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Best Emergency Dentists in Durham, NC (2026)

62 clinics offering emergency dental care, rankedUpdated 0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for emergency dental care: Local Start Dental, ranked #1 of 62 by service score; ranked on access and profile data; Google ratings not yet collected.

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62 Durham clinics list emergency dental care and are ranked here by service score. 4 open Saturdays and 5 open after 6pm. Google ratings are on file for 4 of them.

Top 10 emergency care dentists in Durham at a glance

Top 10 emergency care dentists in Durham at a glance
RankClinicService scoreRating (reviews)
1Local Start Dental73—
2Smile Design73—
3Trophy Smiles of Durham73—
4CarolinasDentist715.0★ (169)
5Emergency Dentist Durham Always Open685.0★ (1)
6Dr. Mary Gaddis67—
7Kitt Creek Family Dentistry67—
8Lane & Associates Family Dentistry67—
9Lane & Associates Family Dentistry - Durham Miami Blvd67—
10Lashawn Hart67—

The 62 best emergency care dentists in Durham, ranked

Ordered by service score: the DR Score plus bonuses for a specialist on staff, reviews that mention the service and same-day care where it applies.

  1. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #2 for emergency dental care in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to Smile Design - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, where total patient comfort is our highest priority. Dr. Erfan Imeni and our team cater to our patients’ needs by offering a wide range of dentistry and state-of-the-art dental technology in a friendly and modern environment. When you visit our office, we will greet you with a smile and a complimentary beverage and invite you to enjoy our comfortable amenities, including Netflix and massage chairs.

    From Smile Design's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. 67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #8 for emergency dental care in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Lane & Associates Family Dentistry was founded 40 years ago and is a North Carolina born and bred company. Our founder, Dr. Don Lane, started the company in Fuquay-Varina, NC in 1980 and the company has since grown to over 40 locations and 60 doctors throughout NC! Our services include General and Family Dentistry with specialties such as Endodontics, Periodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign®, Sleep Apnea…

    From Lane & Associates Family Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. 67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #9 for emergency dental care in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Lane & Associates Family Dentistry was founded 40 years ago and is a North Carolina born and bred company. Our founder, Dr. Don Lane, started the company in Fuquay-Varina, NC in 1980 and the company has since grown to nearly 30 locations and 60 doctors throughout NC! Our services include General and Family Dentistry with specialties such as Endodontics, Periodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign®, Sleep Apnea…

    From Lane & Associates Family Dentistry - Durham Miami Blvd's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. #16 Research Triangle Dental - Durham Dentist

    2615 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703

    57/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #16 for emergency dental care in Durham: evening hours and Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 7 AM–7 PM · Fri–Sat 7 AM–5 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    We are committed to listening to your dental concerns, using state of the art diagnostic tools appropriate to your dental needs, advising you of what your options are, and providing the high quality dental care that you decide upon. We will always take care of you as we would our own family members. This dental practice philosophy has allowed us to provide dentistry to a growing number of satisfied people in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area for over 19 years!

    From Research Triangle Dental - Durham Dentist's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #17 Night & Day Dental

    3500 N Duke St, Durham, NC 27704, United States

    53/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #17 for emergency dental care in Durham: evening hours and Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–10 PM · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to Night & Day Dental, where we make it easy for you and your family to get the dental care you need at a time that's convenient for you. Our 6 locations provide safe, state-of-the-art, dental treatments for families in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Clayton and Charlotte NC. We have a large team of experienced dentists, hygienists and support professionals, as well as an in-house lab for onsite fabrication and repairs. We specialize in refreshing smiles through the use of…

    From Night & Day Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  6. #19 Dr. Kwame Gyampo

    632 Gary St, Durham, NC 27703, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #19 for emergency dental care in Durham: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue 8 AM–6 PM · Wed–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sat 8 AM–1 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Dr. Gyampo is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, and North Carolina Dental Society. Experiences over the years have solidified his passion for quality dental care delivered with a touch of kindness and gentleness. "I decided to be a dentist to bring quality and affordable healthcare to the less privileged. I've been blessed to do so all around the world and now I hope to earn the privilege of…

    From Dr. Kwame Gyampo's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  7. #20 Durham Dental Group

    202 W North Carolina 54 Ste 201, Durham, NC 27713, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #20 for emergency dental care in Durham: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–6 PM · Tue closed · Wed 8 AM–6 PM · Thu closed · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to Durham Dental Group! If you're looking for an authentic 5-star experience where all our patients are treated like family, call us at 919-322-3585. We love serving our community with compassionate care. You can trust us for a variety of services including family and emergency dentistry as well as cosmetic, implant and sedation dentistry. Our goal is to give you a confident smile in a relaxed atmosphere with modern technology. Durham Dental Group offers EVENING and…

    From Durham Dental Group's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  8. #21 Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Erika Graham, DDS

    103 Ganyard Farm Way, Durham, NC 27703

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #21 for emergency dental care in Durham: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–3 PM · Tue 10 AM–5 PM · Wed 11 AM–7 PM · Thu 10 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is led by your comprehensive dentist in Durham, NC: Dr. Erika Graham. We specialize in family dentistry as well as high-quality cosmetic dentistry. Visit our dentist in Durham, NC for affordable dental implants, Invisalign, TMJ treatment, periodontal disease treatment, and more. We are your comprehensive dentist office for all ages.

