A true dental emergency can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. If you're in the middle of one right now — call us at 907-272-6122. Turnagain Dental reserves time every day for urgent patients.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
- Knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth
- Severe, throbbing toothache that won't subside
- Broken or cracked tooth with sharp edges or pain
- Lost or broken crown, bridge or filling
- Abscess, swelling in the gum or face
- Soft tissue injury with persistent bleeding
- Jaw injury after a fall or sports impact
Knocked-Out Tooth: The First 30 Minutes Matter
- Pick up the tooth by the crown — never the root.
- Rinse it gently with milk or saline. Don't scrub.
- If possible, place it back in the socket and bite gently on gauze.
- If you can't, store it in milk (not water) or saliva and head straight to our office.
Re-implantation has the best success rate within 30 minutes and is often still possible within 1 hour.
What's Not an Emergency (But Still Needs Attention)
- Mild tooth sensitivity to cold
- A small chip with no pain
- Lost filling without sharp edges
- Dull soreness that comes and goes
These should still be seen within a week — small problems become expensive problems fast.
Will Insurance Cover an Emergency Visit?
Most dental plans cover emergency exams and palliative care. We file your insurance directly and offer payment plans for anything not covered. No insurance? We have transparent self-pay pricing — ask at the front desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see emergency patients without an appointment?
Yes. During business hours (Mon–Thu, 7am–5pm) we reserve slots for emergency patients. Please call first so we can prepare for your visit.
What if my dental emergency happens after hours?
Call our main line at 907-272-6122 — the voicemail includes after-hours guidance. For severe trauma, facial swelling that affects breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest ER first.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
An emergency exam with X-rays in Anchorage typically runs $150–$250. Treatment costs depend on what's needed. We'll always give you a written estimate before proceeding.
Is tooth pain at night an emergency?
If pain is severe, throbbing or accompanied by swelling, yes — it usually means infection. Take ibuprofen, apply a cold compress and call us first thing in the morning.