Your emergency dental game plan

This piece is sponsored by Neighborhood Dental Center.

Dental emergencies can be scary, unexpected and painful — but knowing what to do can make all the difference. At Neighborhood Dental, we’re here to help you stay calm, take action and get the care you need right away.

With eight convenient locations across Sioux Falls, Tea, Brandon, Harrisburg, Beresford and Yankton, we’re always welcoming new patients and offer walk-in availability, same-day or next-day appointments to help relieve your pain fast.

Common dental emergencies we treat

Here are a few of the most common dental emergencies we see — and what to do when they happen:

• Severe toothache or swelling
  If you’re experiencing persistent, throbbing pain or facial swelling, you may have an infection or abscess that requires immediate attention. Don’t wait — call us, or walk in so we can relieve your discomfort and prevent the issue from worsening.
• Broken, chipped or knocked-out teeth
  Whether it happened during a fall, sports or an accident, it’s important to save the tooth if possible and see a dentist as soon as you can. Store a knocked-out tooth in milk, and get to our office quickly — time matters!
• Lost or loose fillings, crowns or veneers
  A damaged or missing restoration can expose sensitive parts of your tooth and increase your risk of infection. We offer same-day dentistry and may be able to restore your smile in just one visit.
• Bleeding or trauma in the mouth
  Significant oral bleeding or soft tissue damage should be evaluated urgently. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 to 15 minutes with pressure, visit us, or seek care right away.
• Dental abscess
  Infections in the mouth, especially near the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums, are serious and can be painful. If you are feeling discomfort, check your gums for a painful, irritated, pimple-like swollen spot. When abscesses are untreated, they can spread to surrounding teeth and gum tissue, and even the rest of the body. If you are experiencing this condition, our team of dental experts encourages seeking immediate attention to prevent infection from spreading to other areas of the body.

Emergency dental care FAQ

Can I walk in for a dental emergency?

Yes! All of our Neighborhood Dental locations accept walk-ins for urgent dental issues. If you’re in pain, we’ll do everything we can to see you same-day or next-day.

How do I know if it’s a dental emergency?

If you’re in severe pain, have bleeding that won’t stop or lost a tooth or filling — it’s an emergency. When in doubt, give us a call.

Do you accept new patients during emergencies?

Absolutely. We’re always welcoming new patients of all ages. Whether you’re an established patient or it’s your first time visiting, our priority is to get you comfortable and treated as soon as possible.

What should I bring to my emergency appointment?

Bring any insurance cards — if applicable — your ID and the tooth or restoration, if available. We’ll guide you through the rest.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

While not all emergencies are avoidable, many can be prevented with routine checkups, good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports and avoiding hard foods that can crack teeth. Our teams at Neighborhood Dental can help you stay ahead of problems before they turn into emergencies.

How do Neighborhood Dental dentists manage dental anxiety with patients?

We know dental emergencies can heighten stress — especially if you already experience anxiety at the dentist. Our teams go above and beyond to create a calming experience. From compassionate communication and a comfort menu, including blankets, headphones and pillows, to locations with therapy dogs like Tenner and Goose in Sioux Falls, we tailor care to help you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. You can listen to the story of patients Nathan and Lisa about their dental emergency experience at Neighborhood Dental 41st Street below!

Wondering how to choose the best emergency dental clinic near you?

When a dental emergency strikes, every second matters — and choosing the right clinic can make all the difference. We created a helpful blog that breaks down exactly what to look for in an emergency dental provider.

Read the full blog here: neighborhooddentalcare.com.

Here’s a quick preview of what matters most:

• Availability of same-day emergency appointments.
• Expertise in emergency dental care.
• Multiple convenient locations for easy access.
• State-of-the-art technology for fast, effective treatment.
• Patient comfort during emergency visits.
• Flexible payment options.
• Follow-up care and long-term solutions.
• Strong local reputation and positive patient testimonials.
  

Know what to look for — before you need it.

8 convenient neighborhood dental locations in South Dakota

Sioux Falls

• East 26 Street
• West 26 Street
• 41st Street

Brandon

Tea

Harrisburg

Beresford

Yankton