If you’re facing a dental emergency, call East Quarter Dental at 469-529-5401 right away. Dental emergencies, like severe tooth pain, broken teeth, or a lost tooth, need immediate attention. Waiting too long to get care can make the problem worse, which could harm your oral health in the long run.
At our Dallas dental office, we can handle your emergency quickly and effectively. We’ll do our best to arrange same-day care. Once you arrive, we’ll perform an exam to find the cause of the problem and provide the treatment you need to relieve pain and repair any damage.
Emergency Dental Care in Dallas, TX
We commonly treat emergencies like toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and damaged dental restorations. Let’s explore some of these issues and how we can help.
Tooth Pain
Toothaches can happen for many reasons, including cavities, injuries, or infections like an abscess. Severe pain is often a sign that something is wrong and needs prompt care. While waiting to see the dentist, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria. If your face is swollen, a warm compress can help ease the swelling.
Once you arrive, we’ll examine your tooth to figure out what’s causing the pain. If it’s a cavity, we may treat it with a filling. If the pain is from an infection, like an abscess (a pocket of pus near the tooth), we may need to drain the infection or perform an emergency root canal to save the tooth. Treating an abscess early can stop it from spreading and causing more serious problems.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you lose a tooth because of an accident, act fast. Try to locate the tooth, and handle it only by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. Gently rinse the tooth with milk or your saliva, but avoid using water. Do not try to push the tooth back into the socket.
Bring the tooth to our office as quickly as you can, keeping it moist in a cup of milk or saliva. If we see you soon enough, we may be able to reattach the tooth. If that isn’t possible, we can recommend replacing it with a dental implant, which looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Broken Tooth
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, try to collect any broken pieces. Don’t use glue to reattach them! Place the pieces in a cup of saliva to keep them moist and bring them with you to our office.
Depending on the extent of the damage, we may be able to restore the tooth with bonding or a crown. If the tooth is severely damaged, we might recommend an extraction and discuss options for replacing it. Treating a broken tooth quickly can prevent further damage or infection. You want as little bacteria as possible getting inside the tooth through the crack.
Broken or Lost Restorations
If a crown, bridge, or denture breaks or falls out, do not try to repair it yourself. Attempting to fix it with glue or tape could cause more damage or harm your mouth. Instead, call our office right away.
We can often repair a damaged restoration or provide a temporary replacement while we create a new one. Restoring your dental prosthetic quickly will help you avoid discomfort and ensure your smile stays functional and healthy.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the gums, tongue, or other soft tissues in your mouth can be alarming, but they are not always emergencies. If you’re bleeding, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply pressure to the area with gauze or a clean cloth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort.
However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should seek immediate care. In some cases, an ER may need to place stitches to close the wound.
FAQs About Emergency Dentistry
When Should I Go to the Hospital for a Dental Emergency?
If you have both dental and physical injuries, such as a broken jaw or trouble breathing, go to the hospital first. Once your overall health is stable, we can treat your dental issues.
For severe bleeding or infections that make it hard to breathe or swallow, a hospital visit may also be necessary. Hospitals can provide emergency care to stop the bleeding or manage the infection until you can see a dentist.
Is a Cavity a Dental Emergency?
A cavity becomes an emergency if it causes intense, ongoing pain. Throbbing pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away needs immediate attention. Treating a cavity early can prevent further damage and even save the tooth.
If the cavity isn’t painful, you can schedule a regular appointment to have it treated.
What Is Not a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems can wait for a scheduled appointment, such as:
- Food or objects stuck between teeth
- Small chips or cracks that don’t cause pain
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
While these issues don’t require urgent care, you should still call our office to set up a visit.
How Much Does Emergency Dental Treatment Cost?
The cost of emergency treatment depends on the problem and the type of care needed. Minor issues, like a small filling, will cost less than major treatments, like a crown or root canal.
We’ll give you a detailed estimate of the costs during your visit. Most dental insurance plans cover emergency and restorative care. We’ll work with your provider to make sure you get the most out of your coverage.
Can Dental Emergencies Be Prevented?
While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can reduce the risk of dental emergencies by:
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Avoiding bad habits like chewing ice, biting nails, or using your teeth as tools
What If I Have Dental Anxiety During an Emergency?
If you’re nervous about treatment, let us know when you call. Our team will do everything we can to make you feel at ease. We also offer sedation options to keep you comfortable during your visit, so you can get the care you need without fear or pain.
Get Help for Dental Emergencies Today
Don’t wait to get care if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. Call East Quarter Dental at 469-529-5401 right away, or schedule an appointment online if the issue is not urgent.
We proudly serve patients in Deep Ellum, Bryan Place, and the Dallas Downtown Historic District. If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contact us, and we’ll guide you on the next steps.