Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Videos
Should I call the dentist if I have a dental emergency?
Yes – it depends on the situation. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to your mouth, please call us immediately.
Here are a few examples of when you should call right away:
- Painful tooth: May indicate infection – urgent care needed.
- Swelling or bleeding: Call immediately to prevent complications.
- Broken tooth still attached to the gum: This often worsens and must be treated quickly.
- Tooth knocked out: If the whole tooth is out (root and all), do NOT clean it. Place it in a cup of milk and get to us within the hour — we may be able to re-implant it.
What are common dental emergencies?
- Toothaches or infections
- Knocked-out or broken teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Denture or bridge damage
- Wisdom tooth pain or swelling
- Bleeding gums
- TMJ pain
- Loose implants or implant crowns
- Severe gum disease symptoms
Can you treat emergencies the same day?
Yes! At Atlantis Dental, we strive to treat all emergencies the same day, especially if you’re in pain.
What happens during an emergency visit?
- We take an X-ray of the affected area.
- Dr. Naqvi evaluates and discusses the diagnosis with you.
- We present a treatment plan and review payment options.
- We offer several financing options and accommodate all credit levels.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
Our emergency consultation fee is only $49, which includes the exam and one X-ray. There are no hidden fees — we go over all treatment and payment plans before anything is done.
Do you offer after-hours emergency care?
Yes! We have an after-hours emergency line with a voicemail system. Our AI assistant monitors messages in the evenings and on weekends, and the doctor will call you back or schedule you first thing the next day.
Will my emergency visit be painful?
No. If you're in pain, Dr. Naqvi will numb the area first before any X-rays or exams are done. Our goal is to make you comfortable as soon as you walk in.
Do you treat emergency extractions and wisdom teeth?
Yes. After evaluating your X-ray, Dr. Naqvi will determine if the tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted. In many cases:
- Extractions and bone grafts/implants are done the same day.
- Wisdom teeth can be removed in-house after evaluation.
- Antibiotics and pain meds may be prescribed if you're too swollen to open your mouth.
What if I wait too long to see a dentist?
Delaying care can lead to:
- Emergency room visits
- Abscesses needing surgical drainage
- Permanent tooth loss
- Higher costs and missed work time
What should I bring with me to my emergency visit?
- A list of prescription medications (especially blood thinners, heart or BP meds)
- Info on any painkillers you've taken
- Your insurance info (if applicable)
Do you treat TMJ or jaw pain emergencies?
Yes. Sudden or severe TMJ pain during stress can cause:
- Migraines
- Jaw locking
- Loss of sleep
We offer options to relieve the pain and prevent future flare-ups.
What if my crown came off or my implant feels loose?
- Crowns can come off even when eating soft foods — get it re-cemented within 24–48 hours to prevent shifting.
- Loose implant crown? It may just need tightening.
- Loose implant itself? This could indicate infection and must be treated quickly.
Is bleeding while brushing normal?
No. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if ignored. Early-stage gum disease is very treatable — don’t delay care.
What happens after the emergency visit?
We recommend a comprehensive exam and full-mouth X-rays to prevent future emergencies. A dental emergency is often a sign of deeper oral health issues that need to be addressed.
Does my dental insurance cover my emergency visit?
In most cases, yes — dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of emergency visits. If you don’t have insurance, our fee is $49 (includes exam and X-ray).
What if I can’t afford the treatment the doctor recommends?
We offer multiple financing options and payment plans for all budgets and credit levels. We’ll help you get the permanent care you need to prevent your emergency from getting worse.
Can I walk in for a dental emergency, or do I need an appointment?
While walk-ins are accepted, we recommend calling ahead so we can prioritize your care and minimize your wait time.
What if I’m scared or anxious about going to the dentist?
You're not alone. Dr. Naqvi and our team provide gentle, compassionate care and explain everything before starting. We offer comfort options to reduce anxiety.
Can you prescribe antibiotics or pain medication before I come in?
If you are a current patient of record (seen in the past 12 months), we may prescribe over the phone if appropriate. New patients must be seen in person.
Do you treat children with dental emergencies?
Yes, we treat both children and adults. We’re fully equipped to handle pediatric dental emergencies with gentle care.
How long will the emergency visit take?
Most visits take 30–60 minutes depending on the severity of the issue. We aim to relieve your pain quickly and plan any follow-up care.
