New data from the CDC and CareQuest Institute reveals that emergency department visits for dental conditions cost Americans $3.9 billion in 2022, representing a $500 million increase from 2019. The Foleck Center, serving the Hampton Roads region of Virginia with four convenient locations, provides same-day emergency dentist appointments as a cost-effective alternative to hospital emergency rooms for patients experiencing dental emergencies.
The average cost of an emergency room visit for dental conditions reached $2,437 in 2022, compared to $1,887 in 2019, marking a 29 percent increase according to CareQuest Institute data released in 2025. Nearly 1.6 million Americans visited emergency departments for dental conditions in 2022, with tooth disorders accounting for approximately 1.9 million emergency department visits annually, or 59.4 visits per 10,000 people, according to the CDC National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey published in June 2025.
The statistics reveal particularly concerning trends among younger populations. Emergency department visits for dental conditions among children aged 14 and under increased from 27.3 to 43.1 visits per 10,000 people between 2019 and 2022, representing a 58 percent increase. Adults ages 25-34 represent the largest percentage at 29.2 percent of emergency department visits for tooth disorders.
"Hospital emergency rooms typically can only provide temporary pain relief through medication and antibiotics, but they cannot perform the actual dental procedures needed to resolve the underlying problem," said Dr. Adam Foleck, DMD, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and founder of The Foleck Center. "When patients visit The Foleck Center emergency dentist instead of the emergency room, they receive comprehensive treatment that addresses the root cause of their dental emergency at a fraction of the cost, often the same day they call."
The Foleck Center offers same-day appointments for various dental emergencies including severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and knocked-out teeth. The practice utilizes advanced Biolase Waterlase laser technology and provides sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral sedation to ensure patient comfort during emergency procedures.
Medicaid was the most frequent primary payment source at 55.4 percent of dental emergency department visits, followed by private insurance at 19.3 percent, highlighting the need for accessible dental care options. The Foleck Center accepts most insurance plans and offers financing options to make emergency dental care accessible to Hampton Roads residents.
With locations in Norfolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach, The Foleck Center serves families throughout Southeast Virginia. The practice features an in-house dental laboratory that enables faster turnaround times for restorations and repairs, particularly beneficial for patients requiring immediate treatment.
The Foleck Center provides comprehensive dental services beyond emergency care, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, dental implants, and family dentistry. The practice has served the Hampton Roads and Tidewater Virginia region for decades, building a reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
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For more information about The Foleck Center, contact the company here:
The Foleck Center
Dr. Adam Foleck
757 863 3968
info@thefoleckcenter.com
201 College Pl Suite 111,
Norfolk, VA 23510