A severe toothache, a cracked molar, a crown that came loose at dinner, a tooth knocked out on the field. Dental emergencies never arrive at a convenient time, and waiting usually makes them worse. If you are in pain or something has broken or fallen out, contact Locklear Dentistry right away and we will work to get you seen and out of discomfort. You do not need to be an existing patient. Not sure it qualifies as an emergency? Keep reading, then call us anyway.
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Did you know…
Digital X-Rays & Imaging
Digital x-rays let us see below the gum line, whether that is decay under an old filling, a fracture running into the root, or infection at the root tip. We find the source of your pain accurately and build a treatment plan on the spot.
Problem-Focused Exams
When something is hurting or broken, we perform a problem-focused exam, also called a limited exam. We concentrate on the tooth causing trouble so we can diagnose it and get you comfortable without the delay of a full comprehensive workup.
After Hours Appointments
Dental emergencies don’t always strike during regular business hours. That’s why we offer after hours appointments so you can get the care you deserve, when you need it most.
Same-Day Care
We understand that dental issues can be urgent and stressful, which is why we're committed to providing same-day care. Simply call ahead, and we'll do our best to accommodate you promptly.
Weekend Appointments
Dental emergencies don’t follow a set schedule. That’s why we offer weekend appointments for emergency situations. Don’t wait until Monday to get the relief you deserve, get in touch with us now to get your smile back in working order today!
In-House Treatment
Get the treatment you need right away, without waiting on a referral. We provide comprehensive dental care all under one roof, including root canals and oral surgery, so you can get out of pain and back to smiling!
Immediate Implants
Losing a tooth leaves you with a gap in your smile; fill that gap right away with immediate implants. Dental implants can stop you from losing bone mass while restoring your bite, but the longer you go without a tooth, the more likely you are to lose bone, so timely care is crucial. If you've lost a tooth, or require an extraction, ask us if a dental implant is right for you.
Extractions
While extractions are always our last option — saving your smile is our number one priority. Sometimes that means removing a problematic tooth. With gentle techniques, local anesthesia, and oral sedation options, we can extract severely decayed or damaged teeth to alleviate pain and make room for a replacement tooth, such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture.
Find a solution to your dental emergency
No one plans for a dental emergency, and no one budgets for one either. Our emergency exam gives you a diagnosis and a written treatment plan before any work begins, so you know what you are facing. CareCredit financing and our in-house membership plan are both available.
The Benefits of Emergency Dentistry in Greensboro
Relieve Your Pain
There is no reason to push through a throbbing tooth on ibuprofen and hope. We treat the actual cause, whether that is deep decay, an exposed nerve, an abscess, or a fractured cusp, so the pain stops rather than quiets down.
Restore Your Bite
A cracked, chipped, or missing tooth changes how you chew and speak, and most people start favoring the other side without realizing it. A filling, crown, root canal, or replacement brings your bite back into balance.
Prevent Further Complications
Dental problems rarely stay small. An untreated cavity becomes an infected nerve, and an infected nerve becomes an abscess that can cost you the tooth. Treating it early is simpler, less invasive, and less expensive.
What do I do in a Greensboro Dental Emergency?
Keep Calm & Reduce Bleeding
Take a breath and assess what happened. If there is bleeding from the gums, lip, or socket, apply steady pressure with clean gauze until it stops or you reach our office. Rinse gently with warm water, never mouthwash. If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown and never the root, since the root surface carries the cells needed to reattach it.
Control Swelling & Pain
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and swelling while you wait. Avoid aspirin and other blood thinners, which make bleeding harder to control, and never place a pill against the gum, as it burns the tissue. A cold compress on the cheek for fifteen minutes at a time helps. If facial swelling is spreading or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room.
Call Us Right Away
Once things are under control, call our office. Even if you are unsure it qualifies, our team will ask the right questions and schedule you as soon as we can. Timing matters with dental trauma, and a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival when replanted within the first hour.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do about a loose tooth?
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If you have a loose tooth from a dental injury, get in touch with us and schedule a same-day appointment. Not treating it in time can damage the nerves supporting your tooth, causing the tooth to fall out. So, don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here for you!After scheduling your appointment, try to keep the tooth as stable as possible. Avoid moving the loose tooth with your tongue or fingers. During your appointment, your dentist will attach the tooth to the adjacent teeth with a splint. The splint provides support for the tooth so it can heal and re-attach itself to your gums.
What should I do about a chipped, broken or cracked tooth?
If you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, it can be difficult to assess the severity of the damage without a professional oral exam. Leaving it untreated can lead to further complications like infection and cause additional, preventable complications. We are right by your side to help and support you in getting your smile back to optimal health. If you experience any of these issues, please don't hesitate to give us a call, we will schedule an appointment and provide you with a thorough examination and proper guidance to restore and protect your smile and alleviate your pain.
What should I do about a severe toothache?
A toothache that lasts for more than two days is a cause for concern. It could be a sign of a tooth infection, which is a serious dental emergency that requires prompt attention. We understand how uncomfortable and distressing tooth pain can be, and we want you to find relief as soon as possible. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, please don't hesitate to contact us. We can address your concerns and promptly schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can use a cold compress on your cheek, take over-the-counter pain medication, or use a topical product like Orajel to numb the tooth and reduce pain.
What should I do if I’ve knocked out a tooth?
If you have accidentally knocked out a tooth, it's important to act quickly to increase the chances of saving it. To recover the tooth, handle it by the crown (the top) rather than the root to prevent any further damage. Rinse the tooth with warm water to remove any debris, being careful not to scrub or use any abrasive materials. If possible, try to gently place the tooth back into its socket. Do not force it into place as it may cause additional damage. If you cannot put the tooth back, store it in a container of cold milk to keep it hydrated until you can get to the dentist.For knocked-out teeth, time is of the essence, so contact us immediately to get guidance on how to handle the emergency and ensure that we are prepared for your visit. Remember, in order to save the tooth and avoid the need for prosthetics, the tooth should be replaced and splinted within 1-2 hours.
What should I do if my dental work has fallen out?
If you've lost a piece of dental work, such as a filling or crown, it's important to act quickly to protect your oral health. Call us to schedule an appointment so we can treat it as soon as possible.Losing dental work can expose your teeth to bacteria and lead to further complications. Gently place the dental work in a clean plastic bag or container and bring it with you to your emergency appointment. We understand that losing dental work can be stressful, but rest assured that we'll do everything we can to restore your smile.
