Emergency Dentistry

What counts as a dental emergency

Severe pain, swelling or infection, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown causing discomfort, and post-procedure complications all qualify. If you are unsure, call us. We would rather triage over the phone than have you wait.

How same-day scheduling works

We hold 4 to 6 emergency slots per day across our three locations. When you call, our front desk triages over the phone, assesses urgency, and books you into the next available slot. In most cases, you are seen within 2 to 4 hours.

Knocked-out tooth protocol

A knocked-out adult tooth is a true time-sensitive emergency. The tooth has the best chance of re-implantation if seen within 60 minutes. Keep the tooth moist (milk or saline, not water), hold it by the crown not the root, and head to the nearest Meridian location. Call on the way so we are ready.

Pain and infection management

Severe pain or facial swelling often indicates an abscess or deep infection. We assess with imaging, drain or treat the infection, and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate. Complete treatment of the underlying cause (often a root canal or extraction) is scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks.

What if I have an emergency after hours?

Our phones are answered 24/7. After-hours calls go to the on-call clinical director, who can provide immediate guidance and direct you to the nearest emergency resource if needed.

Are you more expensive than an emergency room?

Almost always less. Hospital ERs often cannot treat the underlying dental problem and send you to a dentist anyway. You save both the ER fee and the duplication.