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Emergency Dentistry – Fuquay-Varina, NC

Quick Care You Can
Rely On

Accidents happen, and while they mostly result in a spilled drink or stubbed toe, occasionally, they can lead to a dental emergency. If you or a loved one knocks out a tooth or develops a painful toothache, all you need to do is call Langworthy Family Dentistry. We offer same-day appointments for emergency dentistry in Fuquay-Varina, and we can provide fast relief when it counts the most, helping people quickly turn a stressful situation into a distant memory.

Why Choose Langworthy Family Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

a concerned person on the phone

  1. Call Us: The first step you should always take if you find yourself in the midst of a dental emergency is to call our office. We’ll schedule a visit for you for as soon as possible and provide you with first aid guidance to reduce your chances of sustaining additional oral damage.
  2. Emergency Examination & Diagnosis: Once you arrive, Dr. Langworthy and our team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums and ask you about any trauma you experienced and the symptoms you’re having. Based on our findings, we’ll be able to diagnose the issue at hand.
  3. Treatment Plan: Once we’ve made a diagnosis, we’ll walk you through the treatment plan we have in mind, along with any costs associated with the procedure. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to ask us!
  4. Restoring Your Smile’s Health: Once you consent to move forward with our recommended treatment plan, we’ll work quickly and effectively to restore your smile’s health and appearance.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

What counts as a dental emergency? To make things nice and easy, we recommend calling your emergency dentist in Fuquay-Varina if you experience any out-of-the-ordinary oral symptoms, whether it be pain, swelling, or changes in the appearance of the teeth or gums. On the phone, we can provide first-aid tips and schedule an immediate appointment if necessary.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

a dental insurance claim form

Many patients are anxious about receiving emergency care because they are worried about the cost. Rest assured, our team at Langworthy Family Dentistry won’t leave you in the dark about something so important. Once you arrive at our office, we will complete a comprehensive oral exam as well as go over your options, insurance coverage, and financing to help you get what you need while keeping everything affordable. If you want to learn more about the price in the meantime, you’re welcome to read on too!

Why Every Dental Emergency is Different

Dentist looking at X-ray in treatment room

If you’re wondering why the cost of emergency dentistry in Fuquay Varina varies, it’s because no two situations are exactly the same! While one patient may need a simple filling to restore their pain-free smile, the next might need a tooth extraction and dental implant. Again, we will review all of your treatment options and the price at your visit to avoid any unpleasant surprises. We’ll also discuss the financial solutions available so you can focus on getting the care you need instead of stressing about the cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Patient filling out form in lobby

Good news: many dental insurance providers cover one emergency dental exam each year as well as a portion of the cost of essential restorative care. So, if you are insured, take a look at your plan to familiarize yourself with your benefits! If you need any help understanding the fine print, including waiting periods and annual maximums, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’d be happy to review your coverage, provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and answer any questions you have.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Smiling dental receptionist and patient shaking hands in lobby

Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t let that stop you from getting the dental care you need! You can make the cost of emergency dentistry more affordable with:

  • Dental Financing – With third-party financiers, like CareCredit, you don’t have to pay for the cost of your treatment in one lump sum. Instead, you can choose a payment plan that works with your monthly budget.
  • Our In-House Savings Plan – Joining our in-house plan comes with several perks, including one emergency exam and up to 15% off any needed treatment. Plus, you won’t have to worry about red tape, like waiting periods.

How Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Woman smiling while sitting in treatment chair

No matter the problem, putting off urgent dental treatment is always a bad idea. That’s because the “wait and see” approach only allows time for the issue to get worse, meaning it will likely require more expensive treatment to fix. So, if you start to notice abnormal symptoms, like pain, soreness, or sensitivity, don’t wait – call us ASAP to schedule an appointment.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

a person brushing their teeth

Nobody wants to encounter a dental emergency. Fortunately, preventing them is rather simple! Below, you’ll find several tips for reducing your risk of dental emergencies. By following them and working closely with your dentist in Fuquay-Varina, you can protect your smile from alarming dental disasters.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Dentist showing a child his smile in the mirror

Experts agree – visiting your dentist on a biannual basis significantly reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions. Your team in Fuquay-Varina can monitor your oral health for concerning symptoms and provide prompt treatment, as well as clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Woman squinting as she flosses her teeth

We’re happy to help you mitigate bacteria build up with a professional cleaning, but if you don’t brush and floss at home, you’ll still likely develop an unpleasant oral condition. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily, and floss with your preferred product at least once per day. Don’t forget to take care of any retainers, mouthguards, and removable tooth replacements!

