Emergency Dentistry

We treat patients of all ages and explain your treatment options clearly so you can make informed decisions about your care. Same-day emergency dental visits are available when possible.

A dental emergency is a problem that requires prompt attention due to severe pain, injury, swelling, bleeding, or tooth damage.

You should contact an emergency dentist for concerns such as:

• Severe or persistent tooth pain

• A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth

• A loose or knocked-out tooth

• Significant or worsening swelling

• Bleeding that does not stop

• Sudden sensitivity that does not go away

• A large or painful sore

If swelling interferes with your ability to breathe or swallow, seek immediate medical attention.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency dental care, call Wrightsville Dental. Our team can help assess the situation and explain what to do next.

Call an emergency dentist as soon as possible if you have severe tooth pain, a damaged or knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or worsening swelling.

Prompt treatment may help prevent additional damage and, in some cases, improve the chances of preserving a natural tooth.

When you call Wrightsville Dental for a dental emergency in Wilmington, our team will triage your symptoms and reserve a same-day appointment when appropriate and available.

An emergency dental visit is focused on identifying the source of the problem, relieving discomfort, and determining the right next step.

Your appointment may include:

• A focused dental examination

• Targeted digital X-rays

• Local anesthetic when needed for pain control

• A review of your treatment options

• Home-care and follow-up instructions

Depending on the condition of your tooth and surrounding tissues, treatment may include a conservative repair, extraction, temporary crown, or another approach recommended by your dentist.

Wrightsville Dental also uses digital X-rays, CBCT imaging, CEREC technology, and other digital tools when appropriate to help evaluate dental problems and plan treatment efficiently.

The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of your dental emergency.

Emergency care may include:

• Evaluating the source of pain or possible infection

• Stabilizing a broken or loose tooth

• Taking steps to preserve a knocked-out tooth when possible

• Placing a temporary restoration to protect a damaged area

• Repairing a tooth with CEREC when a same-day restoration is appropriate

Our goal is to address the immediate problem, reduce the risk of further damage, and plan any additional treatment you may need.

Sometimes. A knocked-out tooth should be evaluated as quickly as possible because prompt treatment may improve the chance of preserving the tooth.

Call Wrightsville Dental right away if a permanent tooth has been knocked out. Our team can explain how to care for and protect the tooth before you arrive, as well as what to bring to your appointment.

Our team takes steps to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout your emergency visit. Local anesthetics may be used when needed to control pain during treatment.

Wrightsville Dental also offers comfort amenities such as blankets, pillows, warm towels, headphones, TVs, music, free Wi-Fi, water, and coffee.

Some dental emergencies can be treated during the initial visit, while others require follow-up care.

If you need a crown, extraction, dental implant, or another procedure, your dentist will explain the recommended treatment, expected timing, and next steps. You will also receive instructions for caring for the area at home and signs to watch for after treatment.

Not every dental emergency can be prevented, especially when an accident is involved. However, good preventive habits may reduce your risk of developing urgent dental problems.

You can help protect your teeth by:

• Wearing a mouthguard during sports

• Keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings

• Having chipped or cracked teeth evaluated before they worsen

• Asking about protective options if you have habits that wear down your teeth

Treating smaller dental concerns early may help prevent them from becoming more painful or complicated.

If severe tooth pain, swelling, or a dental injury is disrupting your day, contact Wrightsville Dental for emergency dental care in Wilmington, NC.

Dr. James Gainer, Dr. William Watt, Dr. Adrian LePendu, and our team provide prompt evaluations, clear treatment recommendations, and care focused on relieving discomfort and protecting your oral health.

Call Wrightsville Dental to schedule an emergency dental visit. Same-day appointments are available when possible.