Same-Day Relief From a Trusted Emergency Dentist in West Little Rock
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Whether it is a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or a lost filling, you need clear guidance and a team you can trust to help you feel better quickly.
At Rainwater Drake Dental, we set aside time each day for same-day care. Our team in West Little Rock is ready to assess the problem, explain your options, and get you out of pain as soon as possible.
If you aren’t sure what to do next, call (501) 224-5511. We’ll walk you through how to protect your tooth and get you scheduled right away. You don’t have to manage this on your own.
Why West Little Rock Families Choose Rainwater Drake for Urgent Dental Care
When you’re in pain, you need more than a quick appointment. You need a team that listens, explains clearly, and helps you feel back in control.
Our caring team will guide you through each step of care. With over 65 years of combined experience and advanced diagnostic technology, including Cone Beam CT and 3D imaging, our doctors can quickly identify what is happening and explain your options in a way that makes sense.
For patients who feel anxious during their dental emergency \we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you stay calm and comfortable throughout your visit.
We understand that cost is often a concern. We accept major insurance plans, offer CareCredit financing, and review all costs with you upfront so you can make informed decisions without added stress.
"Brought my entire family here — kids and all. Dr. Scott is amazing with our children. He makes them feel safe and actually look forward to their appointments. That's worth everything to a parent."
"I had a dental emergency on a Friday and they got me in same morning. The staff was calm, the doctor was thorough, and they fixed the problem right away. I can't thank them enough for taking such good care of me."
"My veneers turned out beyond my expectations. Dr. Drake has an incredible eye for aesthetics. Everyone comments on my smile now. The practice is beautiful, the staff is exceptional, and the whole experience felt luxurious."
Do You Have a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental concern requires immediate attention, but some do. If any of the following situations sound familiar, call us right away.
- Severe or persistent tooth pain, especially pain that wakes you up or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter relief
- A knocked-out tooth. The sooner you call, the better the chance we can save it
- A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth with pain, sharp edges, or visible damage near the gumline
- A lost crown or filling, leaving the tooth underneath exposed and vulnerable
- Swelling, pus, or signs of a dental abscess. Infections can spread quickly and should never be ignored
- Any dental injury from an accident, a fall, or an impact to the mouth or jaw
- A loose or partially dislodged adult tooth
Not sure if your situation would qualify as a dental emergency? No problem, give us a call. We’ll let you know if you need to come in and be seen.
What to Do for Common Dental Emergencies
If you are dealing with any of the below situations, here are a few quick steps to protect your tooth before you arrive:
- Knocked-out tooth: Hold it by the crown, rinse gently, and keep it in milk or inside your cheek. Call immediately. Timing matters.
- Severe toothache: Rinse with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Avoid placing anything directly on the gums.
- Broken or chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth and bring any pieces with you. Avoid chewing on that side.
- Lost crown or filling: Keep the area clean and avoid sticky or hard foods until we can see you.
- Swelling or abscess: This can be serious. Call us right away so we can evaluate and treat the infection.
What Happens When You Come In for Emergency Care
Step 1
Evaluation and Imaging
We examine your teeth, gums, and jaw using digital X-rays or Cone Beam CT when needed to get a clear, accurate picture.
Step 2
Clear Explanation of the Problem
We walk you through what we see, explain your options in plain language, and answer any questions before moving forward.
Step 3
Immediate Treatment to Relieve Pain
Whenever possible, we treat the issue the same day, whether that means repairing a tooth, addressing an infection, or stabilizing the area.
Step 4
Plan for Long-Term Care
If additional treatment is needed, we outline the next steps, timeline, and costs clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 5
Comfort Throughout Your Visit
If you are feeling anxious or uncomfortable, nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available to help you stay relaxed.
Do you need same-day dental care in West Little Rock?
Our team is ready to help relieve your pain and protect your smile.
Text us to request new patient forms
Who We See for Urgent Dental Care
We welcome patients of all ages, and you don’t need to be an existing patient to come in for a dental emergency.
