Are you suffering from severe pain and looking for an emergency dentist in Birmingham, AL? When you have severe toothaches, damaged braces, or any other dental issues, it's critical to be able to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.
Fortunately, Birmingham, AL has many dentists that can help you, but not all of them offer 24 hour treatment or emergency appointments. That's why Dentaly.org has compiled a list of emergency dental clinics which open on Saturday and after hours for urgent treatment. These dentists are available to provide the care you need to relieve your pain and go back to your life.
Don't wait to call an emergency dentist if you have a broken or missing tooth, have been in an accident, or are experiencing severe pain. Many dental problems can get worse over time if not treated and may cause permanent damage. Just addressing the symptoms will only help so much, so it's best to seek professional attention as soon as you can. Our convenient list of Birmingham emergency dentists gives you a place to start your search so you can be seen as quickly as possible.
Emergency Dentists in other Alabama cities
Table of contents
- 1 When do you need emergency or after hours dental care?
- 2 Emergency dental clinics in Birmingham, AL
- 3 How to get ready for your emergency dental appointment
- 4 Common reasons for visiting an emergency dentist
- 5 Can't I just go to the emergency room?
- 6 Emergency dentists in cities near Birmingham
- 7 Additional Suggestions
When do you need emergency or after hours dental care?
Most dentists in Birmingham keep regular business hours and see most of their patients before 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening, and do not open on Saturday and Sunday. However, some people simply don't have time to go during business hours. For example, if you have a toothache but can't take time off work in the next two weeks to see a dentist, then your best option is to schedule an appointment for dental care during off hours or on the weekend so that your minor issue doesn't become more serious.
However, some dental emergencies requiring immediate attention from a dentist happen on weekends or late at night. For people experiencing such an emergency, it's necessary to avoid greater long-term injury by seeking help as soon as possible from an emergency dentist or by calling 888-338-7275 to reach a 24-hour emergency dentist hotline.
Thankfully, you can find a dentist in Birmingham, AL open on Saturday, who offers emergency appointments for anyone who finds they are in need of urgent medical attention for their dental problems. These dentists are prepared to give you treatment at the time when you need it, without making you wait for a normal daytime appointment.
Emergency dental clinics in Birmingham, AL
Even slight pain or discomfort in your mouth can distract you from your day-to-day life. Don't miss out on your favorite foods or activities with your family when you can call to schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist now and get relief from your pain.
Dentaly.org's list of dentists in Birmingham, AL offering emergency dental care after hours or on Saturdays is here to help you find treatment fast, from a location that is convenient for you. You can contact any of these clinics to schedule an emergency appointment to recover from your dental pain as soon as possible. Some of these dental clinics even have a professional on-call 24/7 to provide you with advice and reduce your pain until you are able to come into the office.
Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental offers a wide variety of services to its patients with a focus on satisfaction, confidence and comfort every time someone walks through the door. Accepting a wide range of payment methods and insurance providers, Aspen dental works to ensure that you can receive the treatment you need at their office. From routine cleanings to dentures, fillings, and emergency care, the team at Aspen takes pride in being the trusted dentist of so many residents of Birmingham, AL.
Location: 1820 Gadsden Hwy #112, Birmingham, AL 35235
Phone Number: (205) 661-8078
Website: https://www.aspendental.com/dentist/al/birmingham/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8am-6pm
Tuesday: 8am-6pm
Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 10am-8pm
Friday: 8am-1pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Birmingham Family Dental Services
Open seven days a week including most holidays, Birmingham Family Dental tries their hardest to achieve 100% patient satisfaction every time someone walks through the door. Providing care in the area for over 30 years, the team has experience in any type of procedure you may need. One of the few dentists in Birmingham open on Saturday and Sunday, they focus on making dental care easy and convenient for everyone by offering walk-in appointments and convenient parking, as well as accepting almost all forms of payment and insurance so your dental care will be as hassle-free as possible.
