Why Choose Dallas Esthetics for Emergency Dental Care?

• Same-Day Emergency Appointments
• Calming Dental Sedation Offered
• Dental Insurance Welcome & Flexible Financing Available

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

• Call our office right away. The sooner you contact us, the better we chance we have of saving your smile. Over the phone, we’ll provide you with first-aid instructions to manage your situation in the meantime.
• Have an emergency exam. When you get to our office, we’ll thoroughly assess your condition and take X-rays as needed. Once we’ve identified the root cause of your problem, we’ll create a custom treatment plan to get your smile back on the right track.
• Get the care you need. During your visit, we may be able to temporarily relieve your pain. Additional treatment might be needed to fully address the situation. Some common services for dental emergencies include fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy, and gum disease treatment.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

There are several different kinds of dental emergencies, but they tend to fall into one of two categories: those caused by an infection and those caused by physical injuries or accidents. Fortunately, we can help with both. In the meantime, here’s what to do in some common dental scenarios.

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency?

There are several different reasons why you could be experiencing tooth pain. It could be something relatively minor or a more serious issue that needs immediate attention. If you have tooth pain that is sharp, throbbing, or you have a pimple-like bump on your gum tissue, you should call us to schedule an appointment ASAP.

How you should handle a toothache:

First, rinse your mouth out with water. By swishing around with salt water, you can disinfect the area and reduce swelling. Floss around the tooth as well just in case something is stuck. Until you come to the dental office, an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or cold compress can help to reduce your discomfort.

How we treat toothaches:

To treat your tooth, we need to examine your smile to determine the underlying cause of your pain. A lot of the time, a filling or dental crown does the trick. In other situations, a root canal, gum disease therapy, or an extraction is necessary. During your visit with us, we will put together a plan that’s right for you.

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

Most of the time, a chipped tooth is not a dental emergency, but you should still seek attention within the next few days. You could experience additional damage if you don’t have the issues addressed promptly.

How you should handle a chipped tooth:

Rinse your mouth with water and collect larger pieces of your teeth if you are able. Until you see us, you should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the chip. For teeth that are sharp or jagged, use dental wax to cover the area. This way, you won’t accidentally cut your lip or cheek.

How we treat chipped teeth:

For minor chips, dental bonding may be the solution. This can be completed in a single appointment. If you have a larger chip or it is on a very visible tooth, you may want to opt for a veneer or dental crown.

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

In addition to being very painful, cracking a tooth can leave your smile vulnerable to bacteria. This can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. It can be difficult to see cracks in your teeth, but if you notice increased sensitivity or pain, this could be a sign.

How you should handle a cracked tooth:

Rinse your mouth out with water to keep the area clean and give us a call to let us know what’s going on. If you notice swelling or are experiencing pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever and cold compress can help.

How we treat cracked teeth:

This all depends on the severity of the damage. For smaller cracks, dental bonding may be used to repair them. However, if you have a deeper, more severe crack, you may need a dental crown or even an extraction.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Do you feel an uncomfortable surge of pain when drinking a hot cup of coffee or eating a cold scoop of ice cream? Since dental sensitivity could be the result of an underlying oral health problem, like a cavity, we recommend calling our team, explaining your symptoms over the phone, and visiting our office within the week.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth

Naturally, one of the best things you can do is steer clear of hot beverages, cold foods, and the like. You may also find it helpful to use a desensitizing toothpaste until your visit to our Dallas dental office.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth

First, we need to pinpoint the root of the problem. If your teeth are naturally prone to sensitivity, then we may recommend making a few tweaks to your at-home oral hygiene regimen, like using a prescription mouthwash. Of course, if the sensitivity is the result of gum disease or a large cavity, then we will need to intervene with the appropriate restorative care right away.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Yes, a knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency! In fact, it’s a dental emergency where you need to act fast; for the highest likelihood of saving your tooth, our Dallas dentist needs to see you within 60 minutes of the incident.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Priority number one is locating the tooth. If you can’t find it, don’t worry – the tooth can be replaced. If you can find it, however, then pick it up by the crown, avoiding the root altogether. From there, you can attempt to reinsert the tooth in its socket, but only if it slides into place without any force. You can also store it safely in a cup of milk or saliva.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth

Although everyone’s dental needs are unique, our goal across the board is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible. If the tooth that was knocked-out is in good shape, then we will make every effort to secure it back in place so it can heal with time. If that’s no longer an option, then we can fill the gap in your smile with a dental bridge or implant. We can also provide you with a sportsguard if your tooth was knocked out during a sports accident!

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

Yes, it is! We need to replace the missing restoration before your tooth develops an infection or is damaged further, so don’t wait to get in touch with our Dallas dental team.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

For both lost fillings and lost dental crowns, you should not chew on that side of your mouth until we have the chance to restore the strength of your tooth. We also recommend rinsing periodically with lukewarm water to keep the area clear of bacteria and other debris. Note: if you’ve lost a dental crown, do your best to find it, store it safely, and bring it with you to your appointment.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns

For patients with a lost dental crown, we have two options: recementing the dental crown back in place or having a replacement made. As for those with a lost dental filling, we can easily provide you with a new one that will seamlessly restore the missing structure of your tooth.

