What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral issue that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding or save a tooth. This includes severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, infections and injuries to the mouth or jaw.

What emergency dental services does Aspen Dental offer?

Our providers can perform extractions, root canals, denture repairs, crown placements and other urgent treatments. We prioritize same-day care whenever possible.

Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?

Yes. A broken tooth can expose the inner pulp, causing pain or exposing sharp edges that injure your mouth. Quick treatment reduces complications and restores your tooth fast.

Do dental emergencies require oral surgery?

Not always. Some emergencies can be resolved with a filling, crown or antibiotics. If surgery is needed, such as a complex extraction, your provider will review what’s recommended in your care plan.

Will dental insurance cover dental emergencies?

Most insurance covers at least part of emergency care. At Aspen Dental, we accept most insurance plans but do not accept Medicaid. Before treatment, we’ll check your benefits, explain coverage and provide a written estimate for you to review.

How much does emergency dental care cost?

Costs vary depending on the procedure. Insurance usually covers part of the cost. Aspen Dental also provides 3rd-party financing and the Aspen Dental Savings Plan¹ for patients without insurance. ¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.

Should I go to the emergency room?

Most emergency rooms (E.R.) are not equipped for dental procedures. Go to the E.R. only if swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or if you have a high fever with infection. Otherwise, call Aspen Dental for urgent dental care.

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Opens at 9:00 AM Monday

Emergency Dental Services in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay

Name: Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay
Rating: 4.2

3737 Merle Hay Rd STE 300 Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 418-9848

Hours

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4.2

Featured Reviews

I had a genuinely great experience at Aspen Dental and was pleasantly surprised by how thorough and professional the entire team was. Kara, Dr. Fatal, James, and Da-Eman — along with several other wonderful staff members — were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, offered thoughtful recommendations, and never once made me feel pressured. I appreciated having multiple treatment and financing options presented in a straightforward, respectful way, which made the whole process feel manageable and empowering. From start to finish, the care felt personalized, honest, and patient-centered. I highly recommend this Aspen Dental location to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate dental team.

Dentist is not favorite place to go but DA-Eman and her good vibe and good sense of humor help made my visit be more pleasant i definitely recommend asking for her to be the one be helping your visit

Eman was so friendly and professional! I had a great experience with her ❤️

Emergency dental costs at Aspen Dental in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay

$29 new patient exam and X-rays¹ for patients without insurance. Don’t let cost be the barrier from getting the emergency care you need today. Whether it’s a severe toothache, cracked tooth, or sudden swelling, relief is here with Aspen Dental. We know dental emergencies strike when life already feels difficult, so our patient-first approach centers around your smile. That’s why our providers offer same-day and next-day appointments to ensure you don’t have to wait in pain. From the moment you reach out, our team focuses on keeping you comfortable, easing the situation and getting you urgent relief as quickly as possible.

¹Available in select offices. For new patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 21 or older to receive $29 exam and X-rays, a minimum $80 value. Minimum savings is based on a comprehensive exam and full X-ray series; the value of the savings will vary based on doctor recommendation. Additional fees may be incurred in individual cases. Offer expires 12/31/25.

Dealing with a dental emergency in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay? Here’s how we can help.

Emergency dental services we offer in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay

A dental emergency can happen at any time, so knowing where you can go in a pinch matters. Our leading team of providers in Des Moines offer same-day visits to make sure you can be seen as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing an emergency, please don’t wait. Instead, review what you need to know based on your emergency then walk in or call ahead to be seen as soon as possible.

Temporary or permanent crowns

Restore a damaged tooth.

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Treatment for infections or abscesses

Minimize and treat tooth pain.

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Root canals

Treat an infected tooth root.

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Tooth extractions for damaged or infected teeth

Gently remove an unrepairable tooth.

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Denture repairs and replacements

Restore missing teeth.

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Cosmetic dentistry

Transform the look of your smile.

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Why choose Aspen Dental for your dental emergency in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay?

Same-day appointments

With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.

Made affordable for you

We offer treatments tailored to your unique needs and budget.

Most insurance accepted

Explore dental insurance plans we accept. We do not accept Medicaid.

Care for broken, chipped, cracked or missing teeth

Save your tooth

For damaged or cracked teeth that need immediate care, we can help fix your smile—by bonding your tooth or creating a custom crown to restore it like new.

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Provide gentle extractions

In the case of a tooth not repairable, we’ll help you feel confident again with our care and a leading tooth replacement option that fits your needs.

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Customize a long-term care plan

For long-term solutions to replace missing teeth, we’ll discuss your implant options or denture options to see what’s right for you.

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Schedule your emergency dental care appointment

When pain strikes, you need immediate relief—that’s where we can help. When you visit Aspen Dental in Des Moines, your provider will focus on addressing the emergency first to get you comfortable as soon as possible. If additional treatment is needed, we’ll make a transparent care plan and discuss next steps based on your schedule. Whether it affects a single tooth or a new issue with your dentures, our priority is your comfort. Schedule today

Emergency dental services in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay FAQs

Explore frequently asked questions about urgent dental services.

You’ll be evaluated by one of our leading providers who will: assess your symptoms, address any concerns or questions, take X-rays or scans as needed, explain your treatment options. First, we’ll focus on treating any urgent issues that will offer you fast relief and prevent the issue from worsening. Then, if any additional treatment is recommended, we’ll go over your options and schedule a follow-up.