Location: 2930 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone Number: (205) 251-8128
Website: https://birminghamfamilydental.com/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday: 9am-12pm
Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
A local from Hoover, AL and a graduate of UAB Dental school in 2005, Aaron Cook DMD has been offering dental care to patients in the Birmingham area for years. The team's focus on conservative dentistry and prevention shows through the time they take to speak with their patients and explain exactly what that patient can do to care for their mouth and prevent dental issues in the future. With experience giving care to patients of all ages from children to senior citizens, Dr. Cook and his team of professionals strive to make sure that you feel like you are in good hands every time you enter the office.
Location: 530 32nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone Number: (205) 326-6384
Website: https://www.aspendental.com/dentist/al/birmingham/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 7:15am-5pm
Tuesday: 7:15am-3pm
Wednesday: 7:15am-3pm
Thursday: 7:15am-3pm
Friday: 7am-11am
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Woodlawn Dental
At Woodlawn Dental, you will find a respectful and reassuring atmosphere while being given the best care available, whether you are in for a cleaning, implants, extractions or emergency dental care. Serving patients in Birmingham, Crestwood and Gardendale, Dr. Benjamin Williams and his team focus on making patients comfortable while they receive long-lasting solutions to their dental problems. For those who can't see a dentist during regular hours, Woodlawn is one of the dentists open on Saturday in Birmingham, AL, and has a dedicated line to call in case of dental emergencies. To the team at Woodlawn Dental, a visit isn't just about cleaning and fixing your teeth; it's about changing your life and bringing a smile to your face.
Location: 100 57th St S, Birmingham, AL 35212
Phone Number: (205) 407-1097
Emergency Phone: (205) 719-4042
Website: https://www.woodlawndentistry.com/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 7:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-5pm
Thursday: 7:30am-12pm
Friday: 7:30am-5pm
Saturday: 7am-12pm
Sunday: Closed
Comfort Plus Family Dental
Dr. Sudha Gutti and the team at Comfort Plus Family Dental have been working hard for years to provide excellent care to patients in the Birmingham area. They offer services from standard check-ups to cosmetic surgery to emergency dental procedures, and are constantly striving to stay on the cutting edge of their field through frequent continued education. Beyond their professional impact, Dr. Gutti and her team work with programs that help them stay connected to the community. This shows the patient-centered attitude they uphold, as it has always been important for the team at Comfort Plus to maintain a welcoming environment and perform all procedures with as little discomfort as possible to the patient.
Location: 612 Red Lane Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone Number: (205) 833-5405
Website: http://www.comfortplusfamilydental.com/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Thursday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Saturday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Gooch Family Dental
The professionals at Gooch Family Dental make use of the latest in technology to bring you the best treatment available. Offering a wide variety of procedures from sleep apnea treatment to same-day crowns and emergency dental surgery, Dr. Burton Gooch and his team of DMDs and hygienists work diligently to give everyone in the Birmingham area top-notch dental care in a safe and welcoming environment.
Location: 6807 Tattersall Way, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone Number: 205-545-8001
Website: https://www.goochdental.com/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 7am-6pm
Tuesday: 7am-6pm
Wednesday: 7am-6pm
Thursday: 7am-6pm
Friday: 7am-4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Midfield Dental
For over 40 years, Midfield Dental's team of dentists have been providing the best in dental care to residents of Midfield and the greater Birmingham area. No matter what type of procedure you require, their friendly staff is prepared to treat you with the latest tech and the utmost respect and consideration. Emergency scheduling is available by calling Midfield's phone number, and any patient can come in during walk-in appointment hours to find the care they need at a time that is convenient. Most importantly, Midfield's staff tries their best to make patients of all ages feel welcome and taken care of every time they visit.
Location: 114 Brookwood Rd E, Birmingham, AL 35228
Phone Number: (205) 923-6828
Website: http://www.midfielddentalcenter.com/
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8am-7pm
Tuesday: 8am-7pm
Wednesday: 8am-7pm
Thursday: 8am-7pm
Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
UAB School of Dentistry
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's school of dentistry offers dental services of all kinds to patients in the city. There are several dental offices, including specialized clinics to provide you with the exact care that you need and the UAB emergency dental clinic for urgent out-of-hours treatment. Patients also have the chance to save on their care by visiting a clinic where students are trained. Even though they operate within a school, the focus of everyone in the clinic is always ensuring that everyone receives the best care available while feeling welcome and comfortable every time they come in.
