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What is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can be scary and painful, but our dental team at Pray Family Dentistry is here to help you feel calm and confident in receiving the quick, effective treatment you need includes conditions, accidents, and trauma that require immediate attention.

Among the most common dental emergencies our dentists see are:

  • Objects lodged between teeth
  • Severe tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Partially dislodged teeth
  • Injuries to the gums or lips
  • Broken or lost dental restorations
  • Trauma to the jaws, gums, or teeth

Our Emergency Dentistry Services Include:

Immediate Pain Relief: Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, dental trauma, or any other discomfort, our expert team is ready to provide quick relief and address the root cause of your pain.

Emergency Tooth Repair: For chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, our skilled dentists will assess the damage and recommend the best treatment to restore your smile and dental function.

Treatment for Dental Infections: Untreated dental infections can lead to serious health issues. We offer prompt diagnosis and effective treatments for infections like abscesses and gum disease to prevent further complications.

Emergency Extractions: When a tooth can’t be saved due to severe decay or trauma, we provide gentle and efficient extractions to alleviate pain and avoid future issues.

Meet Our Dentists

We're here because we love to help.

Dr. Matthew A. Pray

Dr. Matthew A. Pray graduated in 2008 with honors from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Pray worked in a private practice outside of St. Louis. Dr. Pray joined our practice in 2009 when he relocated to Anderson, with his wife Jenny to be closer to family.

Dr. Pray strives to provide quality comprehensive dental care in order to satisfy each patient’s individual dental needs. Dr. Pray continues to attend educational classes and seminars in order to stay on top of a continually changing profession and better serve his patients. He looks forward to building lasting relationships with patients as he works with each one to maintain a healthy mouth as a part of a healthy body.

Dr. Pray is a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson, where he is currently serving as past President and member of the board. He is a proud supporter of the Anderson Free Clinic, where he is also a volunteer. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jenny, and daughters Maggie, Cecilia and Alexandra. His hobbies include training for running races. Watch out for him on McDuffie Street!

Dr. Allyson Bauch Friedrich
Dr. Allyson Bauch Friedrich

Dr. Larissa A. DeLo

Dr. Larissa A. DeLo joined the practice in 2017 after relocating to the area from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She received her Bachelors degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University in 1993. She also completed a year long General Practice Residency at York Hospital in York, PA. She brings 26 year of experience to our practice.

Dr. DeLo is married to Dr. Jeffrey DeLo, a Hematologist/Oncologist at the Anmed Health Cancer Center. They have 4 children; Gabrielle, Julia, Lauren and James. When Dr. DeLo isn’t driving one of her kids to and from sporting activities, you can find her playing tennis, running or in her garden.

How We Help

Just about anything you need under one roof.

Restorative Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Root Canals
Dental Implants
Teeth Whitening
Nitrous Analgesia

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

Should I go to the ER or an emergency dentist?

Go to an emergency dentist for dental issues like pain, infection, or broken teeth. Visit the ER only for life-threatening injuries, severe bleeding, or trauma involving your jaw or face.

Can emergency dentistry relieve severe tooth pain?

Emergency dental care offers quick relief by addressing infections or injuries and preventing the condition from getting worse.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Handle the tooth carefully, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and visit an emergency dentist immediately.

How quickly should I see an emergency dentist?

Dental emergencies worsen quickly; same-day treatment is recommended to prevent pain and preserve teeth.