At Prime Dentistry, our team is pleased to treat a multitude of common dental emergencies. While you might have difficulty determining what is serious enough for professional help, we encourage you to call us if you are experiencing dental pain of any kind. We will determine if you should come in right away or wait and use first-aid tips to manage the pain.
Toothaches
Is my toothache a dental emergency?: Many dental issues can lead to toothaches, some of which are more severe than others. For that reason, you should call our office if you notice a toothache, whether it’s minor or severe. However, if the pain becomes significant, chronic, or is accompanied by facial swelling, fever, or pimple-like bumps on the gums, call us immediately for emergency treatment.
How you should handle a toothache: Use dental floss to remove any food debris in between your teeth. You can also try brushing or rinsing your mouth out with warm saltwater. Take ibuprofen as needed and apply a cold compress to your face to bring down swelling if it appears. Avoid popping any pimple-like bumps on your gums as this can cause an infection.
How we treat toothaches: We’ll need to examine your tooth to determine which treatment will best alleviate your symptoms and stop your emergency from getting worse. Depending on the cause, we may recommend dental fillings, crowns, gum disease therapy, root canal treatment, antibiotics, or another service.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Chipped
Tooth
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?: A chipped tooth is not always a dental emergency, especially if the chip is relatively small. However, you don’t want to ignore it either as a chipped tooth can easily break further and put you at risk for significant discomfort, decay, and/or infection.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Take painkillers if the pain is present and avoid any foods or beverages that are very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. Apply a cold compress to your cheek if facial swelling develops.
How we treat chipped teeth: A chipped tooth can typically be fixed with tooth-colored composite resin, but you may want to consider a veneer instead depending on the tooth affected. Not only will this restore the tooth, but it will prevent any changes in your smile’s appearance.
Learn More About Veneers
Cracked
Tooth
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?: Minor cracks to teeth may be non-urgent if there is no pain or sensitivity. However, even if there is no discomfort present, you should call our office immediately if the crack is very large or extends beneath the gumline. This could be a sign that the root portion of your tooth is damaged, putting you at a much higher risk of infection.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Avoid applying pressure on the tooth until you can get examined by our dentists. Use a cold compress to bring down any swelling and take painkillers as needed.
How we treat cracked teeth: Minimal damage could be treated with direct bonding or tooth-colored composite resin alone, but more severe damage could require the placement of a crown or even removal of the tooth.
Learn More About Dentures
Sensitivity to
Hot & Cold
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency?: It is common for teeth to feel sensitive to things that are particularly hot or cold. Sometimes, sensitivity is the result of thin enamel or a cavity, but this can also be a sign of other serious oral health issues, like an abscess or gum disease. If you notice distracting, sharp, or lingering tooth sensitivity, give us a call so we can take a look.
How you should handle sensitive teeth: Until you can see us for your visit, avoid eating or drinking things that are particularly hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or very sugary. Practice thorough oral hygiene and drink plenty of water. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: We will need to take a look at your smile to determine the cause and the best way to address it. We may recommend specialized dental products, prescription toothpaste, fluoride treatment, or a filling. Other treatments that can help include gum disease therapy, root canal therapy, or nightguards for bruxism.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism
Knocked-Out
Tooth
Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? If one or more of your teeth have been knocked out, you should give us a call right away. This issue needs to be addressed within an hour of the injury for the best chance of saving your tooth.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: First, you should start by finding your tooth. Remember to only touch the crown when you are picking it up. Avoid the root. Gently rinse your tooth with warm water but don’t scrub off any of the remaining tissue. If you are able, try to place your tooth back into the socket. If you can’t do so, keep it between your cheek and gums or put it in a container of milk or saliva. Your tooth must stay moist until you get to our practice but don’t use water. This can damage the root surface cells of the tooth.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: If you can make it to the office in time, we will do our best to reimplant the tooth. Your emergency dentist will do this by positioning it carefully back into the socket and splinting it to the neighboring teeth to keep it in place as it heals. However, if your tooth is unable to be saved, we will discuss tooth replacement options, like dental bridges and dental implants.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants
Lost Filling
or Crown
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Both fillings and crowns are long-lasting, but they do eventually need to be replaced. If one of yours falls out, give us a call. Even if your tooth isn’t hurting, it still needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further damage or decay.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: If you can, find your lost restoration and rinse it off. Try to put it back into place using dental wax, denture adhesive, or sugar-free gum. If you can’t get it back into its place, keep it in a small container and bring it with you to the practice. Until then, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and drink plenty of water to keep the area clean.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If your crown or filling is still in good shape, we may be able to put it back into its place. However, we will also take the time to determine why the restoration came out in the first place so we can take the proper steps to keep this from occurring again. In other cases, we may need to replace your old restoration with a new one.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Broken
Denture
Is a broken denture a dental emergency? Modern dentures are much more durable and reliable than they were in the past, but it is still possible for them to become damaged. If you have a broken denture, this should be treated like a dental emergency, so give us a call to schedule an urgent visit.
