In pain? Call us first.

Call first — even if you're not sure

540-774-8288. We'll triage over the phone and get you in as fast as we can. If you're anywhere in Cave Spring, Harrisonburg, or the surrounding Roanoke County area, we are here for you. Dental pain has a way of showing up at the worst possible time, and we don't believe anyone should have to sit through a weekend wondering if something is seriously wrong.

Common emergencies we handle same-day

• Severe tooth pain or infection — Throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain that wakes you up at night often signals an infection or an exposed nerve. The sooner we see you, the more options we have to save the tooth.
• Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth — Whether it happened biting into something hard or from a fall, we can often repair the damage the same day with bonding or a temporary crown.
• Knocked-out teeth— Time is critical. If you can find the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, keep it in milk and call us immediately.
• Lost crowns or fillings— A missing restoration leaves the tooth vulnerable to further damage and sensitivity. Call us and we'll get you in quickly to protect the tooth.
• Swelling of the gums, jaw, or face — Swelling can indicate an abscess or serious infection that needs prompt treatment, sometimes including antibiotics.
• Injuries from sports or falls — Common among athletes at Cave Spring and local high schools. We treat loosened teeth, soft tissue injuries, and fractured jaws.

What to do while you wait for your appointment

Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek — twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off — to manage swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums. If a tooth is broken, save any pieces you can find and bring them with you.

Sedation for emergency patients

We understand that a dental emergency is stressful enough without the added anxiety of an unexpected procedure. For patients who need it, we offer sedation options — including nitrous oxide and oral sedation — so you can get through treatment as comfortably as possible, even on short notice.

Cost, insurance, and the Virginia Dental Club

Emergency care shouldn't be delayed because of cost concerns. We accept most dental insurance plans and will verify your coverage before treatment whenever possible. For patients without insurance, our Virginia Dental Club membership includes discounts on restorative and emergency procedures. We also offer payment plans so you can focus on feeling better, not on a bill.

If it's life-threatening

Uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a serious head injury should be handled at an emergency room first. Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg is the closest ER to our Cave Spring office. We can follow up with dental care once you're stabilized.