Emergency Dental Care
In pain or had an accident? Call 512-472-5633 as early in the day as possible — we reserve time for same-day and next-day emergency visits.
A dental emergency rarely happens at a convenient time. Whether it's a toothache that kept you up all night, a chipped tooth from an accident, or a crown that came off over the weekend, our team will get you seen — and out of pain — as quickly as possible.
What counts as a dental emergency
- Severe or persistent toothache
- A knocked-out, loosened, or broken tooth
- A lost or broken crown, filling, or bridge
- Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw, or signs of an abscess
- An infected tooth that needs an emergency root canal — throbbing pain, heat sensitivity, or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- Bleeding that doesn't stop after dental work or an injury
- A chipped or cracked tooth causing pain when chewing
Not sure whether it's an emergency? Call us — we'll help you decide over the phone and get you scheduled appropriately.
While you wait to be seen
- Knocked-out tooth: handle it by the crown, not the root; rinse gently (don't scrub), and place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Come in immediately — minutes matter.
- Toothache: rinse with warm water, gently floss to remove any trapped food, and use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label.
- Swelling: apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek in 15-minute intervals.
- Lost crown or filling: keep the crown if you have it and avoid chewing on that side until we can re-cement or replace it.
When to go to the emergency room instead
Go to the nearest ER or call 911 for injuries beyond a dental office's scope: difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrollable bleeding, or trauma to the head, neck, or jaw. Once you're stable, we'll handle the dental side of your recovery.
Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes — we hold time in the schedule for emergencies. Call 512-472-5633 as early in the day as you can: the earlier we hear from you, the more likely we can see you the same day rather than the next. If you’re an existing patient, say so when you call, and describe your symptoms so we can triage how urgently you need to be seen.
Often, yes. We hold same-day emergency time, and if the exam shows an infected nerve — throbbing pain, heat sensitivity, or a pimple-like bump on the gum are the classic signs — we can frequently start root canal therapy the same day. Root canals run $880–$1,540 depending on the tooth*, and many insured patients pay $0–$540. If the schedule can’t fit the full procedure, we’ll still see you, relieve the pain, and complete treatment at the next visit.
Usually, yes. A lost or broken filling is one of the most common same-day visits we see: if the tooth underneath is sound, we can typically place a new tooth-colored filling in a single appointment. Fillings run $190–$450 depending on size*, and many insured patients pay $0–$30. Until you’re seen, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean — and if a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, say so when you call and we’ll prioritize you.
Time matters. Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water — don't scrub it. If possible, place it back in the socket; otherwise keep it in a cup of milk or tucked in your cheek, and call us immediately. A tooth re-implanted quickly has the best chance of being saved.
The exam is the predictable part: new patients without insurance pay a flat $99* for the emergency exam and all needed X-rays, and many of the plans we work with cover exams at or near 100%. Treatment cost depends on what we find — for reference, our published fee ranges include extractions at $200–$650 and root canals at $880–$1,540 — and we always explain your options and give you an exact written price before treating anything. The $99 offer is for new patients without insurance (full terms on our New Patients page), and financing is available.
Yes. You don’t need to be an established patient for us to see you for an emergency. Call 512-472-5633, let us know you’re new, and describe what’s going on so we can get you scheduled and gather what we need before you arrive.
Keep it simple overnight: an over-the-counter pain reliever taken exactly as the label directs, a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, head elevated, and nothing very hot, cold, or sweet on that side. Call 512-472-5633 when we open and we’ll prioritize you. Trouble breathing or swallowing, fever, or facial swelling that is spreading skips the dentist — that’s an emergency room visit, now.
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In pain? Don't wait.
Call us now at 512-472-5633 — the earlier in the day you call, the sooner we can see you.
Call 512-472-5633