Emergency Dentistry in Durham, NC

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Durham, NC

Fast relief for dental emergencies with same-day appointments and advanced pain management from Dr. Will Church

A dental emergency is not something to wait out. Whether you are dealing with sudden severe pain, a tooth knocked out in an accident, or a broken restoration that is leaving a tooth exposed, the window for effective treatment is often narrow. Acting quickly gives Dr. Church the best chance to save the tooth, eliminate the infection, or restore full function — and it almost always results in simpler, less involved treatment than waiting does. Dr. Will Church provides emergency dental care in Durham, NC with same-day appointments prioritized for patients in acute pain or dealing with dental trauma. Located near Duke Regional Hospital, the practice is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental situations, with advanced pain management options available so you can get through the appointment comfortably even when you are already in distress. Common Dental Emergencies We Treat Dental emergencies take many forms, from sudden severe pain to traumatic injuries affecting your teeth and mouth. Here are the situations Dr. Church sees and treats most often:

Severe Toothache

Throbbing or persistent tooth pain — often a sign of infection or deep decay that needs immediate attention.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Fractures from accidents, falls, or biting down on something hard — addressed before they worsen or become infected.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical — treatment within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of successful reimplantation.

Lost Filling or Crown

Exposed tooth structure causes sensitivity and can rapidly become a more serious problem without prompt care.

Dental Abscess

Swelling, pain, or a bad taste from a gum or jaw abscess — infections that can spread quickly if left untreated.

Soft Tissue Injury

Oral lacerations, cuts, or trauma from accidents that need prompt evaluation and care.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call the office and describe your symptoms. The team will help you determine how quickly you need to be seen and what to do in the meantime.

Immediate Pain Relief and Same-Day Care

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Dental emergencies take many forms, from sudden severe pain to traumatic injuries affecting your teeth and mouth. Severe toothaches often indicate infection or deep decay requiring immediate intervention to eliminate pain and prevent the spread of bacteria. Knocked-out teeth represent time-sensitive emergencies where treatment within the first hour significantly improves the chances of successfully reimplanting the tooth.

Broken or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, soft tissue injuries, and objects lodged between teeth all constitute dental emergencies requiring prompt professional attention. Dr. Church evaluates each emergency situation thoroughly to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term tooth health.

Severe Toothache Relief

Intense tooth pain rarely resolves on its own and typically signals a serious underlying problem. The pain may stem from advanced decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or an abscess at the tooth’s root. Dr. Church uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify the exact source of your pain quickly, allowing for targeted treatment that provides rapid relief.

Treatment depends on the cause of your toothache. Deep decay may require root canal therapy to remove infected pulp and save the tooth, while an abscess needs drainage and antibiotics to eliminate infection. According to the American Dental Association, prompt treatment of dental infections prevents serious complications and improves outcomes significantly. Our priority is eliminating your pain while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.

Immediate Pain Relief Available

Dental pain and dental trauma are different from most other urgent health situations — the longer they go unaddressed, the more the damage compounds. An infected tooth does not resolve on its own; the infection spreads. A knocked-out tooth can be reimplanted successfully if treated within the right window, and that window closes quickly. At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, Dr. Church provides same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental situations, working to triage patients quickly and address the source of pain or injury directly. The practice’s advanced pain management options include local anesthesia and oral sedation for patients who are anxious or need more extensive treatment. Many patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is, even when they arrive in significant pain. Dr. Church’s priority is to get you out of pain first, then create a clear plan for restoring any damaged teeth. For complex emergency cases requiring hospital-level care, the practice’s proximity to Duke Regional Hospital in Durham provides additional resources when they are needed.

In Pain? Call Us Now — We Prioritize Same-Day Appointments.

Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics provides emergency dental care in Durham, NC. Describe your symptoms and we will get you seen as quickly as possible.

What to Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out

A knocked-out permanent tooth represents one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Time is critical — the best outcomes occur when treatment happens within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. If you can locate the tooth, handle it only by the crown (the visible white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with clean water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any tissue still attached to the root. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket yourself and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or tucking it between your cheek and gum, and head to our Durham office immediately. Do not store it in tap water, which can damage root cells. Dr. Church will evaluate the tooth and the socket to determine the best path for reimplantation or replacement. The faster you act, the better. Not every dental emergency can be prevented, but consistent preventive care significantly reduces your risk. Regular dental exams and cleanings allow Dr. Church to identify weak teeth, worn restorations, and early decay before they progress into emergency situations. Wearing a custom mouthguard during contact sports protects against traumatic injuries, and a night guard can help if grinding is a concern. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides additional guidance on managing common dental emergencies while you seek professional care.

