How do I know if it is really a dental emergency?

A dental issue is an emergency if you are experiencing severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, have a knocked-out or broken tooth, or signs of an abscess like facial swelling and fever.

Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency instead?

While a hospital ER can provide temporary pain relief and antibiotics, they are not equipped to handle the underlying dental problem. They do not have dentists on staff to perform extractions, root canals, or fillings.

What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?

Gently pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse briefly with milk or water. Try to place it back in the socket. If not possible, store it in milk and get to our office immediately.

Do you offer weekend emergency appointments?

While we do not have regular weekend hours, we have an on-call system for existing patients. For new patients, we will arrange a same-day appointment during business hours.

Emergency Dentist in Gahanna & Columbus, Ohio

A sudden dental problem can be a frightening and painful experience. When you’re faced with a dental emergency, you need immediate, compassionate, and expert care. At The Smile Method, Dr. Jeff Kover and our dedicated team prioritize dental emergencies, offering same-day appointments at our Gahanna and Upper Arlington locations to bring you relief and restore your oral health as quickly as possible.

We understand the urgency. We know that you’re not just looking for a quick fix, but for a solution that protects your long-term health. As a fee-for-service practice, our focus is entirely on you—the patient. We provide the highest quality of care, using the best materials and techniques, without the restrictions imposed by insurance companies. Your well-being is our only priority.

Same-Day Care for Your Dental Emergency

Pain doesn’t wait for a convenient time. That’s why we reserve time in our daily schedule specifically for emergency cases. When you call us in distress, our goal is simple: get you into our office and out of pain on the same day. Dr. Kover, with his 30 years of experience, is adept at quickly diagnosing the issue and presenting clear, effective treatment options to resolve your emergency promptly and professionally.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

While any dental pain can feel like an emergency, certain situations require immediate attention to prevent further damage, infection, or tooth loss. If you are experiencing any of the following, please contact us right away:

Severe, Persistent Tooth Pain

A throbbing, unrelenting toothache is your body’s signal that something is seriously wrong. This type of pain often indicates an infection or abscess deep within the tooth’s pulp. Ignoring it can lead to the infection spreading to your jawbone or even other parts of your body.

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. With quick and correct action, there is a strong possibility the tooth can be saved and reimplanted. It’s crucial to follow the proper steps (detailed below) and see a dentist within the hour if possible.

Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth

A significant break or fracture can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, causing pain and leaving it vulnerable to infection. We can often provide same-day solutions, including dental bonding or a beautiful, strong, same-day crown to protect the tooth and restore your smile.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can appear as a pimple-like swelling on your gums and may be accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth, fever, and severe pain. This is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.

Lost Crown or Filling

When a crown or filling falls out, the underlying tooth structure is left exposed and vulnerable. It’s important to have it addressed quickly to protect the tooth from further damage.

What to Do Before You Arrive

For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Gently pick it up by the chewing surface (crown), never the root. Rinse it briefly with milk or water, but do not scrub it. Try to gently place it back in the socket. If you can’t, store it in a small container of milk and get to our office immediately.
For a Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, but do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
For a Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
For a Lost Crown: If possible, you can temporarily secure the crown back in place with dental adhesive or even sugar-free gum, but do not use super glue. Bring the crown with you.

The Emergency Exam Process: Clarity and Care

From the moment you call, we focus on making your experience as calm and clear as possible. Dr. Kover will personally conduct a thorough examination, which typically includes a digital x-ray to get a precise look at the problem. He will then sit down with you, explain his findings in plain language, and lay out all of your treatment options. You will understand the pros, cons, and the investment required for each option before any treatment begins.

What emergency dental care costs at The Smile Method

We believe that financial surprises have no place in healthcare, especially during a stressful emergency. Your investment in emergency care at The Smile Method is an investment in your long-term health.

Emergency Exam & X-Ray: Your investment will typically be between $75 – $150.
Tooth Extraction: Depending on the complexity, the investment ranges from $200 – $500.
Root Canal Therapy: The investment to save an infected tooth is generally between $800 – $1,500.
Same-Day Crown: For a broken tooth, a permanent crown made in-house is an investment of $1,200 – $2,200.

We will provide a precise, written estimate before starting any work. For patients who need flexibility, we offer several options, including our in-house plan and financing.

Sedation Available for Anxious Patients

A dental emergency is stressful enough without adding dental anxiety to the mix. We are committed to ensuring your comfort. The Smile Method offers several levels of sedation dentistry to help you relax and receive pain-free treatment. Don’t let fear prevent you from addressing a serious dental issue.

Your emergency, personally handled by Dr. Kover

Every emergency case at The Smile Method is examined and treated personally by Dr. Jeff Kover – DDS, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 1995 – with nearly three decades of experience across Columbus. No emergency patient is delegated to a junior provider.

When you need urgent care, you deserve a dentist who values your health and comfort above all else. For world-class emergency dental care in Gahanna and Columbus, call The Smile Method today.