How to Find an Emergency Dentist When You Need One ASAP

Ouch! You’re catching up with an old friend over lunch when a sharp pain suddenly shoots through your mouth. You spit an olive back into your Greek salad and see that the pit was still inside. Your tooth is cracked and you are in pain, but what do you do next? After all, it’s Saturday and you know your dentist’s office is closed!  

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and they don’t always occur during standard business hours. Keep reading to discover how to find an emergency dentist when you need one as soon as possible. 

What Is a Dental Emergency? 

A dental emergency is any dental infection or injury that requires urgent care by a dental professional to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth or stop persistent bleeding. Some common dental emergencies include: 

• Severely infected tooth 
• Knocked out tooth
• Cracked or broken tooth
• Cuts to the tissues inside the mouth
• Lost crown or filling

Tips for Finding an Emergency Dentist

Experiencing a dental emergency can be scary, especially when you are far from home or don’t know where to turn. Here are a few tips for finding an emergency dentist as quickly as possible:

• Call Your Dentist – Yes, even if it’s the weekend or during evening hours, your first step should be to call your dentist. Many dental offices leave specific instructions on their voicemail of what to do in an emergency situation. If you do not have your dentist’s number saved on your phone, check their website. They may even list a special hotline for emergency situations.  
• Search Google – Why not? You already use Google to find information about everything else! Type “emergency dentist near me” or “emergency dentist” plus your city. The Google results should show various emergency dentists in your area who may be available to provide you with urgent dental care. 
• Use the ADA Dentist Locator Tool – If you are on vacation when a dental emergency strikes, the American Dental Association’s online tool can help. Just plug in your current zip code and a map will show you the closest ADA-certified dentists. 
• Go to the Emergency Room – Most local ERs do not have dental professionals on staff, which is why seeing a dentist during a dental emergency is almost always the best option. However, if you cannot make contact with a dentist and are experiencing extreme oral pain, consider heading to the emergency room. The ER staff can at least help you manage the pain until you can see a dentist.  

By following the tips above, you can get the urgent dental care you need as soon as possible and get back to smiling in almost no time at all! 

About the Author

Dr. Mark Givan has been providing exceptional dental care to the Fort Worth community for over 40 years. Named a Top Dentist by Texas Monthly in 2019, he knows how to deal with a wide range of dental emergencies and deliver fast, effective relief. To learn more about how to find an emergency dentist, visit Dr. Givan’s website or call 817-926-5556.