Should I call the dentist if I have a dental emergency?
Yes – it depends on the situation. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to your mouth, please call us immediately.
Here are a few examples of when you should call right away:
- Painful tooth: May indicate infection – urgent care needed.
- Swelling or bleeding: Call immediately to prevent complications.
- Broken tooth still attached to the gum: This often worsens and must be treated quickly.
- Tooth knocked out: If the whole tooth is out (root and all), do NOT clean it. Place it in a cup of milk and get to us within the hour — we may be able to re-implant it.
What are common dental emergencies?
- Toothaches or infections
- Knocked-out or broken teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Denture or bridge damage
- Wisdom tooth pain or swelling
- Bleeding gums
- TMJ pain
- Loose implants or implant crowns
- Severe gum disease symptoms
Can you treat emergencies the same day?
Yes! At Atlantis Dental, we strive to treat all emergencies the same day, especially if you’re in pain.
What happens during an emergency visit?
- We take an X-ray of the affected area.
- Dr. Naqvi evaluates and discusses the diagnosis with you.
- We present a treatment plan and review payment options.
- We offer several financing options and accommodate all credit levels.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
Our emergency consultation fee is only $49, which includes the exam and one X-ray. There are no hidden fees — we go over all treatment and payment plans before anything is done.
Do you offer after-hours emergency care?
Yes! We have an after-hours emergency line with a voicemail system. Our AI assistant monitors messages in the evenings and on weekends, and the doctor will call you back or schedule you first thing the next day.
Will my emergency visit be painful?
No. If you're in pain, Dr. Naqvi will numb the area first before any X-rays or exams are done. Our goal is to make you comfortable as soon as you walk in.
Do you treat emergency extractions and wisdom teeth?
Yes. After evaluating your X-ray, Dr. Naqvi will determine if the tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted. In many cases:
- Extractions and bone grafts/implants are done the same day.
- Wisdom teeth can be removed in-house after evaluation.
- Antibiotics and pain meds may be prescribed if you're too swollen to open your mouth.
What if I wait too long to see a dentist?
Delaying care can lead to:
- Emergency room visits
- Abscesses needing surgical drainage
- Permanent tooth loss
- Higher costs and missed work time
What should I bring with me to my emergency visit?
- A list of prescription medications (especially blood thinners, heart or BP meds)
- Info on any painkillers you've taken
- Your insurance info (if applicable)
Do you treat TMJ or jaw pain emergencies?
Yes. Sudden or severe TMJ pain during stress can cause:
- Migraines
- Jaw locking
- Loss of sleep
We offer options to relieve the pain and prevent future flare-ups.
What if my crown came off or my implant feels loose?
- Crowns can come off even when eating soft foods — get it re-cemented within 24–48 hours to prevent shifting.
- Loose implant crown? It may just need tightening.
- Loose implant itself? This could indicate infection and must be treated quickly.
Is bleeding while brushing normal?
No. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if ignored. Early-stage gum disease is very treatable — don’t delay care.
What happens after the emergency visit?
We recommend a comprehensive exam and full-mouth X-rays to prevent future emergencies. A dental emergency is often a sign of deeper oral health issues that need to be addressed.
Does my dental insurance cover my emergency visit?
In most cases, yes — dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of emergency visits. If you don’t have insurance, our fee is $49 (includes exam and X-ray).
What if I can’t afford the treatment the doctor recommends?
We offer multiple financing options and payment plans for all budgets and credit levels. We’ll help you get the permanent care you need to prevent your emergency from getting worse.
Can I walk in for a dental emergency, or do I need an appointment?
While walk-ins are accepted, we recommend calling ahead so we can prioritize your care and minimize your wait time.
What if I’m scared or anxious about going to the dentist?
You're not alone. Dr. Naqvi and our team provide gentle, compassionate care and explain everything before starting. We offer comfort options to reduce anxiety.
Can you prescribe antibiotics or pain medication before I come in?
If you are a current patient of record (seen in the past 12 months), we may prescribe over the phone if appropriate. New patients must be seen in person.
Do you treat children with dental emergencies?
Yes, we treat both children and adults. We’re fully equipped to handle pediatric dental emergencies with gentle care.
How long will the emergency visit take?
Most visits take 30–60 minutes depending on the severity of the issue. We aim to relieve your pain quickly and plan any follow-up care.