We offer same-day emergency care in Lincoln at our 40th St. and Normal Blvd locations.

Couple smiling at Tierra Briarhurst Park in Lincoln, NE

We Can Help Get You Out of Pain, Fast!

Emergency Dentist Lincoln

Patient in treatment chair for dental emergency care in Lincoln, NE

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Don't spend another minute wondering if your dental problem will get worse. It probably won't improve on its own!

The sooner you call, the sooner we can help relieve your discomfort and protect your smile. We see new and existing patients at our 40th St. dental office and Normal Blvd. dental office. Our team will do everything possible to see you quickly and get you the relief you need.

Gentle Care for Anxious Patients

Dental emergencies are stressful enough. That's why we focus on making your visit as comfortable as possible with compassionate care, clear communication, nitrous oxide sedation, massage chairs, and Netflix during treatment.

If you're in pain or worried about a dental problem, don't wait. Call Antelope Creek Family Dentistry now or request an emergency appointment online for fast relief and peace of mind.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you experience a dental emergency, follow these steps:

1. Assess the Situation

If there is severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, a suspected broken jaw, head trauma, or other serious injuries, seek immediate medical attention or visit the nearest emergency room.

2. Control Bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if bleeding is present.

3. Reduce Swelling

Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time.

4. Protect the Affected Tooth

If a tooth is broken, cracked, or knocked out, save any pieces and bring them to your appointment.

5. Rinse Gently

Use warm water to clean the area and remove debris.

6. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side

This can help prevent additional pain or damage.

7. Contact Us Immediately

The sooner you receive treatment, the better the outcome for many dental emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dental emergency is any oral health complication that causes pain or puts your teeth and gums at immediate risk.

This is a broad definition because there are many potential dental emergencies to consider.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat in Lincoln

The goal of dental emergency treatment is to relieve your symptoms and restore your smile to health.

However, you can lower your risks for most dental emergencies through regular dental care—visiting the dentist in Lincoln, NE every six months. You should also practice a daily oral hygiene routine that includes twice daily brushing and once daily flossing. Of course, it is best to do these things after every meal.

Also, be proactive when competing in sports by wearing a fitted mouthguard. A fitted mouthguard helps prevent many sports-related injuries.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Lincoln, NE

If you have a toothache or other dental emergency, contact Antelope Creek Family Dentistry to speak with compassionate dental team member as soon as possible for guidance. We welcome new and existing patients for same-day emergency appointments!

Antelope Creek Family Dentistry offers new and existing patients same-day emergency dentistry for dental injuries and infections.

Our highly skilled and knowledgeable Lincoln emergency dentists can help you with just about any tooth emergency you may experience, including:

Broken and fractured teeth
Cracked teeth
Knocked-out teeth
Severe tooth pain or pressure
Tooth sensitivity
Abscessed tooth
Loose or lost fillings
Lost restorations or broken dental crowns
Worn dental enamel from bruxism

Our experienced dental team can alleviate your pain, treat your problem, and prevent recurring discomfort. We also offer cosmetic and restorative services, such as veneers, crowns, dental implants, and more, to improve the function and appearance of your teeth.

Call Us for Urgent Dental Care in Lincoln, NE

At Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, you can expect the highest level of care with a personal, small-town touch. Our dental offices are equipped with the latest dental technologies and comforts so you can receive the exceptional and prompt care you need.

Do you have tooth pain or swelling? Please don’t wait to get treatment and give us a call today! All new and existing patients are welcome to call or visit any of our two dental offices on Normal Blvd, and 40th St. in Lincoln, NE.

Some dental emergencies can start with something that seemed small at first: a little sensitivity, a tiny chip, a filling that feels “off.”

The tricky part is this: teeth do not heal the way skin does. Once a tooth is cracked, decayed, or infected, it won’t repair itself, and time usually allows the problem to grow.

Many dental problems get worse in stages. A cavity, for example, may start in the enamel and cause no symptoms at all. But once it reaches the dentin (the softer layer underneath), it spreads faster. If it reaches the nerve, you may suddenly have intense pain, swelling, and a much more urgent treatment plan.

General Timing Guidelines

While every case is different, here’s a helpful rule of thumb:

Same day or within 24 hours — Swelling, severe pain, trauma, bleeding, fever, or signs of infection
Within a few days — Broken tooth, lost filling, cracked filling, or moderate pain
Within 1–2 weeks — Small chip, mild sensitivity, or early cavity caught at a checkup

Call Us for Emergency Dental Care in Lincoln, NE

If you’re asking yourself, “Could this turn into an emergency?” there’s a good chance it could. The safest move is to call your Lincoln dentist as soon as possible. You can reach us at our Normal Blvd. dental office or our 40th St. dental office.

