Pender County · Since 1987
Emergency Dentistry in Surf City, 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.
- Three doctors, one location
- Sedation available
- Most major plans accepted
- Written estimates before treatment
emergency care, explained
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.
Full detail on emergency care ›
Why Surf City patients come to us for this
Six in ten homes on this stretch of Topsail Island are seasonal, but the year-round population has grown quickly since the new bridge opened.
Summer brings a spike in dental emergencies here, from visitors and from residents alike. We keep same-day capacity through the season.
Surf City patients generally choose us over closer options because sedation, oral surgery and restorative work happen in the same building.
The high-rise bridge that replaced the old swing bridge in 2018 changed the drive off Topsail Island considerably.
Six in ten homes here are seasonal, and the year-round community is small but growing quickly.
We see patients from across Surf City and the surrounding area, including the Topsail Island high-rise bridge, Surf City Ocean Pier, Soundside Park and the 28445 and 28443 ZIP codes.
Pender County is the second fastest-growing county in the state and it has the highest share of under-18s in the region at over 22 percent. Family scheduling and preventive care carry more weight here than anywhere else we serve.
Off-season appointments are easier to get and the drive is quicker. If it is not urgent, October through April is the better window.
Fifty minutes down US-17 buys you a practice with three doctors, sedation and oral surgery under one roof instead of three referrals.
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
What the process looks like
- 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.
Afterwards
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.
If you are away for part of the year, tell us your dates at the start and we will build the schedule around them.
What it costs
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.
If your income is seasonal, say so at the consultation. We can time treatment phases to the part of the year that suits your cash flow.
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
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.
Do you see emergency patients who are not already patients here?
Yes. You do not need to be an existing patient.
How far is your office from Surf City?
About 33 miles, or roughly 50 minutes via NC-210 off Topsail Island to US-17 South. We are at 1301 Physicians Dr in Wilmington, with parking at the door.
Do you see patients from Surf City?
Regularly. Surf City is part of our core service area in Pender County, and fifty minutes down US-17 buys you a practice with three doctors, sedation and oral surgery under one roof instead of three referrals.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm. Outside those hours, leave a message or use the appointment request form and we will come back to you with the first available time.
Emergency Dentistry · Surf City, NC
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.