Location: 1919 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone Number: (205) 934-3000
Website: https://www.uab.edu/dentistry
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
24 hour Emergency Dentist Referral Hotline
If you are unable to reach these dentists or they are unavailable for now, you can call a 24-hour dentist in Birmingham, AL on the number below and request an appointment. Whether you call on Saturday or Sunday, or even late at night, this service will help you connect with an emergency dental clinic in Birmingham, AL where you can find the treatment you require.
How to get ready for your emergency dental appointment
Whenever you schedule an emergency dentist visit, there are several important things to keep in mind. First and foremost you should ensure that you'll be able to pay for your treatment. Make sure you know what methods of payment are accepted at the office you have chosen, as well as whether or not they belong to your PPO network and will accept your insurance. You can also ask to know the price of the procedure you need, or simply view a generalized list of prices to have a better idea of what your treatment could cost. This is very important as some Birmingham dental clinics may require up-front payment before you are seen.
When visiting a new dentist for the first time there is usually some paperwork to fill out before you begin your appointment. This is used to give the dentist all the important info they need from your medical history so they can give you the best care possible. Therefore, it's a good idea to arrive early in order to fill out your forms before the time your appointment begins.
When at the clinic, don't hesitate to let the staff know about any medical conditions or allergies that you have which may affect your treatment or recovery. For those who experience dental anxiety, many dental clinics in Birmingham will offer sedation during your procedure if requested. In this case it is also a good idea to ask about the cost of sedation options before you are treated.
Common reasons for visiting an emergency dentist
While many dental problems can wait for treatment during normal hours, there are some cases in which you should see a professional as soon as possible. If your teeth or braces suddenly become damaged, it is best not to wait for care as you can suffer greater damage and reduce the probability of full recovery. Other conditions requiring urgent dental care may present themselves more gradually. These include increasingly severe tooth pain or headache, as well as drainage or bleeding from the gums.
Below we have provided a list of common conditions which require an emergency dentist appointment, as well as some tips to treat symptoms before your dentist visit. It is important to note that this list is not comprehensive and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you are currently experiencing any of these situations, the best course of action is to call one of the Birmingham emergency dentists listed above or the 24-hour hotline at 888-338-7275 and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Severe toothache
There are several causes for severe pain in your mouth. Most commonly, a piece of food or some other matter is lodged between your teeth and is causing irritation. Tempting as it may be, removing this with sharp or pointy objects can be dangerous. Your best course of action is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling in your gums and rinse your mouth out with salt water. Hopefully the object in your teeth will come free on its own, but if it doesn't you may want to see a dentist.
Another possible cause of mouth pain is tooth decay, or even an abscess. These often present themselves with additional symptoms such as swelling in the neck and jaw, unpleasant mouth odor, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold. In this case you should seek attention as quickly as possible, as these conditions will get worse and become more dangerous if they are left untreated.
Cracked or broken tooth
If one or multiple teeth have visible damage like cracks or chips, or have broken off completely, the first step to recovery is to find any pieces of tooth that have come loose and try to preserve them until you see a dentist. By keeping a dislodged tooth submerged in milk or even saliva, you keep the root alive and increase the chance that your tooth can be repaired.
Once you have collected all the pieces you can find, call to schedule an emergency dental appointment immediately. While you wait to see a dental clinic in Birmingham, AL you can reduce your pain by applying a cold compress on the affected area or with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are bleeding, you can firmly press a piece of gauze to the injury for ten to fifteen minutes, or until the bleeding stops.
Loose or missing crown or filling
If your crown has become noticeably loose or has fallen out, you will want to schedule an appointment to repair it quickly. Try to find the missing crown if you can, and keep it in good condition so that the dentist can put it back in place. If you have lost a filling, you will want to wash out your mouth to avoid biting on the loose material.
In both cases, when you have exposed nerve tissue it is important to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and you may even want to apply dental wax to protect the nerve until you see a dentist. Take over-the-counter pain medication to help with any pain you are having while you wait to see an emergency dentist.