Be Careful with Your Diet

Child looking at chocolate-covered strawberries with shock and delight

Sugar, starch, and carbohydrates can all accelerate bacteria growth in your mouth. They might not cause cavities directly, but they’ll make it a lot easier for the bacteria to wreak havoc on your pearly whites. Enjoy sweat treats in moderation and be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Wear a Mouthguard

Close up of football player crouching with the ball

How many athletes have you seen with missing teeth? High-impact sports are notorious for knocking out pearly whites, so it’s important to wear a custom mouthguard if you play one. That said, it can also be a good idea to insert your mouthguard before going to the pool or weightlifting. Slipping is another common cause of knocked-out teeth, and strenuous activities can make you clench your jaw and strain your pearly whites.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

Woman trying to open a soda bottle with her teeth

You’ve just received a package, you’re looking around for a pair of scissors or a boxcutter, and after just a few seconds give up the search and use your teeth. We all get excited to open something, whether it be a much-anticipated shipment or tasty drink. But using your teeth as tools is a good way to end up with a crack or break. It’s worth the time it takes to find the appropriate tool for the job!

Root Canal Therapy

a dental model that shows the inner chamber of a tooth

Most of the time, if a tooth develops a cavity, it is only going to damage the outer layer, or the enamel. However, if ignored, the bacteria can eventually reach the inner chamber where a sensitive nerve is located. If infected, this can lead to a severe toothache, but we can easily stop it and save the tooth with a root canal, which involves removing the damaged tissue and restoring the tooth.

Thanks to Dr. Langworthy’s expertise and our use of anesthetic/sedation, most patients describe feeling next to nothing while in the chair (aside from their pain going away!). In certain cases, like those with infections impacting molars, we may refer you out to a trusted endodontist, who is a specialist at treating the inside of teeth.

Tooth Extractions

a digital illustration showing a severely damaged tooth being extracted

While our team will do everything we can to help you preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes, a tooth can be so damaged that there is no saving it. In this case, Dr. Langworthy can perform an extraction while ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the entire process. Beforehand, she can help you choose a replacement so that the gap can be filled as quickly as possible.

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Toothaches

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency? This depends on what’s causing your toothache. Many different issues can result in tooth pain. Some are easy to fix while others are more complex and severe. If you have a toothache, you should let us know. We can examine your smile and determine the next steps to take.

How You Should Handle a Toothache: If your tooth is causing you discomfort, you should begin by rinsing your mouth with salt water. This helps to clean the area and reduce inflammation. Using a cold compress on your cheek can also help to numb the area. Until you can see us in person, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage your pain.

How We Treat Toothaches: The treatment that you need depends on the cause of your toothache. You may need a filling or crown. For other cases, a root canal or extraction may be needed. Once we take a look at the area, we will discuss your treatment options.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Chipped Tooth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? Most of the time, chipped teeth aren’t dental emergencies, but you should still have them repaired as soon as you can. If you don’t get it fixed in a timely manner, your tooth is left vulnerable to damage.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth: If you can, find the larger pieces of your tooth to bring with you to your appointment. Then, rinse your mouth with water to wash away any dirt or debris. If your tooth is sharp or jagged, dental wax can be used to cover the area and protect your soft tissues. Until you see us, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth: For smaller chips, direct bonding can usually do the trick. For larger chips and chips on the front of your teeth, you may want to consider a longer-lasting option, like a veneer.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency? A cracked tooth is vulnerable to bacteria, so it is at risk of becoming infected. This should be looked at as soon as possible. It may be difficult to see cracks in the teeth, but common signs can include pain and new or worsening tooth sensitivity.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth: Begin by rinsing your mouth with salt water to clean the area. Then, call us to let us know what’s going on. We can schedule your appointment to examine your smile and get to the root of the problem.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth: Small cracks can sometimes be easily repaired with direct bonding, but if the crack is very large or deep, you might need a dental crown or extraction. During your appointment with us, we will take a close look at the area and discuss your treatment options.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Very Sensitive Teeth

issues, but it’s not always an emergency unless it's accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

How you should handle sensitive teeth: If you experience sudden or extreme sensitivity, rinse your mouth with warm salty water and avoid food or drinks that are hot, cold, acidic, or sweet. Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste can offer temporary relief, but avoid aggressive brushing, which can worsen the sensitivity.

