Our services

What is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry addresses urgent dental issues that cause significant pain or trauma. Common emergencies include severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings, infections, and injuries to soft tissues. At TriPoint Dental, we prioritize these cases and strive to see patients quickly, often on the same day they call.

Our Emergency Dental Services

As your family dentist in Durham, NC, we provide comprehensive emergency dental care to address a wide range of urgent dental concerns. Our emergency services include:

Pain Relief

We first focus on alleviating your discomfort through appropriate pain management techniques and targeted treatments that identify and address the source of your pain.

Trauma Care

For patients who have experienced dental injuries such as broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth, we provide urgent care focused on saving natural tooth structure whenever possible.

Infection Treatment

We provide prompt care for abscesses, swelling, and other signs of infection, including drainage, antibiotics when necessary, and treating the underlying cause.

Restoration Repair

If you've lost a filling, crown, or other dental restoration, we can provide same-day repairs or temporary solutions to protect your tooth until a permanent restoration can be placed.

Extractions

In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, we perform gentle extractions to eliminate infection and pain, utilizing advanced surgical techniques for complex cases.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

You should contact our emergency dentist in Durham immediately if you experience:

  • Severe, persistent tooth pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Significant swelling in the face, gums, or neck.
  • A tooth that has been knocked out or severely loosened.
  • A cracked or fractured tooth, especially if it's painful.
  • An object lodged between teeth that cannot be removed with floss.
  • A dental restoration that has fallen out.
  • Signs of infection such as fever, foul taste, or pus.

Remember that dental problems rarely resolve on their own and typically worsen without professional intervention.

Why Choose TriPoint Dental for Dental Emergencies?

When you're facing a dental emergency, TriPoint Dental offers several advantages:

  • Same-Day Appointments: We reserve time each day for emergency patients, making it possible to see you promptly when pain or injury strikes.
  • After-Hours Availability: We understand that emergencies don't always happen during business hours. That's why we provide an after-hours contact number, and our team may meet patients after regular hours on a case-by-case basis.
  • Comprehensive Care: Our practice is equipped to handle most dental emergencies in-house, eliminating the need to be referred elsewhere during your time of need.
  • Comfortable Environment: Even in emergencies, we prioritize your comfort with amenities like TVs in treatment rooms and warm blankets to help ease anxiety during urgent care.
  • Bilingual Services: We offer care in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for all our emergency patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

Gently retrieve the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it with water, and attempt to reinsert it in the socket. If that's not possible, keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gums, and contact us immediately. Quick action is essential—teeth are best saved if treated within an hour.

How can I manage dental pain until my emergency appointment?

For temporary relief, rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers (avoid aspirin if bleeding), apply a cold compress, and use dental wax for sharp edges. These measures offer comfort but are not replacements for professional care.

Will insurance cover my dental emergency?

Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for emergency procedures, especially those necessary to alleviate pain, treat infection, or address trauma. For patients without insurance, we offer an in-house dental membership that can help reduce costs.

Emergency Dentistry in Durham, NC

Don't Wait Through Dental Pain

Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful, but prompt care is just a phone call away. Established in 2025, TriPoint Dental is committed to providing fast, effective emergency dental treatment in a comfortable, caring environment. Don't suffer through dental pain or risk complications from delayed treatment—contact our office immediately if you're experiencing a dental emergency.

Tripoint Dental
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Wednesday
8am - 5pm
Thursday
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Friday
8am - 5pm
Saturday
8am - 5pm
Sunday
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