Dental emergency or urgent dental care?

Knowing the difference between a dental emergency and an urgent dental care need is important for your dental health.

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Quickly responding to a dental emergency can help save a tooth and lower your risk of needing restoration services. The following conditions require an immediate dentist visit with 24 to 48 hours:

  • A lost tooth or a large piece is missing
  • A cracked or chipped tooth causing pain
  • A tooth abscess (usually caused by a bacterial infection)
  • A severe toothache or swelling of the gums
Restorative therapy

What qualifies as urgent dental care?

Urgent dental care is usually needed to repair a small crack/chipped tooth or a lost filling that isn’t causing you pain. You should see your dentist within one to two weeks for the following:

  • A broken, cracked or chipped tooth but do not have severe pain
  • A lost filling, crown or bridge
  • A dull toothache
  • Food stuck between your teeth

If you have an urgent dental care need, call us during our regular business hours or make an appointment at one of our locations.

We provide same-day dental emergency services

If you have a dental emergency outside our business hours, please call one of our after-hours emergency care lines. Our after-hour services will connect you with one of our dental providers. If this is a health emergency, please call 911.

Astoria: 503-338-6000
Clatskanie: 503-728-2114
Eugene: 541-967-6214
Milwaukie: 503-499-1107
Salem: 541-967-6211

Forms

  • Complete a new patient registration form
  • View our privacy policy
  • Request an interpreter
View forms

FAQs

  • How long does an oral exam/procedure take?
  • What are your business hours?
  • Do you have financial options?
  • What’s the difference between a dental emergency and an urgent care dental need?
View FAQ

Learn more about us

Need interpreting services or want to find a location near you?
Learn more about who we are and the communities we serve.

Questions?

Our friendly team of dental professionals are here to help.
Contact us at one of our locations.
Our regular business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time. (except for our Clatskanie office, which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)