Emergency Dentistry Durham NC

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care for Durham Patients

Fast relief for toothaches, broken teeth, and dental trauma from Dr. Will Church

If you have a knocked-out tooth, a cracked tooth, or pain so intense that you cannot sleep, the answer is simple. You need to be seen today by a dentist who treats emergencies as a priority. Waiting rarely helps, because infections spread and injured teeth lose their chance of being saved as the hours pass. Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics offers same-day emergency appointments, and Dr. Will Church and our team work to see you the day you reach out whenever possible. As part of our full range of dental services, we treat severe toothaches, broken teeth, lost crowns, abscesses, and dental trauma. Our office is close to Duke Regional Hospital, and cone beam imaging helps us find the source of your pain quickly. Describe your symptoms when you reach out, and we will tell you how soon you need to come in.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

These are the situations Dr. Church sees most often, along with what to do until you arrive.

Severe Toothache

Throbbing pain that keeps you up at night often points to infection or deep decay, and rinsing with warm water can ease it until you reach us.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Save any pieces, rinse with warm water, and hold a cold compress against your cheek to limit swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Hold it by the crown, place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in cold milk and come straight to us.

Lost Filling or Crown

Bring the crown with you and avoid chewing on that side so the exposed tooth stays protected.

Dental Abscess

Swelling, a bad taste, or a bump on the gum signals an infection that needs same-day care.

Loose or Displaced Tooth

A tooth pushed out of position needs a prompt exam, so touch it as little as possible until you arrive.

If you are unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, describe your symptoms and we will help you decide how quickly to come in. Facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, means going to the nearest emergency room first.

What Happens at Your Emergency Appointment

Your visit has three goals, which are to find the cause, stop the pain, and protect the tooth. Dr. Church starts with an exam and cone beam 3D imaging so he can see problems below the gumline that a surface check can miss. We also offer local anesthesia and oral sedation for patients who feel anxious or need more extensive care. Treatment depends on the cause. A deep infection may call for root canal therapy to remove infected tissue and save the tooth, while a tooth that cannot be saved may need a tooth extraction. Decay or a lost filling can often be repaired with a dental filling, and our traditional crowns are completed in 2 days, so you are not left waiting weeks for a finished repair.

In Pain? Book a Same-Day Emergency Visit

Describe your symptoms and we will get you seen as quickly as we can.

Why a Knocked-Out Tooth Cannot Wait

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most urgent problems a dentist sees. The 2020 international guidelines for avulsed permanent teeth call avulsion one of the most serious dental injuries and advise placing the tooth back in the socket immediately at the scene whenever possible. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep it moist in cold milk and avoid tap water, which can damage the cells on the root. Baby teeth are not replanted, so confirm the tooth is permanent before you try.

What We Treat and How We Help

Common Dental Emergencies:

Severe tooth pain
Broken or chipped teeth
Lost fillings or crowns
Loose or displaced tooth
Swelling or abscess
Cracked or fractured tooth

Pain Management Options:

Oral sedation available
Local anesthesia for procedures
Advanced pain relief techniques
Proximity to Duke Regional Hospital for complex cases

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Regular dental exams and cleanings let us catch weak teeth, worn restorations, and early decay before they turn into a middle-of-the-night toothache. If you play contact sports, ask us about custom mouthguards, which are made to fit your bite better than store-bought versions. The same option can protect your enamel if you clench or grind your teeth at night.

Book Your Same-Day Emergency Visit With Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics

Pain comes first, and a clear plan comes second. Dr. Church brings his training at UNC and his membership in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry to every urgent visit, and our location near Duke Regional Hospital adds support for complex cases. If you are hurting or have injured a tooth, do not wait it out. Tell us what happened, and we will work to get you in the same day, so contact Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics right away to book your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

What counts as a dental emergency?

Sudden severe pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a painful lost crown or filling, facial swelling, and mouth injuries all qualify. When in doubt, describe your symptoms and we will tell you how fast to come in.

Does Church Family Dentistry offer same-day emergency appointments?

Yes. We prioritize emergencies and work to see you the same day whenever possible.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

Pick it up by the crown, keep it moist, and reach us right away. Do not scrub it, and do not store it in tap water.

Can a dental abscess become dangerous?

Yes. An untreated infection can spread to the jaw, the face, or the bloodstream. Throbbing pain, fever, a bad taste, or swelling in your gums or face calls for same-day attention.

Does Church Family Dentistry accept insurance for emergency visits?

We are an out-of-network practice, but we file PPO benefits on your behalf, and Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions. You can review our insurance details or compare financing options through Cherry, Sunbit, and Proceed.

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.