Dental Emergencies in St. Louis
Dental emergencies don't follow a schedule, and at Kirkwood Family Dental, we understand that. Whether you're dealing with a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or something that needs to be seen the same day, our team works to get emergency patients in quickly. During business hours, contact us directly, and we'll do everything we can to accommodate you. If something comes up after hours, our voicemail includes an emergency phone number that connects you to one of our doctors — because someone is always just a phone call away.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
Not every dental concern requires immediate attention, but some situations shouldn't wait. A dental emergency typically involves significant pain that isn't improving, a tooth that has been knocked out or broken, a lost crown or filling that's causing sensitivity or discomfort, swelling in the jaw or gums, or signs of infection such as fever or a visible abscess. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call us. We'd rather help you make that determination than have you wait through something that needs prompt attention.
How We Handle Emergency Appointments
When you call Kirkwood Family Dental with an urgent concern, our team prioritizes getting you seen as quickly as possible. We use advanced digital X-rays and, when needed, our 3D Cone Beam CT Scanner to assess what's happening quickly and accurately — giving us the information we need to move forward with confidence. Our goal in an emergency visit is to relieve discomfort, address the immediate problem, and put a clear plan in place for any follow-up treatment. We'll walk you through every step so you understand what's happening and what comes next.
After-Hours Support
Dental pain that strikes on a weekend or in the evening shouldn't leave you without any options. If you experience an urgent dental issue outside of our regular business hours, call our office. Our voicemail will provide you with an emergency contact number that connects you directly with one of our doctors. This after-hours access is part of our commitment to being available when patients need us most. Members of our in-house membership plan also receive an emergency dental visit during office hours as part of their annual benefits.
Dental Emergencies in St. Louis: FAQs
-
Call our office as soon as possible. During business hours, we'll work to get you in the same day or as quickly as our schedule allows. If you're calling after hours, follow the voicemail instructions to reach one of our doctors directly. In the case of a dental injury involving significant trauma, severe swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest emergency room first.
-
Time is critical with a knocked-out tooth. Handle it by the crown — not the root — and if possible, gently rinse it without scrubbing. Try to keep it moist, either by placing it back in the socket, holding it between your cheek and gum, or storing it in milk. Call us immediately. The sooner we can see you, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
-
We make every effort to accommodate emergency patients the same day they call. While we can't guarantee same-day availability in every case, we prioritize urgent situations and will do our best to get you in quickly.
-
Call our office and listen to the voicemail. It includes an emergency phone number that will connect you with one of our doctors. You won't be left without guidance, regardless of when the problem occurs.
-
Coverage varies by plan. We'll help you understand what your insurance covers during your visit. For patients on our in-house membership plan, one emergency dental visit during office hours is included as part of your annual benefits.
-
Situations that typically require prompt attention include severe or worsening tooth pain, signs of infection (swelling, fever, or a bump on the gums), a knocked-out or fractured tooth, a lost crown or filling causing significant discomfort, or any injury to the mouth or jaw. If you're unsure, call us — we're happy to help you assess the urgency over the phone.
Don't Wait Through a Dental Emergency
Kirkwood Family Dental helps St. Louis patients navigate urgent dental situations quickly, with same-day appointments when available and after-hours doctor access when you need it most.
Looking for dental care in St. Louis?
We are excited to offer a membership plan for those patients who want to make Kirkwood Family Dental their home for dental care.