious infection or tooth loss. Contact our Raleigh emergency dentist right away so we can diagnose the issue and prevent it from worsening.

Can I pop a dental abscess on my own?

No, never pop a dental abscess. Doing so can spread infection and make the problem more serious. Call us immediately for emergency dentistry in Raleigh, and our team will safely treat the infection and relieve your pain.

Should I worry about a chipped tooth if it doesn’t hurt?

Yes. Even without pain, a chipped tooth can crack further or become infected. Contact our Raleigh dental office as soon as possible. We can guide you over the phone and let you know if same-day treatment is needed.

What could be causing jaw pain?

Jaw pain can result from teeth grinding, TMJ issues, stress, or even wisdom teeth. Visit our Raleigh dental office for an evaluation, imaging and an exam will help us pinpoint the cause and provide the right treatment.

Should you put a knocked-out tooth in water?

You can rinse a knocked-out tooth with water, but do not soak it in water. Instead, place it back in the socket (if possible) or store it in milk. Call our office immediately for emergency dentistry in Raleigh, quick action can save the tooth.

Patient receiving fluorid treatment

Relief from Dental Pain is Just a Call Away

Dental pain can strike at any moment — but help is just a call away. At Connection Dentistry, we provide fast, compassionate emergency dentistry in Raleigh to relieve discomfort and restore your smile’s health. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, our team is ready to help you right away.

Call us now or schedule your same-day appointment online!