Urgent · Since 1987
Emergency Dentistry in Wilmington, NC
Broken tooth, lost crown, swelling, or pain that woke you up. Call us first thing and we will find you a slot the same day wherever we can.
About emergency care
Not everything that feels urgent is urgent, and some things that do not hurt are. Swelling that is spreading, a tooth knocked completely out, or pain that no longer responds to over-the-counter medication all need attention today.
We are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00, and Friday, 8:00 to 12:00. If you reach us outside those hours, leave a message or use the request form and we will get back to you with the first available time.
How it works
- Call usDescribe what happened. We will tell you what to do in the meantime and get you scheduled.
- Triage and imagingA targeted x-ray and exam of the area, not a full workup.
- Relief firstThe immediate goal is out of pain and stable.
- Definitive planOnce the urgency is handled we talk about the permanent fix.
Recovery and aftercare
If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, rinse it gently in milk or saline, and either reseat it in the socket or keep it in milk while you get to us. Time matters enormously for reimplantation. For a broken tooth, rinse with warm salt water and avoid chewing on that side.
Cost and coverage
Emergency visits are covered by most plans as a limited exam plus whatever treatment is needed. We will tell you what the visit costs before you sit down, and we will separate what has to happen today from what can be scheduled and budgeted.
You may be a candidate if
- Severe or throbbing toothache
- A knocked-out or loosened tooth after an impact
- A cracked or broken tooth, with or without pain
- A lost filling or crown
- Facial swelling, or a gum abscess
- Something sharp cutting your tongue or cheek
Emergency Dentistry by town
We see patients from across New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Onslow counties.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Josh Winneberger
Dr. Winneberger on getting you numb without you noticing, and helping nervous patients get comfortable in the chair.
Questions we get asked
Do you see emergency patients who are not already patients here?
Yes. You do not need to be an existing patient.
What counts as a real dental emergency?
Uncontrolled pain, spreading swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or a tooth that has been knocked out. Swelling that is moving toward the eye or the floor of the mouth is a hospital visit, not a dental one.
Can I be seen the same day?
We hold time for urgent cases. Call as early in the day as you can and your odds are good.
What do I do about a knocked-out tooth right now?
Handle it by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently with milk or saline. Put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk, and get here immediately.
My crown fell off and it does not hurt. Should I still come in?
Yes, reasonably soon. The exposed tooth is vulnerable and the neighboring teeth will start to drift, which can stop the crown from fitting when you do come in.
Emergency Dentistry
Call. Do not wait it out.
We keep time open each morning for urgent cases. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00, and Friday, 8:00 to 12:00.
- Same-day appointments where the schedule allows
- Emergency patients seen whether or not you are established here
- Extractions and oral surgery on site
- Pain relief first, permanent plan second
Not sure it counts as an emergency? Call and describe it. We will tell you.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