How we treat tooth sensitivity: At your dental visit, we’ll evaluate the cause of your sensitivity. If it’s due to enamel erosion, gum recession, or a cavity, we may recommend fluoride treatments, dental sealants, or fillings for any cavities. In some cases, gum disease or infection could be the cause, so periodontal treatment may be necessary.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Time is of the essence, as the tooth has the best chance of being successfully re-implanted if you come to see us within an hour of the incident.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: If your tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown, avoiding the root. Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub it or use soap. Try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket if possible, or keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or holding it between your cheek and gums. Avoid letting the tooth dry out, as this reduces the chances of successful re-implantation.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: When you arrive at our office, we’ll assess your tooth and the condition of the surrounding tissues. If the tooth is intact and the socket is healthy, we will attempt to reinsert the tooth and stabilize it with a splint. If re-implantation isn’t possible, we will discuss tooth replacement options, such as a bridge or dental implant to restore your smile.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? A lost filling or crown isn’t always an emergency, but it will need attention quickly to prevent further damage or infection to the affected tooth.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: If you lose a filling or crown, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. You can temporarily place dental wax or sugar-free gum over the cavity for protection. If your lost crown is intact, clean it and try to fit it back over the tooth using dental cement, or even toothpaste as a temporary fix.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns: When you visit us, we’ll check your tooth and restorations. If possible, we will re-cement the original crown. However, if the crown or filling is damaged, we’ll need to create a new one to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency? To be honest, yes – a broken denture counts as a dental emergency. Using such a device would quickly injure your remaining teeth, gums, and soft mouth tissues. To avoid that outcome, call your dentist at once if your denture’s teeth or base are damaged.

How you should handle a broken denture: Above all else, please don’t wear the broken denture; doing so will harm your restoration and your mouth. You also shouldn’t try repairing your device yourself, as DIY fixes make side effects more likely. Instead, let a qualified dentist repair your restorations.

How we treat broken dentures: Our team has many ways to treat broken dentures, with different methods used for varying levels of damage. We often address slight chips and cracks by “filling in” such areas with composite resin. When the denture’s “fit” is off, our team will normally perform a reline. Only when a denture is highly damaged will we replace the appliance or switch you to implant dentures.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency? Though they don’t look like a big deal, loose permanent teeth are a genuine emergency. Such parts of your mouth could fall out if left untreated, resulting in ugly smile gaps. Those same gaps would then cause your other teeth to tilt and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How you should handle loose permanent teeth: Your first move should be to call us as soon as possible; quick treatment will keep your loose teeth safe. From there, avoid touching or using your teeth while you wait for proper dental care. You should instead clean your mouth by swishing warm water.

How we treat loose permanent teeth: Our dental team will first attempt to save your teeth before looking at other options. After all, we can often place dental splints or perform similar procedures. With that said, we may have to extract the teeth if saving them isn’t possible; we could then place dental implants or dental bridges as substitutes.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? If you suffer an injury to your gums, lips, or tongue, it could be a dental emergency. Such damage can stem from cuts that bleed a lot and need urgent care. (Plus, an injury of this sort is rather common if you play contact sports.)

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: For starters, please clean the area gently with water to wash away debris. You should then apply pressure with a clean washcloth until the bleeding stops. If you must also bring down swelling or numb pain, apply an ice pack or cold compress as needed.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Our dental team could clean your wound and stitch it closed, assuming the injury wasn’t a big one. Still, any bleeding that doesn’t end within ten minutes warrants a trip to the local ER.

 Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Jaw pain isn’t often a dental emergency, though this discomfort can affect your everyday life. It only becomes urgent when it’s severe and chronic.

How you should handle jaw pain: Before anything else, call our office; we’ll provide detailed instructions over the phone. You can then take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply an ice pack to ease swelling. If your pain stems from a broken or dislocated jaw, visit an ER before you see us; we’ll gladly fix your smile afterward.

How we treat jaw pain: Our practice has several ways to treat jaw pain, depending on its cause. One option is a custom mouthguard that reduces teeth grinding. Alternatively, we can suggest ways to ease any symptoms you may have of TMJ. If you need to go to the ER first, we’ll be happy to help fix damaged or lost teeth once you’ve been discharged.

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Tooth Extraction

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

An object stuck between teeth isn’t usually an emergency, but it can become one if it’s very painful. Still, please don’t try to dislodge the debris with tweezers or toothpicks; floss or rinse instead. Should at-home methods fail, you can see our dentists for help with the stuck object.