New Patient Special
Dental Pain Doesn't Wait. Neither Do We.
A toothache that wakes you up at night, a cracked tooth, a knocked-out crown, a swollen jaw. These aren't problems you can schedule around. At Americas Family Dental, we hold time in our schedule every single day for patients who need to be seen urgently. You call, we answer, and we get you in.
Same-Day Access, Every Day
We don't save emergency slots for established patients only. If you're in pain, you're our patient. We're open Monday through Friday and on Saturdays, and we do everything we can to see emergency patients the same day they call. You won't be told to take ibuprofen and call back in two weeks.
A Bilingual Team Ready to Help
Dental emergencies are stressful enough without a language barrier making things harder. Every member of our team speaks English and Spanish fluently. Call in whichever language you're most comfortable in and we'll take care of the rest.
Treatment Under One Roof
In most cases, we diagnose and begin treating your emergency in the same visit. We handle extractions, infections, broken teeth, lost restorations, and more in-house so you're not bounced between offices when you're already in pain.
We Take Your Insurance
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
If you're unsure whether your situation warrants an emergency call, here's a straightforward guide. These are signs you should contact our office right away:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relief
- A knocked-out tooth where time is critical for saving it
- A cracked or broken tooth especially if sharp edges are cutting your tongue or cheek
- A dental abscess indicated by swelling, a visible bump on the gum, or a bad taste in your mouth
- A lost crown, filling, or bridge that is causing pain or leaving a tooth exposed
- Swelling in your jaw, face, or neck which can indicate a spreading infection that needs urgent attention
- A loose tooth in an adult that has shifted from its normal position
- A dental injury from a fall, accident, or impact to the face
When in doubt, call us. We'd rather talk you through your situation and determine together whether you need to come in than have you wait on something that needs attention.
What to Do Before You Arrive
The right steps before your appointment can protect your tooth and reduce your discomfort. Here's what to do for the most common emergencies:
For a knocked-out tooth:
- Pick it up by the crown, never the root
- Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing
- Place it back in the socket if possible, or keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum
- Call us immediately and get in as fast as you can. The sooner we see you, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
For a cracked or broken tooth:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling
- Avoid chewing on that side
For a lost crown or filling:
- Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on it
- Dental wax or temporary filling material from a pharmacy can protect the tooth until your appointment
- Don't use household adhesives to try to recement a crown yourself
For pain or swelling:
- Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage discomfort until you're seen
- A cold compress on the outside of your face reduces swelling
- Do not apply aspirin directly to your gum tissue
Why You Shouldn't Wait on a Dental Emergency
It's tempting to hope a dental problem resolves on its own. It rarely does, and waiting almost always makes the situation more complicated.
Infections spread.
A dental abscess that starts in one tooth can spread to neighboring teeth, the jawbone, and in serious cases, beyond the mouth. Dental infections can become medically urgent quickly.
A savable tooth becomes unsavable.
A cracked tooth that's treated promptly can often be restored with a crown. Left untreated, the crack can extend into the root and turn a straightforward fix into an extraction.
Pain doesn't mean the problem is getting worse, but it doesn't mean it's getting better either.
Pain that fades on its own can mean the nerve has died, not that the infection has cleared. The underlying problem remains.
If something feels wrong, trust that instinct and call.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit
Call Our Office
Tell our front desk team what you're experiencing. They'll ask a few brief questions about your symptoms, give you any instructions to follow before you arrive, and get you scheduled for the earliest available appointment, typically the same day.
Arrival and Check-In
When you arrive, let the front desk know you're here for a dental emergency. We do our best to minimize your wait. If you're in significant pain, let our team know immediately.
Examination and X-Rays
Your dentist evaluates the affected area and takes digital X-rays to get a complete picture of what's happening, including anything below the gumline that a visual exam can't show. This gives us the information we need to make the right call on treatment.