- Existing patients: We will prioritize getting you in as quickly as possible
- New patients in pain: A dental emergency is a completely appropriate reason to meet our team, and many of our long-term patients first came to us this way
- Families with children: Dental injuries and toothaches are treated with the same calm and gentle approach we use for every patient
- Adults with dental anxiety: Sedation options are available to make urgent care more manageable and comfortable
- Patients without insurance: We accept major insurance plans, offer CareCredit financing, and will explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision
Meet Our Emergency Dental Team
Dr. David Rainwater, DDS
General Dentist, Partner
Dr. Rainwater is a Little Rock native and earned his DDS with honors from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, gaining experience in complex and comprehensive care. He’s known for his calm, thorough approach and focus on making every visit comfortable.
ADA Member AGD Member Implant Specialist Arrowhead Trained
Dr. Michael Drake, DDS
General Dentist, Partner
Dr. Drake, a Little Rock native, earned his DDS from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. He’s committed to ongoing education and staying current with the latest techniques and technology. His goal is to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for life through thoughtful, patient-focused care.
ADA Member Invisalign® Certified Cosmetic Expert AGD Member
Dr. Sukhmani Scott, DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Scott earned her DMD from the Dental College of Georgia and completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency at UAB, where she trained in complex care. She also has advanced training in facial esthetics, including Botox for TMJ and myofascial pain. She’s known for her calm, attentive approach and for helping patients feel at ease.
ADA Member AGD Member Family Dentistry Preventive Care
Frequently Asked Questions About Urgent Dental Care
What would be considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, trauma to the teeth or mouth, signs of infection such as swelling, fever, or a pimple on the gums, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain or sensitivity. When you are unsure, just call us. We are happy to help you figure out whether you need to come in right away.
Can I go to the ER for tooth pain?
An emergency room can address severe infections or injuries that affect your airway, but most ERs are not set up to treat the underlying dental problem. They may offer antibiotics or pain medication as a temporary measure, but you will still need to see a dentist. Calling our office directly gets you faster, more targeted relief.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We offer same-day appointments for urgent dental care. Call (501) 224-5511 as early in the day as possible to reach our team and secure the first available time.
What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing, and keep it moist in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum. Then call us immediately. A tooth reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes has the best chance of being saved.
Is a cracked tooth always a dental emergency?
It depends on the crack. A small chip with no pain may be able to wait for a scheduled visit. A crack that reaches the gumline, causes sharp pain when biting, or involves significant tooth loss should be looked at the same day. When in doubt, call us and describe what you are experiencing.
How much does urgent dental care cost in Little Rock?
Cost varies based on the treatment needed. A simple repair looks very different from an extraction or crown. We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Aetna, and offer CareCredit financing for cases where insurance does not cover the full amount. We will always explain your options and out-of-pocket costs clearly before starting any treatment.
Do I need to be an existing patient to be seen for an emergency?
Not at all. We welcome new patients experiencing dental emergencies. A dental crisis is often how people find their long-term dental home, and we would be honored to be yours.
What if I am nervous about emergency dental visits?
We understand that dental anxiety is real, and it is often worse when pain is already involved. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you relax, and our entire team is trained to work with anxious patients. From the moment you walk through the door, you will be treated with patience and care.
Get the Urgent Dental Care You Need Today
When something goes wrong with your teeth, Rainwater Drake Dental is the team West Little Rock families trust. With over 65 years of combined experience, advanced diagnostic imaging, and sedation options for anxious patients, we are equipped to handle your dental emergency with skill and compassion. And we will treat you like family from your very first visit.
- Prompt scheduling for urgent and same-day dental needs
- Cone Beam CT, digital X-rays, and intraoral cameras for fast, accurate diagnosis
- Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available for anxious or pain-sensitive patients
- ADA and AGD members with advanced restorative training
- Accepting Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Aetna, with CareCredit financing available
- Located at Sam Peck & Cantrell Road, convenient to all of West Little Rock and near Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center
Don’t spend another hour in pain, wondering what to do next. Call our West Little Rock office, and we will get you in the same day.
Text us to request new patient forms