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What is an Extreme Dental Emergency?

An extreme dental emergency requires immediate intervention by emergency walk-in dentist services to prevent severe complications or irreversible damage. Such emergencies are urgent and necessitate swift action due to their potential to severely impact health and daily functioning. If you experience any of the following situations, contact same-day emergency dentist services immediately:

  • Severe pain that impedes daily activities
  • Lost dental filling or crown
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Visible signs of infection, like abscesses
  • Trauma to the jaw or teeth after an accident

These conditions are considered critical and should be addressed by a dental professional without delay.

Gentle Dental Cambridge

19 White St.
Cambridge, MA 02140

Dental Office Hours

Monday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED
More Information

Located in the Porter Square Shopping Center. Free parking.

Now Welcoming Fresh Pond Dental patients!

Gentle Dental Cambridge

19 White St.
Cambridge, MA 02140

Dental Office Hours

Monday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED

More Information

Located in the Porter Square Shopping Center. Free parking.

Now Welcoming Fresh Pond Dental patients!

Gentle Dental Cambridge Reviews

  • EK

    Ezgi Kontas

    Cambridge

    I had my extraction done by Dr. Klimashov and couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. He made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire procedure. The front desk staff was also very friendly and welcoming, which made the whole visit smooth and stress free. Highly recommend this practice for anyone looking for quality care and a supportive team!

  • LD

    Leo Dassa

    Cambridge

    Dr Mancini is the greatest dentist alive and Haley is the greatest dental hygienist period. This team is the team you want for life when it comes to watching your teeth stay in tact. I could not be more thankful for this practice and how much they have helped me keep my smile. You will not regret it.

  • CB

    claire brown

    Cambridge

    Dr. Goldberg, Periodontist, provided me with excellent care. He is always cheery, communicates well, and the best dentist at local anesthesia that I have ever met. The staff in the office are always friendly and helpful.

Common Dental Emergencies We Handle

  • Toothache Relief: Severe or persistent pain can indicate infection, decay, or nerve damage. We provide fast diagnostic exams and treatment to stop discomfort.
  • Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth: Accidents, biting hard foods, or weakened enamel can lead to broken teeth. We restore and protect damaged teeth the same day when possible.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: If your tooth is knocked out, place it in milk and visit our Cambridge office immediately for the best chance of saving it.
  • Bleeding or Swollen Gums: These symptoms may signal infection, gum disease, or injury. Early care helps prevent worsening pain or complications.
  • Broken Dentures: We offer adjustments and repairs to restore your ability to speak and chew comfortably.
  • Wisdom Teeth Pain: Impacted or infected wisdom teeth require prompt treatment to prevent swelling and discomfort.
  • Sinus Pressure or Tooth Pain: We determine whether your pain is dental or sinus-related and provide the correct treatment.

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

  • Initial Check-In Process: Share your symptoms, dental history, and any medications. Our team will triage your case to provide fast relief.
  • Comprehensive Examination: We use digital X-rays and a thorough exam to identify the issue and recommend treatment.
  • Immediate Relief Measures: Pain relief, temporary restorations, antibiotics, or emergency procedures may be provided during your visit.
  • Creating a Treatment Plan: Once the emergency is under control, we plan any follow-up care needed to fully restore your oral health.
  • Cost Estimate and Insurance Information: We review all estimated fees upfront and help you understand your insurance coverage.

When to Visit an Emergency Dentist vs Urgent Care or ER

Knowing where to go ensures you receive the right care quickly.

