Same-Day Emergency Care Available

Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies don't wait — and neither do we. Same-day emergency care when you need it most.

Albemarle: (704) 982-5516 Charlotte: (704) 688-7120

Don't Wait -- Call Us Now

If you're experiencing a dental emergency -- severe pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or trauma -- call us immediately and we'll get you in as quickly as possible. We provide same-day emergency dental services at both our Albemarle and Charlotte offices, Monday through Thursday.

Our experienced team is equipped to handle urgent dental situations with the care and precision you need when it matters most.

Common Dental Emergencies

Severe Toothache

Intense, persistent tooth pain that may indicate infection, abscess, or deep decay requiring immediate treatment.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

Teeth damaged by trauma, biting hard objects, or accidents need prompt care to prevent further damage or infection.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A tooth that has been completely knocked out can sometimes be saved if treated within 30-60 minutes. Call us immediately.

Lost Filling or Crown

A missing filling or crown exposes the tooth to bacteria and sensitivity. We can replace it quickly to protect the tooth.

Swelling or Abscess

Facial swelling, pus, or a bump on the gums may indicate a dental abscess -- a serious infection that needs urgent care.

Bleeding That Won't Stop

Persistent bleeding after an extraction or injury needs professional attention to prevent complications.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

1 Stay calm and assess the situation

2 Call Premier Dental immediately for same-day care

3 If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist (in milk or saliva)

4 Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

5 Avoid aspirin near the affected area (it can increase bleeding)

6 Don't try to fix broken dental work yourself

Why Choose Premier Dental for Emergency Dentistry in Albemarle and Charlotte, NC

When a dental emergency strikes, you need a provider who responds quickly, treats effectively, and puts your comfort first. At Premier Dental, patients across Albemarle, Charlotte, Stanly County, and the greater North Carolina Piedmont region count on us for prompt, compassionate emergency dental care. Here is what makes us the right choice when urgency matters most.

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

We prioritize dental emergencies and reserve time in our schedule for urgent cases. When you call with an emergency, our goal is to see you the same day -- often within hours. Severe pain, swelling, trauma, and knocked-out teeth receive immediate attention at both our Albemarle and Charlotte offices.

Comprehensive Emergency Treatment

Our team is equipped to handle the full range of dental emergencies, from severe toothaches and abscesses to broken teeth, lost crowns, and dental trauma. We have the technology and expertise to diagnose the problem quickly, relieve your pain, and begin definitive treatment -- often in a single visit.

Pain Management and Comfort

We understand that dental emergencies often involve significant pain and anxiety. Our team uses effective local anesthesia, gentle techniques, and a compassionate chairside manner to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your emergency treatment. Relieving your pain is always our first priority.

Follow-Up Care and Prevention

After your emergency treatment, we schedule follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the emergency. We also discuss preventive strategies -- including mouthguards for sports, regular checkups, and proper oral hygiene -- to reduce the risk of future emergencies.

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to expect when you arrive at Premier Dental can help ease your anxiety. Our emergency care process is designed to get you out of pain and on the path to recovery as quickly as possible.

Immediate Triage and Pain Relief

When you arrive at our Albemarle or Charlotte office, our team will quickly assess the severity of your situation. If you are in significant pain, we begin pain management right away -- before any diagnostic procedures. Our goal is to make you comfortable as quickly as possible so we can proceed with a thorough evaluation.

Diagnosis with Digital Imaging

We use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to quickly identify the source of the problem -- whether it is an abscess, fracture, deep cavity, or soft tissue injury. Digital imaging provides instant results, allowing us to diagnose accurately and begin treatment without delay.

Emergency Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include draining an abscess, performing an emergency root canal, reattaching a knocked-out tooth, placing a temporary crown, extracting a severely damaged tooth, or prescribing antibiotics for infection. Many emergency treatments can be completed in a single visit. For cases requiring multiple appointments, we stabilize the situation and schedule follow-up care promptly.

Recovery Instructions and Follow-Up

Before you leave, we provide clear, written aftercare instructions specific to your treatment. This includes pain management guidance, dietary recommendations, signs to watch for, and when to return for follow-up. If the emergency required temporary treatment, we schedule the definitive restoration -- such as a permanent crown, bridge, or implant -- as soon as your healing allows. Our team is always available by phone if you have questions during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving severe tooth pain, bleeding that will not stop, swelling in the face or gums, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or signs of infection such as pus or fever. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call our Albemarle office at (704) 982-5516 or Charlotte office at (704) 688-7120 -- we will help you determine the best course of action.

What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

Time is critical when a tooth is knocked out. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the visible part), not the root. If possible, gently rinse it with water (do not scrub or remove tissue fragments) and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot reinsert it, keep it moist by placing it in a glass of milk, saline solution, or between your cheek and gum. Call us immediately and get to our office within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While a hospital emergency room can provide pain relief and antibiotics for dental infections, most ERs are not equipped to perform definitive dental treatments like root canals, extractions, or crown repairs. In most cases, visiting an emergency dentist like Premier Dental is faster, more cost-effective, and provides the actual treatment you need rather than just temporary relief. However, if you experience facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the jaw, go to the ER immediately.

How can I manage dental pain before getting to the office?

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage pain temporarily. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water can help clean the area and reduce bacteria. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as this can cause a chemical burn. These measures provide temporary relief until you can be seen at our office.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

While not all emergencies can be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk by maintaining regular preventive dental visits every 6 months, wearing a custom mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, and addressing dental problems early before they become emergencies. If you have weakened teeth from previous decay or large fillings, ask your dentist about protective restorations like crowns to reduce the risk of fractures.

Emergency Dentistry Insurance and Pricing

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency dental treatment, including emergency exams, X-rays, extractions, and procedures to relieve pain. The level of coverage depends on your specific plan and the type of treatment required. At Premier Dental, we accept most major dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits and estimate your out-of-pocket costs before beginning treatment whenever possible.

We believe that cost should never prevent you from seeking emergency dental care. For patients without insurance or those facing unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, we offer flexible payment options and will work with you to ensure you receive the treatment you need without financial barriers.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to call. Reach our Albemarle office at (704) 982-5516 or our Charlotte office at (704) 688-7120 for immediate assistance.

Related Services

After your emergency is resolved, you may need follow-up treatment to fully restore your dental health. Explore these related services at Premier Dental.

Restorative Dentistry -- Crowns, Bridges, and Fillings Dental Implants -- Replace Missing Teeth Root Canal Therapy -- Save Your Tooth Preventive Dentistry -- Avoid Future Emergencies Dental Crowns -- Protect Damaged Teeth Cosmetic Dentistry -- Restore Your Smile

Need Emergency Dental Care?

Call us right now. We'll get you in today.

Albemarle: (704) 982-5516 Charlotte: (704) 688-7120