Wellesley Hills Dental
Hanna Q. Cao, DDS
Emergency Dentistry
Don't Let Tooth Pain Slow You Down!

Don't hesitate to contact Wellesley Hills Dental if you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency.

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Wellesley Emergency Dentist

Dr Cao showing a patient their dental x-raysDental emergencies arise unexpectedly, even for patients who are diligent about their dental care. Finding an emergency dentist in Wellesley Hills can feel stressful, especially if you’re experiencing tooth pain or another dental emergency. My team and I are here for you when you need us most.   

I make every effort to see emergency patients as soon as possible and provide same-day treatment whenever possible. If your tooth emergency occurs after our regular business hours, you’ll receive instructions over the phone on how to reach me so I can assess your situation.

Treatment Recommendations for Tooth Emergencies

Every case is unique, but some of the dental treatment procedures I may recommend for dental emergencies in Wellesley Hills are:
Knocked-Out Tooth
This situation requires immediate attention. The quicker I can provide treatment, the better my chances of saving your tooth.
Lost Restoration
If you break, damage, or lose a filling or crown, it can cause sensitivity and will need to be repaired or replaced to protect your tooth.
Broken Tooth
If your tooth is broken or chipped, it could cause discomfort, and it must be repaired to prevent further damage.
Toothaches
If you experience severe and constant dental pain, your tooth is likely infected and will need immediate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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At Wellesley Hills Dental, my team and I understand that dental emergencies can be both painful and frightening. Our practice is committed to providing prompt and compassionate care for a wide range of urgent dental situations. 

Understanding Dental Emergencies in Wellesley Hills

We handle several critical dental emergencies, including:
  • Severe Tooth Pain — Intense, persistent tooth pain can indicate serious issues like advanced decay, infection, or abscess. We provide immediate assessment and treatment to alleviate discomfort and address the underlying cause.
  • Knocked-Out Teeth — Time is crucial when a tooth has been dislodged. If you can safely preserve the tooth and reach our office quickly, we may be able to successfully save it. Try to put it back in its socket or store it in milk while traveling to our office. 
  • Broken or Fractured Teeth — Whether from trauma, accident, or unexpected damage, we can provide immediate care to prevent further complications. Depending on the severity, we may offer temporary or permanent solutions to restore your tooth.
  • Dental Infections and Abscesses — These serious conditions can lead to significant health risks if left untreated. We offer urgent care to drain infections, prescribe antibiotics, and prevent the spread of potentially serious complications.
  • Lost Dental Work — If a crown, filling, or other dental restoration falls out, we can quickly provide repair or replacement to protect your tooth and restore functionality.
  • Severe Soft Tissue Injuries — Significant cuts, tears, or trauma to the gums, cheeks, or tongue require immediate professional attention to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
We strive to see patients as quickly as possible during dental emergencies—often on the same day. If you're experiencing a severe dental issue outside our regular office hours, please call us at (781) 237-6511 for guidance.

Treatment Recommendations for Tooth Emergencies

man holding his jaw from tooth pain during a dental emergency

Every case is unique, but some of the dental treatment procedures I may recommend for dental emergencies in Wellesley Hills are:

  • Tooth-colored fillings — Dental fillings are excellent for eliminating minor areas of tooth decay that could cause discomfort or sensitivity.
  • Porcelain crowns or veneers — Crowns and veneers cover damaged teeth, restoring their form and function.
  • Dental implants — An excellent option for a tooth needing replacement because they restore your tooth and root.
  • Root canal treatment — Eliminates a tooth infection, stops pain and discomfort, and preserves the natural tooth structure.
  • Tooth extraction — Removing a tooth is a last resort I only recommend when we’ve exhausted all other options. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to extract an unsalvageable tooth to protect your dental health and overall well-being.

 

  • Dr. Hanna Cao

    Dr. Hanna Cao brings a rich heritage and unique perspective to Wellesley Hills Dental as a second-generation dentist. Her journey in dentistry began even before dental school, where she worked as a dental lab technician - an experience that cultivated her exceptional hand skills, meticulous attention to detail, and deep understanding of crafting teeth that are both beautiful and functional.
     
    After earning her BA in Psychology from Brandeis University, Dr. Cao pursued her DDS degree at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2012. Her outstanding performance in general dentistry ...
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Blogs

A man holding jaw from tooth pain in Wellesley Hills, MA
June 24, 2025

What Counts as a Dental Emergency? When to Call Your Dentist

You wake up with an excruciating toothache that was only dull sensitivity the day before. This is the most common dental emergency, which may indicate a deep tooth infection or advanced decay.

Call your emergency dentist immediately if you notice or experience the following:

  • Toothache or increasing sensitivity
  • Jaw or face swelling
  • Oral injury

Toothaches accompanied by swelling may indicate an abscess and require prompt intervention. Without emergency care, symptoms can worsen, infection can spread, and you may lose your tooth!

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency in Wellesley is any oral health situation ...
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You Can Prevent Dental Emergencies

Committing to a consistent home care routine of daily brushing and flossing is one way to protect your smile from gum disease or tooth decay, contributing to dental emergencies.

Another great way to protect your smile is to visit our Wellesley Hills dental office every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups. I’ll screen you for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease and check the health of your current restorations to help you avoid uncomfortable emergencies.

Contact us at (781) 237-6511 if you or a loved one need prompt emergency dental care in Wellesley Hills, MA.

Testimonial

As a bonus she's also very welcoming, pleasant, and friendly (as is the rest of her office staff).

In my several years of going to Dr. Cao I have been impressed with her state of the art professional skills, but as a bonus she's also very welcoming, pleasant, and friendly (as is the rest of her office staff). Last weekend a piece of one of my molars broke off and she was able to squeeze me in first thing Monday morning to repair it well enough to get me through the holidays. I'm scheduled to return for a more permanent fix in early January and I'm confident she'll do her usual great job.

-David
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Solutions for Tooth Pain and Dental Emergencies

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