Emergency Dentist — Raleigh, NC

Gentle, Expert Care for Hurting Smiles

Patient receiving emergency dentistry

Any type of emergency situation is scary, but dental emergencies can be particularly stressful because many people have no idea what to do. You might be tempted to head to the nearest ER, but you’ll most likely end up sitting in a waiting room. To get your smile back on track quickly, we highly recommend calling Barker, Rohner and Hunt DMD. We offer same-day appointments for emergency dentistry in Raleigh, NC, so you and your loved ones won’t have to waste precious time waiting in pain. For gentle, expert care for hurting smiles when you need it most, don’t wait to give us a call!

Why Choose Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Multiple Sedation Options to Soothe Dental Anxieties
  • Trusted by Raleigh Patients Since 1985

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Woman with toothache holding cheek

It’s easy to panic in a dental emergency, but we encourage you to stay calm! Acting quickly and correctly can sometimes make all the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Fortunately, all you have to do is follow these easy steps:

  • Step 1: Call us right away. As soon as you can, give our office a call and explain what happened. We’ll do everything we can to schedule you for a same-day appointment in most cases. One of our experienced team members will walk you through exactly what you need to do to handle your situation until you can reach us.
  • Step 2: See one of our doctors for an exam. When you arrive for your appointment, your Raleigh emergency dentist Dr. Hunt, Dr. Rohner, or Dr. Barker will see you right away. They’ll stabilize and evaluate your condition, then review their findings with you. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan.
  • Step 3: Get the care you need right away. As soon as a treatment plan has been made, our experienced team will leap into action. Your comfort will always be our top priority while we repair your smile and get your oral health back on track. We even offer calming dental sedation to help patients sit back and relax while we handle their emergency.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

There are so many types of dental emergencies possible, but they all have one thing in common: they need urgent care. When an emergency arises, we ask that you call our dental office right away. A member of our team will ask you questions about your situation, determine how soon you need to visit us, and schedule an appointment. We can also provide first-aid tips for managing common dental emergencies, which may look something like this:

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

illustration for cost of emergency dentistry in Raleigh

Naturally, emergency dental care comes with a price. It’s important to be aware of the costs involved before you agree to any sort of treatment. Sometimes only a minor filling will be required, but in other situations, treatments such as root canal therapy may be necessary. At Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD, the cost of emergency dentistry in Raleigh will be explained to you ahead of time so you know what to expect when the time comes for payment.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

tooth with first aid kit for cost of emergency dentistry in Raleigh

Believe it or not, visiting your emergency dentist in Raleigh is relatively inexpensive. During your appointment, our team will evaluate the extent of your condition and determine which treatments are necessary to get your smile back on track. Since every case is unique, it’s impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate until you come in for an exam. However, some common solutions for dental emergencies include root canal therapy, extractions, dental crowns, and TMJ treatment. We will explain our findings and the recommended treatment plan, plus provide a cost estimate in advance so there won’t be any surprises!  

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

woman at dental checkup for cost of emergency dentistry in Raleigh

The good news is that most dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for emergency situations. At least one yearly emergency exam is typically fully covered, while common services associated with hurting teeth like root canal therapy, extractions, and dental crowns are eligible for 50-80 percent of coverage. Of course, every policy is unique which is why you should confirm the details with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is more than happy to help with this process if needed!

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

dental insurance for cost of emergency dentistry in Raleigh

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! At Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD, we offer an in-house dental concierge plan. It is designed to function similarly to insurance by providing a variety of valuable benefits for a flat yearly fee. We have multiple plans available depending on your unique needs, but all of them come with complimentary exams and X-rays when needed, a 10 percent discount on all treatments that are not already fully covered, and more! When you are facing a dental emergency, rest assured that we’ll help you navigate the cost, and it shouldn’t be a reason that you hesitate to seek help.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

dental plan for cost of emergency dentistry in Raleigh

Not every dental emergency is entirely avoidable. Although some happen because of accidental injuries, the majority are the result of unchecked infection or damage. Fortunately, you can keep your smile healthy and save thousands of dollars over the years by investing in routine dental checkups. On top of that, you can avoid breaking the bank by visiting our team as soon as you notice something wrong with your oral health. Taking care of a problem right away will help you avoid needing more expensive and extensive treatment later on.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Woman holding toothbrush

Preventing a dental emergency is almost always easier than treating one. Not all dental emergencies can be avoided, but by taking some preventive steps and implementing healthy habits, you can save time and money. Here are some tips that can help you set up your smile for success.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Man smiling at dentist

Even if you don’t think anything is going on with your smile, this doesn’t mean that you should be skipping out on your regular dental visits. Tooth decay and oral infections can easily develop, and you may not even notice them right away. It is typically recommended that you see your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, your hygienist can clear away plaque and tartar, and your dentist can keep an eye out for issues so they can be treated early on.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Woman brushing her teeth

You should be brushing twice and flossing every day. These are both effective ways to remove food debris and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is also a great addition.

Be Careful with Your Diet

Chicken breast and vegetables

Your diet plays a key role when it comes to your oral health. If you are constantly indulging in sugary and starchy foods, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay. Try to only consume these items in moderation. Instead, fill your dinner plate with fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins.

Wear a Mouthguard

Person holding mouthguard

Playing sports is an excellent way to get the exercise that your body needs to remain healthy. However, you don’t want to end up with a broken or knocked-out tooth in the process. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a dental injury.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

Man opening bottle

As convenient as it is to use your teeth to open stubborn packaging, you could easily end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Instead, take the time to get some scissors or whatever other tool you need to complete your task safely.