What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health issue causing:

• intense or throbbing pain

• swelling or infection

• bleeding

• exposed nerves

• trauma or tooth loss

• broken or fractured teeth

• difficulty chewing or sleeping

• gum abscess or facial swelling

If you’re in doubt, assume it’s an emergency. Early treatment prevents further damage.

Common emergencies include:

• severe toothaches

• cracked or broken teeth

• knocked-out teeth

• broken fillings or crowns

• swelling/infection

• abscesses

• sensitivity with pressure

• jaw pain

• debris stuck between teeth

• bleeding gums after trauma

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

We reserve time daily for urgent visits.
Our goals are to:

1. Eliminate pain immediately

2. Control infection

3. Protect remaining tooth structure

4. Provide clear treatment options

5. Prevent long-term damage

Emergency procedures may include fillings, crowns, bonding, antibiotics, root canal therapy, or extraction when necessary.

Common Emergency Services We Provide

1. Emergency Pain Relief

We identify the cause of pain and provide immediate relief, whether the source is decay, infection, fracture, or inflamed nerve tissue.

If the nerve is involved, root canal therapy may be the best option:
https://osunadentalcare.com/root-canals

2. Treatment of Swelling or Abscesses

Swelling often signals a bacterial infection that must be addressed quickly.

We may:

• drain infection

• prescribe antibiotics

• stabilize the tooth

• treat the underlying source of infection

In severe cases, the tooth may require extraction:
https://osunadentalcare.com/tooth-extractions-in-albuquerque-nm

3. Repairing Cracked or Broken Teeth

A tooth that cracks or breaks can expose the inner layers, causing intense pain.

Depending on the damage, options include:

• bonding

• fillings

• crowns

• root canal therapy

• extraction (if cracked below bone)

Crowns are commonly used for structural fractures:
https://osunadentalcare.com/dental-crowns

4. Knocked-Out Teeth

A tooth knocked out due to trauma requires immediate professional attention.

Steps to take:

• Hold tooth by the crown (never the root)

• Rinse gently if dirty

• Keep in milk or saliva

• Seek care within 30–60 minutes

We will evaluate whether the tooth can be replanted successfully.

5. Broken Fillings or Crowns

When a restoration falls out, the underlying tooth may become sensitive or unprotected.

We can replace or repair:

• cracked fillings

• missing crowns

• loose restorations

Same-day temporary crowns may be placed when needed.

6. Emergency Tooth Removal

If a tooth cannot be saved due to infection, fracture, or advanced decay, extraction may be the safest option.

Learn more here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/tooth-extractions-in-albuquerque-nm

7. Jaw Pain, TMJ Flares, or Bite Issues

Sudden jaw locking, clicking, or sharp joint pain may require stabilization or bite adjustments.

8. Trauma from Accidents or Sports

We treat:

• chipped teeth

• fractured teeth

• soft tissue lacerations

• displaced teeth

• injuries from falls, sports, or biting objects

Protective night guards and sports mouthguards may prevent future injury:
https://osunadentalcare.com/night-guards-bruxism-treatment-albuquerque

What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit

1. Exam & Diagnosis

We assess:

• location of pain

• extent of injury

• presence of swelling

• pulp vitality

• gum and bone involvement

Digital X-rays or CBCT imaging may be used to identify fractures or infections precisely.

2. Immediate Pain Relief

We stabilize the tooth, remove pressure points, or treat infection immediately.

3. Treatment Options

We explain:

• what’s causing the issue

• the fastest way to stop pain

• long-term solutions

• whether the tooth can be saved

You’ll always know your options, costs, and next steps clearly.

4. Same-Day Treatment Whenever Possible

Many emergencies can be treated during the same visit.

Same-day solutions may include:

• fillings

• temporary or permanent crowns

• bonding

• antibiotics

• drainage of abscess

• tooth removal

• smoothing sharp edges

• bite adjustments

Our goal is to get you pain-free before you leave.

When You Should Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Call us the same day if you experience:

• intense toothache

• swelling or facial puffiness

• fever or drainage

• difficulty swallowing

• knocked-out tooth

• a cracked tooth that exposes the inner layer

• bleeding that doesn't stop

• trauma to the mouth or jaw

Delaying treatment can worsen infection, damage bone, or limit your options.

Home Care Before You Arrive

While heading to our office:

• use cold compresses for swelling

• take over-the-counter pain meds

• rinse with warm salt water

• avoid chewing on the injured side

• keep knocked-out teeth moist in milk or saliva

• avoid aspirin on the gum (causes burns)

Cost of Emergency Services in Albuquerque

Emergency care varies depending on:

• complexity

• diagnostics needed

• urgency

• definitive treatment

• materials required

Insurance often covers emergency visits when pain or infection is present.
We provide transparent pricing and financing options as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my pain goes away on its own?

Pain relief doesn’t mean the issue is gone — infections often flare up again.

Can you see me today?

Yes. Same-day appointments are available for emergencies at Osuna Dental Care

Do you accept walk-ins?

We do when possible, but calling ahead guarantees availability.

Will I feel pain during treatment?

No — we prioritize comfort and use gentle, modern numbing techniques.

Do I need a root canal or extraction?

We determine this based on the tooth’s condition and your long-term prognosis.

Schedule Your Emergency Dental Appointment

If you're experiencing pain, swelling, trauma, or a sudden dental problem, expert emergency dentist Dr. Chris Kim, DDS is here to help immediately. Osuna Dental Care proudly serves emergency dental patients throughout Albuquerque — including Heritage East, La Cueva, and Bear Canyon, Northeast Heights — with fast, compassionate emergency care.

Osuna Dental Care

5900 Cubero Dr NE Ste B
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 884-1989