Broken Denture

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

Yes, broken dentures are a dental emergency! So, even if you aren’t in pain, schedule an appointment with our Dallas emergency dentist as soon as you can.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture

First, do not wear your broken dentures. Second, store any pieces of your restoration in a clean container or bag for safekeeping and bring them with you to your appointment.

How We Treat Broken Dentures

There are some cases where we can repair your dentures at our office. However, if the damage is more severe, then this likely isn’t an option. If that’s the case, then we will explore your other options, like replacing your traditional dentures or upgrading them with dental implants.

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Yes – and we recommend acting fast! Call our Dallas dental team right away so we can restore the look, function, and health of your smile ASAP.

How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth

There are only a few things you can do from home, including scheduling an appointment with us, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with clean water, taking an OTC pain reliever (if needed), and not touching the tooth with your tongue or finger.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth

If the tooth is just slightly loose, there is a good chance that we can save it. Unfortunately, however, that’s not always an option. At this point, we will need to remove it and discuss your tooth-replacement options, like a dental implant or dental bridge.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?

Usually, the answer is “no.” Although soft tissue injuries can produce a lot of blood (which can certainly be alarming), you can typically handle cuts to your tongue, lips, and gums at home.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

To get a better idea of how large the cut is, we recommend rinsing it thoroughly with clean water. Then use some gauze or a damp washcloth to apply pressure to the wound. Once the bleeding stops, grab a cold compress and place it against the area to minimize swelling.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Typically, the bleeding stops within 10 minutes, meaning that you don’t need to visit our Dallas emergency dentist for treatment. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, then you should go to the ER.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?

Not always. With that being said, we do recommend giving us a call if your jaw pain has persisted for more than 24 hours. That way, we can determine if chronic teeth grinding, impacted wisdom teeth, or TMJ dysfunction is the source.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain

As we mentioned above, calling our office is an important first step. Additionally, we recommend using a towel-wrapped icepack to alleviate inflammation as well as discomfort. Many patients also find it helpful to stick to softer foods in the meantime, like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and soup.

How We Treat Jaw Pain

Before we can treat your jaw pain, we need to identify the source. After learning more about your symptoms, taking X-rays, and examining your teeth, gums, and bite, we can determine what the best course of action is.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Sure, having something stuck between your teeth can be a nuisance, but does it really require a visit to our Dallas office? That depends. In most cases, you can remove the debris at home by rinsing it with warm saltwater and using floss to clean between your teeth. However, if this doesn’t work, then you should contact us to schedule an appointment.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

Some emergencies can be resolved with a simple prescription while others will require surgery. Once we’ve had a chance to examine your situation, we can give you an accurate price estimate for the necessary treatment.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

You can reduce the risk of infected teeth by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once. Regular checkups at the dentist in Dallas are a good way to make sure potential problems are stopped in their earliest stages.

Avoid biting down on hard foods (such as peppermints and ice) as well as inedible objects like pen tips. Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports; you can also get one to wear at night to protect your teeth from grinding.

Dental Emergency FAQs 

Dental emergencies always seem to pop up out of the blue. It can be difficult to know what to do when you’re dealing with lots of discomfort. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about dental emergencies in Dallas. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call! We’d be happy to answer your questions and get you into the office as soon as we can.

Will my toothache go away on its own?

Toothaches do not typically go away on their own. Because of this, it is best to schedule a checkup with your dentist to ensure that nothing is wrong. There are numerous different reasons for a toothache, so you want to rule these out. Leaving a dental issue untreated can cause it to become more serious and require a more invasive, costly treatment. It is always a better idea to seek dental attention.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

It can be difficult to sleep when you are suffering from a nagging toothache. Try keeping your head elevated. This prevents blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Try taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, as directed. A cold compress may also be able to dull some of your discomfort until you are able to see your emergency dentist in Dallas.

Should I visit the emergency room first for dental emergencies?

Most emergency rooms are not able to address dental emergencies effectively. However, there are a few exceptions. If you are suffering from a jaw fracture or dislocation, serious cut or laceration to the mouth, or a severe infection that is swollen to the point where it is affecting your breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, you are generally better off seeing an emergency dentist to treat the root of the issue.

Can I pop a dental abscess on my own?

You should never try to pop a dental abscess on your own. If you have a dental abscess, get in touch with your dentist right away, as this is considered to be a dental infection which is an emergency. If you pop the abscess yourself, this will only expose your mouth to more bacteria and irritate the area. Putting off treatment can also introduce your mouth to additional bacteria and aggravate it even more. Give us a call so this oral health issue can be treated properly.