Pryor Dental

Signs You Should See an Emergency Dentist Immediately

September 16, 2025
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There’s never a good time for a dental emergency; whether you wake up in the middle of the night with severe tooth pain or fall and injure your mouth while hiking, you need to know what to do to save your smile and get rid of the pain.

That’s why we offer emergency dental care to patients in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. We understand how scary a dental emergency can be, and we’re here to help you navigate the situation and restore your oral health.

So, when should you see an emergency dentist?

Signs You Should Call an Emergency Dentist

We see many kinds of dental emergencies, so if you experience any of the following, it’s best to call us right away:

  • Severe pain — If you have an intense, throbbing toothache that lasts for several days and doesn’t subside when you take over-the-counter pain relievers, you could have a dental infection.
  • Lingering sensitivity — When hot or cold temperatures cause sustained sensitivity and don’t go away when you stop eating or drinking, that’s another indication that you could have an infection or other dental issue.
  • Knocked-out tooth — A knocked-out tooth is a real emergency; seeking immediate care is your best chance of saving your tooth. Without touching the roots, try to reinsert it. If that doesn’t work, store it inside your cheek or a glass of milk until you can reach our office.
  • Chipped or broken tooth — Even if it doesn’t hurt, a cracked or broken tooth can allow bacteria to enter the area and lead to an infection.
  • Lost or broken restoration — Similarly, a lost or broken filling or crown can lead to a painful infection, so contact our office as soon as possible.
  • Swelling — If your face, jaw, or gums are swollen, or if you have a fever or trouble swallowing, you may have a dental abscess. We need to treat this dangerous infection right away.
  • Bleeding — If your gums, lips, or mouth are bleeding, apply pressure to the area and contact our office. For severe bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Winston-Salem, NC?

If the unexpected happens and you need emergency dental care, please don’t hesitate to call our dental office! We will work to alleviate your discomfort and restore your smile’s health and beauty.

To schedule an appointment or ask a question, you can reach us at (336) 765-7477.

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (336) 765-7477
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