Emergency Dentist Danville, VA: What to Expect When You Need Urgent Care
Dental emergencies rarely respect your schedule. A cracked tooth at breakfast, a knocked-out tooth at practice, or a throbbing toothache at 2 a.m. can make anyone anxious. Our team’s goal is simple: help you feel better as quickly and effectively as possible. We prioritize urgent calls and aim to offer same-day availability whenever possible – so you get clear answers, soothing care, and a plan you can trust.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
If something is causing significant pain, ongoing bleeding, facial swelling, fever with oral symptoms, or visible tooth trauma, it’s typically considered a dental emergency. Common reasons to call include:
• Broken, chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
• Facial or gum swelling (with or without fever).
• Sudden or severe toothache or sensitivity.
• Abscess symptoms (pimple on the gums, bad taste, swelling).
• Lost fillings, crowns, or bridges.
• Crowns, veneers, and dental fillings in one appointment.
• Injuries from accidents or sports.
Not sure if it’s “serious enough”? If pain or swelling is disrupting your day—or your child’s—call us. We’ll help you decide the safest next step.
Call 911 or visit the ER if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow, have significant facial trauma, or bleeding that won’t stop with pressure. We’re happy to coordinate care after urgent medical issues are stabilized.
Step-By-Step: What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit
Walking in with pain is stressful. Here’s how we make the process calm and organized:
- Phone Triage: Our team asks brief questions about symptoms, timing, and any medications. We can share short-term tips (like using a cold compress) and schedule the earliest available visit.
- Comfort First: We assess pain right away and discuss options to help you feel more comfortable before we begin.
- Focused Exam & X-Rays (as needed): Our dentist in Danville, VA, evaluates the area, checks surrounding teeth and tissues, and orders imaging if helpful.
- Clear Diagnosis & Options: We explain what’s going on, share treatment choices (for example, dental extractions, bonding, root canal therapy, or fillings), and outline next steps in plain language.
- Same-Day Treatment or Stabilization: When appropriate, we begin care at the same visit.
- Simple Aftercare Plan: You leave with written instructions, what to watch for, and how to reach us with questions.
Preventing Future Emergencies
• Don’t use teeth to open packages or bottles (we see it more than you’d think).
• Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings to catch small issues before they become urgent.
• Avoid eating hard foods too fast. Treats like popcorn, hard candy, peanut brittle, and shelled nuts should be eaten slowly.
About Our Practice: VSP Dental offers compassionate emergency dentistry for the whole family. Meet our team and learn about our approach here.
See What Patients Are Saying
“I love this dentist. I had a dental emergency, and they took me right away. Everything is high tech and less painful. I had no idea this equipment existed. My dentist retired. You know where I’m going.” – Joyce W.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Tooth pain won’t wait – and neither should you. Call VSP Dental at (434) 425-8113 for emergency care that’s fast, gentle, and focused on your comfort!
Emergency Dentistry FAQ
1. What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
If it’s an adult tooth, pick it up by the crown (not the root), and our dentist in Danville, VA, may be able to put it back. Gently rinse off visible dirt without scrubbing, and try to place it back into the socket. Do not scrub or use soap. Call our emergency dentist right away so we can advise you based on the time since the injury and the tooth’s condition. Call us at (434) 425-8113!
2. Do you see children for dental emergencies?
Yes. We are an emergency dentist for kids and adapt our approach to each child’s age and comfort level. Parents and guardians are welcome in the clinic if that helps their child feel secure. If your child has swelling, trauma, or bleeding that doesn’t slow with pressure, please call so we can prepare the room and minimize time at (434) 425-8113!
3. How do I know if this is a real emergency or something that can wait?
If you have severe pain, facial swelling, a pimple-like bump on the gums, persistent bleeding, or trauma to the teeth or jaw, it’s wise to call for an urgent assessment. Even intermittent pain can point to a crack or infection that benefits from early care. Learn more about urgent dental care via our Emergency Dentistry page.
4. Can you help with tooth pain that comes and goes?
Often, yes. “On-and-off” pain can signal a cracked tooth, early nerve inflammation, sinus-related tooth sensitivity, or nighttime clenching. We use focused exams and X-rays to identify the cause, relieve discomfort, and discuss options – from smoothing a rough edge to starting definitive treatment. Timely attention usually prevents larger problems. Connect with us ASAP at (434) 425-8113!
5. Do I need to be a current patient to receive emergency care?
No. We welcome new patients for urgent visits. During your appointment, we’ll address the immediate issue, discuss short- and long-term options, and – if you’d like – help you establish ongoing care. Please bring any recent records or medication lists if you have them. Head over to our New Patients page to join our practice!