Emergency Dental Care

Who it's for

Anyone with severe toothache, swelling, a knocked-out or broken tooth, or a lost filling causing pain. A knocked-out permanent tooth is time-critical — keep it moist and get care within an hour if possible.

How it goes

1. 1Call ahead describing your symptoms so the office can triage
2. 2Exam and X-ray of the problem area
3. 3Treatment to get you out of pain (which may be a first stage, not the full fix)
4. 4A follow-up plan for definitive treatment

Recovery: Depends entirely on the treatment performed. Follow the office's specific aftercare instructions and complete the recommended follow-up.

What's included?

A treatment total is usually several line items added together. This is why two quotes for “the same” treatment can differ. Not every component below is required for every patient — your plan should list only what your case needs.

• Emergency exam D0140

  Always part of this treatment

  A problem-focused evaluation of the urgent issue.

• X-ray D0220

  Commonly included

  Imaging of the problem tooth or area.

• Palliative treatment D9110

  Commonly included

  Immediate care to relieve pain, before definitive treatment.

• Definitive treatment varies

  Only if your case needs it

  The actual fix (filling, root canal, extraction) is usually a separate visit and separate fee.

Why prices differ

• Exam and X-ray are separate from the fix
• Palliative treatment vs. definitive treatment
• After-hours fees

Questions to ask your dentist

• “What will today's visit cost before any treatment?”
• “Is this a temporary fix or the final treatment?”
• “Is there an after-hours fee?”

Insurance tips

Limited exams and X-rays are usually covered well; the treatment that follows falls under its own category.