Emergency Dentist (Call/Walk-In):

  • Severe dental pain
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Loose or broken dental work
  • Swelling or abscess
  • Bleeding that will not stop

Urgent Care/ER (Go Immediately):

  • Broken jaw
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing

Signs Your Toothache is an Emergency

Help patients self-assess when immediate care is needed:

  • Pain that lasts more than 24 hours: If the tooth pain persists beyond a day, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an infection or abscess that requires prompt treatment.
  • Pain with fever: A fever alongside tooth pain often indicates an infection, which may be spreading. This can lead to complications like an abscess or an untreated dental infection that could affect your overall health.
  • Severe sensitivity to hot/cold: Extreme sensitivity to temperature could indicate a deep cavity, gum infection, or exposed tooth roots. This may be a sign that the tooth is at risk of further damage or infection.
  • Pain when biting or chewing: If the pain intensifies while biting or chewing, it may point to a problem with the tooth’s nerve or structure, such as a cracked tooth or an abscess.
  • Pain with facial swelling: Swelling in the face, along with pain, is a serious warning sign of an infection, possibly an abscess, that requires immediate professional dental care to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Advanced Emergency Dental Treatments Available

  • Emergency Root Canal Therapy: For infected or painful teeth.
  • Temporary Restorations: Same-day crown or filling repairs.
  • Trauma Repair: Treatment for dental injuries from accidents or sports.
  • Antibiotic Prescriptions On-Site: To stop infection spread.
  • Sedation Options: For patients with pain or anxiety.

Dental Emergency Prevention Tips

  • Wear mouthguards during sports: Mouthguards protect your teeth from injury during physical activities, especially contact sports. They can help prevent broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth, reducing the likelihood of needing emergency dental care.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods: Chewing on hard items like ice, hard candy, or bones can crack or damage your teeth. Avoiding these foods helps preserve the integrity of your teeth and prevents dental emergencies caused by fractures or breakage.
  • Maintain regular dental checkups: Regular dental visits help catch problems early before they become emergencies. Your dentist can identify cavities, gum disease, and other potential issues, ensuring that they are treated promptly and preventing future complications.
  • Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash help prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections. Good oral hygiene reduces the chances of developing conditions like tooth decay, abscesses, or gum infections, which could require emergency treatment.

What to Do Before You Arrive

  • Call ahead for the best arrival time
  • Bring medical and dental insurance info
  • Bring a list of current medications if possible
  • Avoid eating if sedation may be needed

Emergency Dental Insurance and Payment Support

  • We accept most major dental insurance plans
  • Flexible financing and payment options available
  • Help with insurance claims to reduce out-of-pocket costs

Why Choose Us for Your Emergency Dental Needs in Cambridge

  • Comprehensive Care for All Dental Needs: From emergencies to routine dental care, our Cambridge team provides complete services in one location.
  • Quick Access to Care with Same-Day Appointments: We prioritise emergency patients with same-day scheduling and walk-in availability.
  • Experienced Team and Modern Technology: Our clinicians use advanced diagnostic tools and modern techniques for efficient, comfortable care.
  • Comfort Focused Environment: We provide a calm, supportive experience to help ease stress or pain.
  • Affordable Solutions Tailored for You: Transparent pricing, insurance support, and flexible financing options help make care accessible.

Dental Services in Cambridge, MA

Gentle Dental in Cambridge, MA, offers a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and emergency dental care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Explore our website for more information and to book an appointment with our skilled professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find affordable emergency dental services?

Look for clinics that accept insurance, offer payment plans, give upfront pricing, or provide discounted emergency visits. Calling local Cambridge dentists to compare costs can also help you find affordable care quickly.

When to seek emergency dental care?

Seek emergency care if you have severe tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or any injury that affects your ability to eat, speak, or function comfortably.

Can I walk in for an emergency dental appointment in Cambridge?

Yes. We accept walk-in emergency patients and offer same-day appointments to provide quick relief for urgent dental issues.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, place it back in the socket or store it in milk, and come to our Cambridge office immediately. The sooner you arrive, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.

Do you accept my dental insurance for emergency visits?

Yes. We work with most major insurance providers and help you understand your coverage for emergency treatment.

Do you offer same-day extractions for emergencies?

If a tooth cannot be saved, we may perform a same-day extraction to relieve pain and protect your oral health.

How do I handle a cracked or broken tooth before my visit?

Rinse your mouth with warm water, avoid chewing on that side, and come to our Cambridge office as soon as possible.

Book an Appointment

First Time at Any Gentle Dental?
Preferred Appointment Time(s)

If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Gentle Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.