Damaged braces
Although there is always a certain amount of pain and discomfort associated with braces, especially when they are recently installed or adjusted, there are some situations which require a visit to your dentist as soon as possible.
If your symptoms aren't very severe, it may be enough to call your orthodontist for over-the-counter solutions like waxes and gels to help with irritation. On the other hand, if your symptoms are severe or you see that you have a damaged bracket or loose wire, you will want the help of a professional. Trying to repair your braces on your own is dangerous and if you do further damage, you may have to pay for a brand new set. The best option is to seek help from a Birmingham emergency dental clinic as soon as you can.
Will I need a tooth extraction?
When treating someone with tooth damage or gum trauma, dentists will always prioritize saving and repairing their patients' natural teeth before seeking another solution. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the case that the tooth cannot be saved and an emergency extraction is required. This happens when significant damage has already occurred due to one of the following reasons:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Severe tooth decay or abscess
- Infection
- Soft tissue and gum trauma
- Impacted or crowded teeth
If you have a tooth extraction, recovery is usually short and will last only a few days. During this time, care for the extraction site is very important and you should pay close attention to any instructions you have received from your dental surgeon. If you aren't prescribed medication for pain, here are a few simple tips that you can use to reduce discomfort during your recovery:
- After surgery you should spend a whole day resting, ideally lying horizontally with your head slightly raised. It's ok to get up and move for a short time, but the less physical activity you do, the better.
- Use a cold compress applied near the extraction site to reduce pain and swelling, as well as over-the-counter pain medication in the case that you were not prescribed any.
- Do not smoke or use drinking straws during your recovery, as the suction created can tear stitches and lead to dry socket and ultimately infection. To avoid further damage it is best to wait until your tissue is completely healed.
- Avoid eating most solid foods for several days, favoring liquids or very soft solids to avoid irritating the extraction site. Be sure when you do eat solids to chew as far away as possible from the affected area.
Can't I just go to the emergency room?
Frequently people do go to the ER when they have a dental emergency, but hospital staff are not usually trained to handle dental procedures. In these situations, patients are often given pain medication and instructed to schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as they can. Therefore, the best option is to first try to find a dentist in Birmingham, AL for emergency care, only going to the hospital if you can't reach a dental clinic.
While ER doctors are capable of stabilizing patients in critical condition, Birmingham's emergency dentists are much better equipped to deal with emergency dental situations and provide long term solutions to their patients. Emergency dentists even organize their hours so as to be able to provide these services, so you can often get treatment just as fast as in the hospital.
Of course, there are some cases where the ER is your best option for immediate treatment. This may be if you have suffered a head injury and are unsure of your condition, or if you can't move your jaw and may have broken it. In situations such as these, it is best to go to the hospital and then contact a dentist once you are sure you aren't in critical danger.
Read more about what constitutes a dental emergency to help you evaluate your symptoms.
Emergency dentists in cities near Birmingham
If you can't find a convenient emergency dentist in Birmingham, you can schedule an appointment for urgent treatment at a clinic in one of these nearby cities:
- Emergency Dentists in Hoover, AL
- Emergency Dentists in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Emergency Dentists in Montgomery, AL
- Emergency Dentists in Florence, AL
Additional Suggestions
Remember, Dentaly.org offers this page as a tool to help you find the treatment you need as soon as possible, but not as a substitute for medical attention from a professional. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a dental emergency, contact one of the dental clinics listed above to schedule a visit.
If you're having trouble contacting a dentist, call 888-338-7275 to speak to a licensed professional in your area who can help you with your emergency.
If you want to confirm the licensing and credentials of your dentist before you visit, you can visit the websites of the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama or the Alabama State Board of Dentistry for all the information you require.
And if you don't think you have an emergency, but you'd like to consult with a certified dentist without leaving home, you may want to speak with a dentist online through a teledentistry appointment. Read more about dental appointments online in our full guide here.
In the case of some dental emergencies, it is important that you get medical attention immediately. Some dentists may be available for walk-in emergency treatment, but if you are experiencing severe dental pain and cannot be seen by an emergency dentist in Birmingham, you should call 911.