Emergency Dental Care

Gentle Dental Care for Every Stage of Childhood

Dental emergency? Call us now: (803) 324-2921

We make every effort to see children the same day — during regular business hours.
Mon–Thu: 7:45 AM–5 PM | Fri: 7:45 AM–1 PM | Sat–Sun: Closed

Dental Emergencies for Children - culp dental rock hill sc

Emergency Dentist for Children — Rock Hill, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Charlie Culp, DMD · Last reviewed September 4, 2026

A dental emergency involving a child is frightening — and knowing where to go makes all the difference. At Culp Dental, we reserve time in our schedule for same-day emergency appointments and make every effort to see children in pain or distress as quickly as possible during our regular business hours. If your child has a knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or any other urgent dental issue, call us first at (803) 324-2921.

Please note: Our emergency care is available during regular office hours — Monday through Thursday, 7:45 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 7:45 AM to 1 PM. We are closed on weekends. If your child’s injury involves significant trauma, bleeding that cannot be controlled, or loss of consciousness, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Dentist examining a child during a same-day dental emergency at Culp Dental in Rock Hill, SC

Pediatric Dental Emergencies We Treat at Culp Dental

Same-Day Dental Emergencies for Children
When a child is in dental pain, waiting several days for an appointment isn’t always the right answer. We keep same-day availability in our schedule specifically to accommodate children — and adults — who need urgent care. Call (803) 324-2921 as early in the day as possible for the best chance of a same-day appointment. Our front desk team will help you assess the situation and get your child in as quickly as we can.

Knocked-Out or Displaced Tooth Care
A knocked-out tooth — especially a permanent tooth — is a true dental emergency where time matters. Emergency care for children is part of our pediatric dental services. If your child has had a tooth completely knocked out, follow these steps while you call us:

  1. Handle the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root.
  2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water — do not scrub it.
  3. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and have your child hold it in place gently. If that isn’t possible, store the tooth in a small container of milk, saline, or — as a last resort — between your child’s cheek and gum.
  4. Call us immediately at (803) 324-2921 during business hours and come in right away.

For baby teeth that are knocked out: re-implanting a baby tooth is generally not recommended, as it can interfere with the developing permanent tooth. We’ll assess the situation and advise you on the right next step.

Toothache Evaluation and Relief for Children
A toothache in a child is rarely something to wait out. Dental pain in children is most commonly caused by decay that has progressed to the inner pulp of the tooth — and the earlier it’s treated, the more options we have. If your child is complaining of tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or pain when biting, call us. We’ll get them in for an evaluation and provide relief as quickly as possible.

Chipped or Broken Tooth Repair for Kids
A chipped or broken tooth — whether a baby tooth or a permanent tooth — should be evaluated by a dentist promptly. Even if there’s no immediate pain, a broken tooth can have sharp edges that irritate soft tissue, and the damage may be more extensive than it appears. We’ll assess the tooth, determine whether the nerve is affected, and recommend the most appropriate repair — from smoothing a minor chip to placing a crown or composite restoration.

Parent calling Culp Dental during a child's dental emergency in Rock Hill, SC

What to Do in a Pediatric Dental Emergency — Before You Reach Us

These general guidelines can help in the most common situations. They are not a substitute for professional evaluation — please call us at (803) 324-2921 as soon as possible during business hours.

Toothache
Rinse your child’s mouth gently with warm water. Check for food caught between teeth. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek may help with swelling. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. Call us.

Knocked-out tooth (permanent)
Handle by the crown only. Rinse gently if dirty. Try to replace in socket or store in milk. Call immediately and come in right away.

Chipped or broken tooth
Save any broken pieces if possible. Rinse the mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call us for a same-day evaluation.

Soft tissue injury (lip, tongue, cheek)
Clean the area gently with water and apply pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding. A cold compress can help with swelling. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop, seek emergency medical care.

Relieved family after a resolved children's dental emergency at Culp Dental in Rock Hill, SC

Why Rock Hill Families Call Culp Dental First

When a family already trusts Culp Dental for regular care, a dental emergency is handled by a team that already knows the child’s health history, their temperament, and their family. That continuity of care matters — especially in a stressful moment.

Culp Dental has been part of this community since 1981. Over four decades, our team has handled countless pediatric dental emergencies with the calm, experienced approach that Rock Hill families have come to rely on.

We prioritize children in pain. Call (803) 324-2921 as early in the business day as possible, and our team will do everything we can to get your child seen that day.

Pediatric Dental Emergencies — Frequently Asked Questions

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, act quickly — time matters. Handle the tooth by the crown only, rinse gently if dirty, and try to reinsert it in the socket or store it in milk. Call Culp Dental immediately at (803) 324-2921 during business hours. For a knocked-out baby tooth, do not attempt to reinsert it — call us for guidance on next steps.

Emergency dental care at Culp Dental is available during regular business hours — Monday through Thursday, 7:45 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 7:45 AM to 1 PM. We are closed on weekends. If your child experiences a dental emergency outside of business hours, call your nearest hospital emergency room for guidance, or call our office number and check for any recorded instructions.

A toothache in a child should be evaluated by a dentist promptly, especially if accompanied by swelling, fever, or pain that doesn’t subside. These can be signs of infection that requires attention. Call us at (803) 324-2921 and we’ll help determine how urgently your child needs to be seen.

Yes, even a chip without immediate pain should be evaluated. A chipped tooth may have sharp edges, hidden fractures, or nerve involvement that isn’t yet causing symptoms. We’ll assess the tooth and determine whether treatment is needed now or can wait.

Most dental insurance plans include coverage for emergency exams and many emergency procedures. Coverage varies by plan, so our front desk team will help verify your benefits and explain any estimated costs before treatment begins. We’ll never surprise you with unexpected charges.

Additional Pediatric Emergency Dental Resources

Dental emergencies involving children are stressful — but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Culp Dental has been Rock Hill’s trusted family dentist since 1981, and when your child needs urgent care during business hours, we’re ready to help.

. Call us first.

Mon–Thu: 7:45 AM–5 PM | Fri: 7:45 AM–1 PM | 227 S Herlong Ave STE 102, Rock Hill, SC 29732

Related Services at Culp Dental

Have questions before you book? Read our dental FAQ, or contact our Rock Hill dental team and we will walk you through your options.