6005 Century Oaks Dr. Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37416
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(423) 344-3884

Emergency Dentist in Chattanooga, TN

Dental emergencies are painful and stressful. At Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, we provide prompt, compassionate care to relieve pain, protect your teeth, and prevent further complications. Whether you’re facing a sudden toothache, injury, or broken restoration, our team is ready to help when you need it most. We serve patients from East Brainerd, Ooltewah, Harrison, Georgetown, and the greater Chattanooga area.

Emergency Dentistry

Fast, Compassionate Care for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful. At Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, we provide prompt, compassionate emergency dentistry to relieve pain, protect your teeth, and prevent further complications. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden toothache, injury, or broken restoration, our team is ready to provide fast, effective care when you need it most.

Why Choose Harrison Family Dentistry for Emergencies

  • Rapid response – We prioritize emergency patients to relieve pain quickly
  • Experienced dentists – Skilled in both restorative and cosmetic care
  • Compassionate care – We understand dental emergencies are stressful and provide gentle, patient-centered treatment
  • Comprehensive solutions – We treat the underlying problem, not just the symptoms

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a damaged tooth. Common dental emergencies include:

  • Severe or persistent toothache
  • Knocked-out or fractured teeth
  • Broken or loose dental restorations (crowns, fillings, bridges)
  • Abscesses or signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever)
  • Soft tissue injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue

Prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent infection, and improve your chances of saving the affected tooth.

Our Emergency Dentistry Services in Chattanooga

At Harrison Family Dentistry, we proudly serve patients from Chattanooga, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, Harrison, Georgetown, Hixson, and the greater Hamilton County area and provide a range of emergency services, including:

  • Same-day urgent appointments for sudden dental pain
  • Tooth repair for fractures, chips, or loose restorations
  • Root canal therapy to treat severe infections
  • Treatment of abscesses or infections to prevent further complications to stop the spread of harmful bacteria.
  • Emergency extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
  • Soft tissue injury care for cuts or trauma to gums, lips, or tongue

Don't wait — call (423) 344-3884 or use the button below to schedule your same-day emergency appointment.

Schedule Your Emergency Dental Appointment in Chattanooga

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, trauma, or signs of infection, don’t wait.

Searching for an emergency dentist near me in the Chattanooga area? Harrison Family Dentistry is conveniently located on Century Oaks Drive, serving East Brainerd, Harrison, Ooltewah, Georgetown, and surrounding communities. Contact Harrison Family Dentistry for emergency dentistry because immediate action can save your tooth and restore comfort. Learn about our sedation options if you experience dental anxiety during emergencies.

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423.344.3884

Same-Day Emergency Care

Don't Wait — We're Ready to See You Today

When a dental emergency strikes, every minute matters. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved within the first hour. An untreated abscess can spread infection beyond your mouth. Delaying care almost always
means more damage, more pain, and more cost.

Dr. Sean Fitzhugh and the Harrison Family Dentistry team prioritize emergency patients for same-day appointments.

Call us at (423) 344-3884 and we will get you in as quickly as possible — no ER wait times, no runaround. Just fast,
skilled care from a dentist who knows Chattanooga families.

Dr. Sean Fitzhugh providing emergency dental treatment to a patient at Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga TN

FAQ

What is a dental emergency?

Understanding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency involves any condition requiring urgent dental care to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, or preserve a tooth. Infections in the mouth that could spread and cause serious or life-threatening health issues are also considered emergencies.

How to know if you need emergency dental care:

  • Is a tooth knocked out? Prompt treatment may allow the tooth to be saved.
  • Are you experiencing significant bleeding or pain in the mouth? If the bleeding or pain is limited to the mouth, contact an emergency dental professional for immediate care. If you have pain or bleeding in other parts of your body, visit a hospital emergency room.
  • Do you suspect an infection? Signs like red, swollen gums, bumps on the gums, or facial swelling may indicate a dental infection. An abscess or severe oral infection could spread to other areas of the body, potentially leading to serious health risks. Seek emergency dental care immediately.
  • Are your teeth loose? Permanent adult teeth should not be loose. A loose tooth, even without pain, indicates a serious issue requiring urgent attention.