Emergency Services

Common Dental Emergencies:

Severe tooth pain
Broken or chipped teeth
Lost fillings or crowns
Dental trauma from accidents
Swelling or abscess
Emergency repairs

Pain Management Options:

Oral sedation available
Local anesthesia for procedures
Advanced pain relief techniques
Hospital privileges being established for complex cases

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, consistent preventive care gives you the best protection. Regular examinations allow Dr. Church to identify weak teeth, worn restorations, and early-stage decay before they escalate into situations requiring urgent care. Catching a hairline crack in a molar before it fractures is far simpler and less costly than managing a broken tooth after the fact. Wearing a custom mouthguard during contact sports is one of the most effective ways to prevent the traumatic tooth injuries that account for a large share of dental emergencies. Custom-fitted guards offer significantly more protection than over-the-counter options because they are made specifically for your bite and tooth anatomy. For patients who clench or grind at night, a custom night guard prevents the kind of enamel wear and micro-fracturing that can eventually turn into an emergency. Ask Dr. Church about custom mouthguards and night guards at your next visit. Contact Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics for Emergency Dental Care Dr. Will Church and the team at Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics are committed to seeing emergency patients the same day whenever possible. With his training at UNC School of Dentistry, advanced cone beam imaging, and oral sedation available for anxious or complex cases, the practice is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent situations quickly and comfortably. Patient comfort is a priority even in urgent circumstances — most patients are surprised by how manageable their appointment is. If you are in pain or have experienced dental trauma, do not wait. Contact Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics right away and describe your symptoms so we can assess the situation and get you seen as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving sudden, severe tooth pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a lost crown or filling that causes pain or sensitivity, facial swelling from a suspected infection, or a soft tissue injury in the mouth. If you are in significant pain or have experienced trauma affecting your teeth, gums, or jaw, that qualifies as an emergency. When in doubt, call the office and describe your symptoms — the team will help you determine how quickly you need to be seen.

Does Church Family Dentistry offer same-day emergency appointments in Durham?

Yes. Dr. Church and the team prioritize dental emergencies and work to provide same-day appointments whenever possible. If you contact the office and describe your situation, the team will assess urgency and get you scheduled as quickly as possible — often the same day.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical — the best outcomes occur when the tooth is reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes. Handle the tooth only by the crown (the visible white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water — do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not possible, keep it moist in a container of milk or between your cheek and gum, and get to the office immediately. Never store a knocked-out tooth in tap water.

Can a dental abscess or tooth infection become dangerous?

Yes — a dental infection that is left untreated can spread to surrounding tissues, the jaw, or in severe cases the bloodstream, requiring emergency medical care. Signs of a serious abscess include throbbing pain, swelling in the gums or face, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. This is a situation that warrants same-day attention. Do not wait to see if it resolves on its own.

Will I be in pain during emergency dental treatment?

Patient comfort is a priority at Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, even in urgent situations. Dr. Church uses local anesthesia for all procedures, so you will not feel pain during treatment. Oral sedation is also available for patients who are anxious or require more extensive care. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is, even when they arrive in significant pain.

Ready for a
Healthier Smile?

Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.

Your Durham Dentist

Meet Dr. Will Church

When you visit Church Family Dentistry, you’re in the hands of a dentist who approaches every appointment with genuine curiosity about your goals — not just your teeth. Dr. Will Church combines advanced training from UNC with a deep passion for cutting-edge dental technology, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and confident in every decision they make about their care.

Training at UNC School of Dentistry
Member, American Dental Association (ADA)
Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
CAD-CAM Trained — Advanced Restorative Technology
Advanced Cone Beam 3D Imaging for Precise Diagnosis

Dr. Will Church, DDS

Flexible Payment Options

Insurance & Financing Options

Quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. At Church Family Dentistry, we work hard to make treatment fit your budget — whether you have insurance, prefer financing, or simply want flexible payment solutions.

Dental Insurance

While we are proudly out-of-network, we file PPO benefits on your behalf to maximize your savings. We accept and process most major dental insurance plans — Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions.

Flexible Financing

We offer multiple financing options so care stays within reach — from simple out-of-pocket costs to larger treatment investments. Apply in minutes and get a decision quickly.

HSA & FSA Accepted

We happily accept Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Use your pre-tax dollars for any dental procedure — from routine cleanings to cosmetic treatment and implants.

Financing Partners:

Questions about your coverage? Call us at (919) 220-6553 — we’re happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.

Patient Experiences

Hear From Our Patients

At Church Family Dentistry, every patient’s experience matters deeply to us. Hear firsthand why Durham families trust Dr. Church with their smiles.

Find Us in Durham

Visit Us!

Church Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Durham, NC — right next to Duke Regional Hospital, with comfortable operatories overlooking beautifully wooded surroundings.

Address
2711 N Duke St #B
Durham, NC 27704

Phone
(919) 220-6553

Schedule Online
Request an Appointment

Office Hours

Monday	7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday	7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday	7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday	7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. Call our Durham office or request an appointment online — we’re here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan that fits your life.

Whether you’re a new patient or returning for care, Dr. Church and his team will take time to truly understand your goals before recommending any treatment.

Or request an appointment online

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Will Church for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs and clinical factors. Contact Church Family Dentistry at (919) 220-6553 for personalized care or dental emergencies.