Emergency Dental Care in Des Moines, IA

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Wondering if your situation requires immediate dental care? If you are concerned, we are concerned. Checking out something that’s abnormal, sensitive, or broken is never a bad idea.  Of course, pain, swelling, infection, or trauma should never be ignored. Contact an emergency dentist in Des Moines if you experience:

• Persistent tooth pain that won’t go away
• A knocked-out tooth needing immediate reattachment
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth causing discomfort
• Gum or facial swelling due to infection
• Lost fillings or crowns exposing sensitive areas
• An abscess or pus-filled infection that can spread

If you’re facing any of these issues, don’t wait—call James Dental now.

How Can I Manage a Toothache Before Seeing a Dentist?

A sudden toothache can disrupt your day and make eating or speaking painful. Until you can see an emergency dentist, here’s how you can ease the pain at home.

Quick At-Home Remedies for a Toothache

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria
• Floss gently to remove any trapped food
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb pain
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (avoid aspirin on gums)
• Avoid chewing on the affected side

Tooth pain won’t go away on its own—book an emergency appointment today.

What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth?

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies, but quick action can save it.

Steps to take immediately:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).
2. Rinse it gently with water—do not scrub.
3. Store the tooth in milk or saliva.
4. Get to an emergency dentist within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

Call James Dental immediately at (515) 850-5131 for urgent care.

How Do I Handle a Chipped or Broken Tooth?

Even a small chip or crack can weaken your tooth and increase the risk of infection. Here’s what to do:

• Rinse with warm water to clean the area
• Apply gauze if there is bleeding
• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling
• Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth
• Book an emergency appointment for prompt repair

James Dental provides same-day emergency dentistry in Des Moines to restore broken teeth quickly and effectively.

What Steps Should I Take If I Lose a Filling or Crown?

A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.

Here’s what you can do until your appointment:

• Use temporary filling material(available at pharmacies) to temporarily seal the tooth
• Avoid chewing on the affected side
• Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm water
• Call James Dental for an emergency replacement

Our team can restore your filling or crown the same day, preventing further damage.

Can I Go to the Emergency Room for Dental Emergencies?

Most hospital ERs do not have dentists on staff, so they can only provide temporary pain relief, not dental treatment.

Go to the ER if you have:

• Severe swelling affecting your ability to breathe, swallow, or open your mouth
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• A serious infection that may spread to other areas

For all other dental emergencies, James Dental provides same-day care and expert treatment.

How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies?

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, these steps can significantly reduce your risk:

• Maintain regular dental checkups for early detection of issues
• Brush and floss daily to strengthen teeth and prevent decay
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, and non-food objects
• Get cavities filled early before they become emergencies

At James Dental, we believe in preventative care to help keep your smile strong and healthy.

What Are the Costs Associated With Emergency Dental Care?

The cost of emergency dental care services depends on the type of treatment needed.

Factors that affect cost:

• Type of treatment (filling, extraction, root canal, etc.)
• Severity of the emergency
• Insurance coverage and payment options

To get a general idea of pricing, see our pricing page. James Dental offers transparent pricing with no unnecessary upselling. We accept various insurance plans and provide flexible payment options so you can get the emergency dental care you need without financial stress. Call (515) 850-5131 to discuss pricing or insurance coverage.

Why Choose James Dental for Emergency Dental Services in Des Moines?

When you’re in pain, you need an emergency dentist in Des Moines who is skilled, compassionate, and ready to help. Here’s why patients trust James Dental:

• Same-Day Appointments – Fast relief when you need it
• Extended Hours & Weekends – Flexible scheduling for urgent care
• Advanced Dental Technology – 3D scanning, in-house milling, CBCT imaging
• Experienced, Patient-First Approach – Dr. Jim Cholewa’s military precision & expertise
• No Pressure, No Upselling – Transparent, honest dental care

James Dental is committed to providing top-quality emergency dental care—so you can get back to feeling your best.

Call Now for Immediate Emergency Dental Care in Des Moines, IA!

Don’t wait. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, James Dental is here to help. Our office is located at 4539 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, and we offer emergency dental appointments, including after-hours and weekend availability. Call (515) 850-5131 now to schedule your dental visit and get fast, expert care for your dental emergency.