What are examples of common dental emergencies?

Common Dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention

Dental abscess

  • A serious infection caused by a buildup of pus in or around the tooth.
  • Requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Exposed nerves

  • Causes severe, sharp pain and extreme sensitivity.
  • Can quickly lead to infection or further damage if untreated.
  • Immediate dental care is essential to protect the tooth.

Severe or unexplained tooth pain

  • Signals that something is wrong beneath the surface.
  • May be related to decay, infection, or nerve irritation.
  • Prompt evaluation helps prevent worsening damage.

Persistent gum bleeding or swelling

  • Occasional mild irritation is normal, but constant bleeding is not.
  • May indicate gum disease, infection, or another health issue.
  • Should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible.

Swelling in the jaw or mouth

  • Unexplained swelling often signals infection or abscess.
  • May worsen quickly without treatment.
  • Requires urgent dental evaluation to prevent complications.

Knocked-out tooth

  • Often caused by trauma or injury.
  • Quick action may allow the tooth to be saved.
  • Emergency dental care is required within an hour for best results.

Chipped, broken, or cracked tooth

  • Damage may expose nerves or weaken the tooth.
  • Can often be repaired if treated quickly.
  • Delays increase the chance of extraction.

Damaged or missing crown

  • Leaves the natural tooth underneath exposed and vulnerable.
  • Increases the risk of decay or infection.
  • Replacing the crown quickly can prevent more invasive treatment.

Lost filling

  • Weakens the tooth structure, making it prone to breaking.
  • May cause sensitivity or discomfort.
  • Needs prompt replacement to avoid further complications.

Food or object stuck between teeth

  • Can irritate the gums and cause pain.
  • May lead to decay, gum disease, or infection if left untreated.
  • Should be removed professionally if flossing doesn’t work.

What should I do in dental emergencies?

Quick steps to follow until you contact our office.

Severe Toothache

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Use floss gently to remove anything that may be stuck.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
  • Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
  • Call your dentist promptly.

Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
  • Rinse gently with water if dirty—do not scrub.
  • Try to place it back in the socket; if not possible, store in milk or saliva.
  • Seek emergency dental care within an hour.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
  • Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
  • Call your dentist immediately.

Lost Filling or Crown

  • Use temporary dental cement (drugstore) to cover the area if possible.
  • For a crown, you may reseat it with dental cement or toothpaste temporarily.
  • Schedule an emergency appointment quickly.

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water.
  • Apply clean gauze to stop heavy bleeding.
  • Call your dentist if bleeding persists or swelling is significant.

Swelling in the Jaw or Mouth

  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Stay upright to help with drainage.
  • Contact your dentist—swelling may indicate infection.

Abscessed Tooth

  • Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
  • Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess.
  • Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

  • Use dental floss carefully to try and dislodge it.
  • Never use sharp objects (like pins or knives).
  • If floss doesn’t work, call Harrison Family Dentistry at (423) 344-3884 — your emergency dentist serving Chattanooga, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, and Harrison, TN.

What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Visit

We know that dental emergencies are stressful, so we work hard to make your
visit as smooth and worry-free as possible. When you call, our team will triage
your situation over the phone and get you scheduled for the earliest available
same-day appointment. When you arrive, relieving your pain is our first priority
— we won't keep you waiting long. Dr. Henderson or Dr. Fitzhugh will perform a
thorough examination, take X-rays if needed, and walk you through a clear
treatment plan before any work begins. There are no surprises. If cost is a
concern, we offer flexible payment options through Cherry Financing so that a
dental emergency never has to wait because of your budget. Call us at
(423) 344-3884 — we're here to help.

Find Our Emergency Dental Office in Chattanooga

Harrison Family Dentistry · 6005 Century Oaks Dr., Suite 100 · Chattanooga, TN 37416 · (423) 344-3884

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