Emergency visits
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
What counts, and what to do first
For a dental problem that isn't life-threatening, call us.
- 01
Step 1: A broken or knocked-out tooth
Keep the tooth or the piece, hold it by the crown and not the root, and call us right away.
- 02
Step 2: A toothache that won't quit
Rinse with warm water and call us. Don't put aspirin against the gum.
- 03
Step 3: A swelling in the gum or face
Call us the same day. If it's spreading or you have a fever, go to the emergency room.
- 04
Step 4: A lost filling or crown
Keep it and call us. We'll tell you how to protect the tooth until your visit.
We try to see people the same day when we can. We can't promise it, and we'll tell you honestly when the next opening is.
How an urgent visit works
Same-day wording
Call as early as you can. If we can't see you today we'll say so, and what to do until we can.
Comfort
We numb the area when it's needed. Tell us what hurts and we stop whenever you ask.
Risks and after-care
You'll get written instructions for what to expect, and a number to call if it gets worse.
How it's billed
You get the fee in writing before treatment, even in an emergency. We don't bill insurance; we give you a receipt.
How fees work
Questions about emergencies
Are you open after hours?
Our hours are on the contact page.
Do I need to be a patient?
No. Call us and tell us what's happening.
Will I know what it costs first?
Yes. You'll have the estimate in writing before treatment.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Shari Holbrook, DDS, general dentist, licensed in New Mexico.