Emergency Dental Care in Durham: What Local Start Dental Can See, and When to Call
Tooth pain rarely shows up at a convenient time. If something has gone wrong with a tooth and you are in Durham, this is what Local Start Dental can see on short notice, what it does not treat, and what to do before you call.
What Local Start Dental offers for dental emergencies
Our general dentistry page lists two emergency services for adults:
Emergency limited exam: a limited assessment and diagnosis for urgent pain or dental concerns.
Same-day extractions: emergency tooth removal, dependent on the daily schedule and availability.
Same-day care is not guaranteed. What the team can offer depends on that day's schedule, so call the clinic at 919.569.5533. They can tell you whether you can be seen that day and what to expect.
If the tooth may need to come out, see our tooth extraction services and our earlier guide to emergency tooth extraction in Durham.
What counts as a dental emergency
Cleveland Clinic describes a dental emergency as any dental problem that requires immediate attention. Its examples include:
A severe toothache
A badly cracked tooth
A knocked-out tooth
A dental abscess, with swelling of the face and jaw
A severe soft tissue injury, such as a deep cut or a split lip
When to go to the emergency room instead
Some situations belong in a hospital, not a dental office. Cleveland Clinic advises going directly to the emergency room for more serious injuries, such as broken facial bones. It also advises that if bleeding does not stop, you see a dentist right away or go to a hospital emergency room.
If you believe you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
What to do before you are seen
The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy guide to dental emergencies gives these first steps:
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out, and gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or on your gums.
Cracked tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water right away to clean the area, and put cold compresses on your face to keep swelling down.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Keep the tooth moist at all times. If you can, try placing it back in the socket without touching the root. If that is not possible, hold it between your cheek and gum, put it in milk, or use a tooth preservation product. Then get to a dentist right away, and call ahead so the office knows you are coming.
Emergencies Local Start Dental does not treat
Local Start Dental treats adults and focuses on tooth replacement, extractions and general dentistry. It does not provide every kind of emergency care:
Root canals, impacted teeth, periodontal surgery and complex oral surgery are referred out.
Wisdom teeth extractions are not provided.
Children's dentistry is not provided. The clinic sees adults only.
If you are not sure which kind of problem you have, call and describe it. The team can tell you whether an emergency exam is the right first step.
Paying for urgent care
Local Start Dental is a nonprofit clinic. Our fees page explains the payment options:
Sliding scale fees for qualifying patients, based on an application and proof of household income
NC Medicaid that includes the appropriate dental coverage
Qualified VA benefits
Financing through Proceed Finance, CareCredit, Alpheon Credit, Healthcare Finance Direct, Lending Club and One Main Financial
After an extraction
If an emergency visit ends with a tooth coming out, these guides help with what comes next:
Getting started in Durham
For urgent pain or a broken tooth, call before you come in so the team can check the day's schedule.
Local Start Dental370 Jackson Street, Durham, NC 27701919.569.5533
For care that is not urgent, schedule an exam online or contact us.
This article is general information about dental emergencies and Local Start Dental's services. It is not a diagnosis. If you believe you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Every patient's situation is unique, and treatment recommendations may vary based on individual circumstances, medical history, and oral health conditions.
Only a qualified dental professional can determine appropriate treatment after a thorough examination and consultation.
The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any dental condition. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers regarding any questions you may have about oral health treatments.
Local Start Dental's fee schedules, financing options, and sliding scale programs are subject to change and qualification requirements. Contact our office directly for current eligibility information.
Individual results may vary, and there are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
