In pain right now? Call us.
We make every effort to see dental emergencies quickly, including patients we've never met.
Call (803) 356-6030Tooth pain has terrible timing. We're in the office from 7:00 AM Monday through Thursday, a person answers the phone, and "we'll squeeze you in" is something we actually mean.
What counts as an emergency
- Severe or worsening toothache: pain that wakes you up or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine.
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums: this can mean infection and shouldn't wait.
- A knocked-out tooth: minutes matter; see the first-aid steps below.
- A broken or cracked tooth: especially if it hurts to bite or the nerve is exposed.
- A lost crown or filling: usually not an emergency, but call anyway; we'll tell you how urgent it is.
Not sure? Call and describe it. Two minutes on the phone beats a weekend of wondering.
First aid that actually helps
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Knocked-out tooth
Adult tooth: hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently; don't scrub. Set it back in the socket if you can, or drop it in milk, and call us on the way. A child's baby tooth should not be put back in — that can damage the adult tooth underneath. Bring it with you and call.
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Toothache or swelling
Rinse with warm salt water, take the pain reliever you'd normally take, and hold a cold compress outside the cheek. Never put aspirin on the gum. It burns.
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Broken tooth
Save any pieces, rinse your mouth gently, and cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax from the drugstore until we see you.
Emergencies don't check your budget first
We know. That's why we file all insurance forms for you, accept CareCredit, and set up payment plans for bigger treatment. Getting you out of pain comes first; we'll figure out the rest together, in plain numbers, before treatment starts.
A dentist, not a triage line
Emergency visits are handled by our own dentists, Dr. Joseph McDaniels and Dr. Hampton Scott, the same people who would see you for a checkup. Sedation options are available if pain or nerves are running high.
Emergency questions, answered
Yes. We make every effort to see dental emergencies quickly, and that includes people who have never been to our office. Call (803) 356-6030 and tell us what's happening.
For an adult tooth: pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Then call us immediately, because a knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved within the first hour. A child's baby tooth should not be reinserted, as that can damage the adult tooth developing underneath.
Our office is closed Friday through Sunday. Leave a message at (803) 356-6030 and we will get back to you when we open at 7:00 AM Monday. For severe pain you cannot manage, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or facial trauma, go to an urgent care or emergency room right away, then call us for the dental follow-up.
Ready for a dentist you'll actually look forward to?
Call the front desk during office hours to request a time.