    From Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Erika Graham, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  9. #22 Durham General Dentist

    6104 Fayetteville Rd # 106, Durham, NC 27713, United States

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for emergency dental care in Durham: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 7 AM–5 PM · Thu 10 AM–7 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  10. #23 Park Place Dental of Durham

    245 NC-54 Ste 204, Durham, NC 27713, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #23 for emergency dental care in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Durham, Dentist, Park Place Dental, is an experienced general dental practice with a focus on providing excellent personalized care to patients from the Durham, NC area. We utilize modern technology and advanced techniques to ensure your treatment is efficient, effective, and comfortable. Dr. Mary Gaddis and our compassionate team are welcoming new patients to our convenient Durham dental office.

    From Park Place Dental of Durham's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  11. #24 Bull City Smiles

    2705 N Duke St #100, Durham, NC 27704

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for emergency dental care in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  12. #25 Friendly Dental Group of Durham

    6807 Fayetteville Rd #119, Durham, NC 27713

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for emergency dental care in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Friendly Dental Group of Durham is conveniently located in Durham, NC near surrounding areas; Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, and Cary. We have experienced dentists in Durham. Our dentist provides quality dental care for all general, pediatric, and preventive dental needs in Durham NC. Our Durham dental office is open 5 days a week. New patients and walk-ins are welcomed. Hablamos Espanol. We are in network and contracted with many dental insurances.

    From Friendly Dental Group of Durham's own description. Not part of the ranking.

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Emergency and weekend dentists in Durham

Clinics that list same-day or emergency care, or post Saturday, Sunday or after-6 PM hours. Severe swelling or bleeding: go to a hospital.

What is emergency dental care?

Emergency dental care treats urgent problems such as severe toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling, or bleeding that will not stop. The first goal is to relieve pain and control infection; full treatment may follow at a later visit.

Emergency dental care: specialist or general dentist?

Most dental emergencies are handled by general dentists who keep same-day or after-hours slots. You may be referred to an endodontist or oral surgeon afterward. Facial swelling with fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a jaw injury needs a hospital emergency department.

How much does emergency dental care cost in Durham?

Typical ranges in USD for Durham, NC. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.

How much does emergency dental care cost in Durham?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Emergency exam and x-ray$120–$310DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
After-hours or weekend visit$180–$490DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Emergency extraction$180–$490DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—

Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full emergency dental care cost guide for Durham

What to expect from emergency dental care

Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.

Emergency dental care: visits, chair time and recovery
FactTypically
Typical visits1 urgent visit; often a follow-up for definitive treatment
Chair timeAbout 30–90 minutes depending on the problem
RecoveryDepends on the treatment given; pain often eases within a day or two
When to see a specialistWhen the tooth needs a complex root canal or surgical extraction, or after facial trauma

How we ranked Durham emergency care dentists

We scored 62 Durham clinics offering emergency dental care on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. Data from Google listings and clinic websites, refreshed October 21, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured clinics are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

DR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Durham data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingMeasured
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsMeasured
Access15%Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patientsMeasured
Services10%Services offered out of 17Measured
Profile completeness5%Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photosMeasured

Emergency dental care in Durham: frequently asked questions

Who is the best emergency dental care dentist in Durham?

Local Start Dental ranks #1 of 62 Durham clinics offering emergency dental care by DentistsRanked service score. Smile Design ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data.

How much does emergency dental care cost in Durham, NC?

Emergency dental care in Durham typically costs $102–$510 USD. By type: emergency exam and x-ray $120–$310; after-hours or weekend visit $180–$490; emergency extraction $180–$490. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Is emergency dental care covered by insurance or Medicaid in North Carolina?

Many dental insurance plans cover emergency exams and palliative treatment, though the follow-up work is covered at its own rate. Medicaid often covers emergency dental care for adults even in states with limited adult benefits. Check your plan.

Does emergency dental treatment hurt?

The problem that brings you in usually hurts more than the treatment. Dentists typically numb the area with local anesthetic before any procedure. Some soreness afterward is common and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief, but follow your dentist's advice.

Which Durham emergency dental care dentists are open on Saturday?

4 of 62 Durham clinics offering emergency dental care list Saturday hours, including Research Triangle Dental - Durham Dentist, Night & Day Dental and Dr. Kwame Gyampo. Hours come from each clinic's listing; check with the clinic before you go, since holiday and summer hours can change.

How many dentists offer emergency dental care in Durham?

62 Durham clinics list emergency dental care in our data. 4 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 4 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Durham

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 172 clinics.