Signs You Need Dental Care within 24 Hours

If you notice any of the following, it’s best to call right away:

Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw — Swelling can mean infection, and infections can spread quickly.
Moderate to severe tooth pain that doesn’t improve — Pain that keeps building is often a sign the nerve is irritated or infected.
Pain when biting or chewing — This can indicate a cracked tooth, an abscess, or deep decay.
Pus, a pimple on the gums, or a bad taste — These are classic signs of an abscess (infection).
Fever, fatigue, or feeling sick along with tooth pain — This can mean the infection is affecting your overall health.
A knocked-out tooth or tooth that has shifted — Dental trauma is time-sensitive. Quick care can sometimes save the tooth.

Signs You Can Usually Be Seen within a Week

These issues are still important, but they’re less likely to become dangerous overnight:

A small chip with no pain
A lost filling with mild sensitivity
Mild sensitivity to cold or sweets
A dull ache that comes and goes
Food trapping between teeth

When in Doubt, Call Your Lincoln Emergency Dentist

Your emergency dentist in Lincoln can help you decide whether you should come in immediately or schedule a standard visit.

Call us today!

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

When you're in pain, the last thing you need is a long wait or added stress. Our emergency dentists provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental care to relieve discomfort, calm anxiety, and get your oral health back on track.

We treat a wide range of dental emergencies, including:

Severe Toothaches and Pressure

Persistent tooth pain can make it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus. Whether the cause is an infection, abscess, damaged tooth, or impacted wisdom tooth, we'll identify the problem and provide fast relief.

Broken, Cracked, or Fractured Teeth

A damaged tooth can be painful and may worsen without treatment. Our team can restore your tooth, relieve discomfort, and help prevent further damage or infection.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Time matters when a tooth is knocked out. Call us immediately for guidance and emergency treatment. The sooner you're seen, the better the chance of saving your natural tooth.

Abscessed Teeth and Swelling

Dental infections can quickly become serious. If you're experiencing severe pain, swelling, or tenderness, we'll provide urgent care to relieve symptoms and address the source of the infection.

Lost Fillings, Crowns, and Restorations

A missing filling or damaged crown can expose sensitive areas of your tooth and lead to discomfort. We can repair or replace many restorations quickly to protect your smile and relieve pain.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sudden or severe sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may signal an underlying dental problem. We'll determine the cause and recommend the right treatment to restore your comfort.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Pain

Chronic grinding and clenching can lead to jaw pain, headaches, tooth wear, and sensitivity. We offer customized solutions to protect your teeth and reduce discomfort.

*Not sure if it's a dental emergency or a medical emergency? If your injury involves significant trauma to the face, jaw, or head, seek medical care first. For tooth pain, damaged teeth, lost restorations, swelling, or dental infections, call our dental office for prompt emergency treatment.

Meet our Doctors:

dentists at Antelope Creek Dental in Lincoln NE

Antelope Creek Dental Team

Dr. Lou Hedlund, Dr. Joshua Svoboda, and Dr. Robert Kirkland are our highly experienced and skilled dentists at Antelope Creek Family Dentistry.

Dr. Lou Hedlund is one of the founding partners of Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, which opened in 1995. Originally from Aurora, Nebraska, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. Prior to forming ACFD, Dr. Hedlund was on the faculty of the UNMC College of Dentistry and in private ...

Emergency Dentistry without the Stress

A dental emergency is stressful enough, so you shouldn't have to face dental anxiety, too. At Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, we combine emergency dental care with comfort-focused amenities to help you relax throughout your visit.

Our Comfort Amenities for Anxious Patients

We offer several features to make your emergency appointment more comfortable, including:

Massage chairs to help reduce tension and promote relaxation
Netflix streaming to provide a welcome distraction during treatment
Nitrous oxide sedation to ease anxiety and help you stay calm

Gentle Care When You Need It Most

Have a toothache, a broken tooth, a dental injury, or another urgent issue? We provide:

Fast, compassionate emergency treatment
Clear explanations of your options
A judgment-free environment
Gentle care tailored to your comfort level

Many patients avoid treatment because of dental fear, but delaying care can often make the problem worse. Our goal is to relieve your pain, address the issue quickly, and help you feel comfortable and at ease throughout every step of treatment and recovery.

I would recommend anyone here

I had an accident and broke my two front teeth. Luckily antelope creek helped fix them for me. I rate the pain I went through a 5/10, but overall great experience. I would recommend anyone here.

- Mostafa AB

See More Testimonials

Don't Wait for Pain to Get Worse — Call Us Now!

No one plans for a dental emergency, but when one happens, you don't have to face it alone. At Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, our experienced Lincoln dentists are here to provide fast relief, compassionate care, and clear answers when you need them most. We'll identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most effective treatment to get you out of pain and help prevent it from coming back.

New and existing patients are welcome to visit or call any of our dental offices conveniently located on 40th St., and Normal Blvd in Lincoln, NE. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact your nearest Antelope Creek Family Dentistry location ASAP!

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Toothache or Broken Crown? Call Us Now!

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