Your Treatment Options
Your dentist explains exactly what's going on, what caused it, and what your options are for treatment. You'll understand what needs to happen today versus what can wait, and what the consequences of delaying any follow-up care would be.
Same-Visit Treatment When Possible
In most cases, we begin treatment at the same appointment. That might mean draining an abscess, extracting a tooth, placing a temporary crown, or treating an infection with antibiotics. Whatever can be handled today will be.
Follow-Up Care
Before you leave, we schedule any follow-up appointments needed to complete your treatment. You'll leave with clear aftercare instructions, any necessary prescriptions, and a plan for what comes next.
Dental Care That Puts Your Family First
Compassionate, Honest Dentistry
We treat every patient with respect and integrity, never rushing care and always recommending what’s truly best for your health.
Flexible Financing & Insurance Help
We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing options like Cherry to help families stay within budget.
Complete Family Dentistry
Most treatments are performed right here in our office, and when specialty care is needed, we coordinate within our network for a smooth experience.
We’re Here to Help, Not Judge
Life happens. We meet you where you are with compassionate care, honest recommendations, and clear answers, always.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dental emergency be prevented?
Many can. Keeping up with regular checkups is the most effective way to catch small problems before they become urgent ones. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports protects your teeth from injury. Addressing a cracked tooth or failing restoration before it breaks completely prevents a minor issue from becoming an emergency. Consistent preventive care is the best insurance you have against unexpected dental problems.
Will I need a follow-up appointment after my emergency visit?
In most cases, yes. Emergency appointments focus on getting you out of pain and stabilizing the situation. Additional treatment is often needed to fully resolve the underlying problem. We schedule that follow-up before you leave so everything is planned and in place.
How do I know if swelling is serious enough to go to the emergency room instead?
Go to the emergency room if swelling is spreading to your neck, throat, or eye area, if you're having difficulty breathing or swallowing, if you have a high fever alongside dental pain, or if you feel seriously unwell. These can be signs of a spreading infection that needs medical attention beyond what a dental office can provide. For all other dental emergencies, call our office first.
What if I don't have insurance for an emergency visit?
We see patients regardless of insurance status. Our team will walk you through your payment options, including Cherry Financing, so cost doesn't prevent you from getting the care you need. Don't let uncertainty about payment stop you from calling.
Do you handle dental emergencies for children?
Yes. We see pediatric emergency patients as well as adults. If your child has a dental injury, broken tooth, or severe toothache, call our office right away. Our bilingual team is experienced with young patients and will help you stay calm and get your child seen quickly.
What if I knocked out a tooth?
Time is critical. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it's reinserted within an hour of being knocked out. Follow the steps outlined above and call our office immediately. We'll do everything we can to save the tooth.
Can you treat dental infections?
Yes. A dental abscess is a serious infection that needs prompt treatment. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, performing a root canal to address the source of the infection, or extracting the tooth if it can't be saved. We assess the situation at your appointment and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
Is a toothache always a dental emergency?
Not always, but it should never be ignored. Mild occasional sensitivity is different from persistent or severe tooth pain. If your pain is keeping you up at night, getting worse, or accompanied by swelling, that's an emergency. Call us and describe your symptoms, and we'll help you determine how urgently you need to be seen.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We hold availability every day specifically for emergency patients. In most cases, we can see you the same day you call. If you call first thing in the morning, we'll do everything we can to get you in that day.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Call our office and listen to the after-hours message for guidance. For emergencies that involve significant swelling spreading to your neck or face, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any situation that feels medically urgent, go to the nearest emergency room.
Located in El Paso
Find us at 201 S. Americas Ave, Ste 206, El Paso, TX 79907. We’re next to Academy with free parking, and we offer Saturday appointments and family scheduling to make care easy.
Free on-site parking available. If you need help finding us, call and we’ll guide you in.
Coming from Socorro, San Elizario, Fabens, or Clint? We’re a quick drive and easy to reach.