How to handle a broken denture: You shouldn’t continue wearing a broken denture, as this can worsen the damage and injure your mouth. Instead, keep it in a glass or container of soaking solution or water. Bring your denture with you to your appointment, and don’t try to repair it yourself at home. Using products like superglue can make you sick, as they aren’t meant to be used in the mouth.
How we treat broken dentures: If your denture has a small chip or crack in the base or on one of the replacement teeth, dental bonding may be able to help. We also may be able to realign or readjust warped dentures. However, if your restoration is severely damaged, we will likely need to fit you with a new one.
Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants
Learn More About Implant Dentures
Loose
Tooth
Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency? Permanent teeth shouldn’t ever feel loose. However, it can happen after a blow to the face due to an accident or injury, as a result of gum disease, or thanks to another serious dental problem. No matter what the issue is, you should treat it as a dental emergency. When a tooth is in danger of falling out, you should seek attention as soon as possible.
How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: If your tooth has been dislodged or shoved out of place, don’t touch it. Give us a call immediately. Avoid eating or chewing on that side of your mouth. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and/or use a cold compress to manage discomfort until you can see us for an emergency visit.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: Sometimes, it’s possible to stabilize the tooth back into place by securing it to a neighboring healthy tooth. If your tooth is loose due to advanced gum disease, the infection will need to be eliminated so your tooth can have a solid foundation. We will do everything we can to save your tooth, but sometimes extractions are required. If your tooth must be extracted, we can talk about tooth replacement options, like dental implants.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Gums, Lips or
Tongue Injury
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? It can be easy to accidentally injure your gums, lips, or tongue – particularly if you are involved with contact sports. This injury can usually be treated easily at home. However, if you are concerned or think that your tooth may have been damaged, let us know so we can take a look.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth tend to heal quickly, but you should still take steps to keep the situation under control. After the dental injury occurs, clean the wound with a damp cloth or by rinsing your mouth with water. Apply pressure and the bleeding should subside. Pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: If needed, we can take steps to keep the area clean and stitch the wound closed. If you are unable to control the bleeding after the injury, head to your local emergency room.
Jaw Pain or
Clenching
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? TMJ dysfunction can have a variety of symptoms, including intense head and neck pain and lockjaw. This condition occurs when the jaw joints are sustaining too much tension or force, therefore becoming strained. Routine jaw pain isn’t typically an urgent dental emergency, but you should still schedule a visit with us so we can keep the problem from getting worse.
How you should handle jaw pain: An uneven bite, teeth grinding, wisdom teeth, and TMJ disorder can all cause jaw pain. Until you can see us for an appointment, avoid chewing excessively and stick to softer foods. You can manage your discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you think that you may have dislocated or broken your jaw, head to your local emergency room.
How we treat jaw pain: The first thing that we will do is try to determine where the pain originates. After this, we will create a custom treatment plan to address the underlying issue. This could include wisdom tooth extractions, a custom nightguard for bruxism, or TMJ therapy.
Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Something Stuck
Between Teeth
If you have food or something else stuck between your teeth, it can cause a significant amount of pressure and discomfort. The good news is that this can often be resolved without going to the dental office. First, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge or soften the object. Next, try to carefully floss around the foreign body. Don’t use anything sharp, like a toothpick, to try to remove the item. You could accidentally hurt yourself in the process. If you are struggling, give us a call so we can help.
Dental emergencies can be anxiety-inducing and extremely painful. For many patients, the most stressful part is handling the bill at the end of their visit. At Prime Dentistry, our team goes above and beyond to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. To start, we’ve decided to share common factors that influence the cost of your treatment and what financial options are available to you! That way, the price doesn’t stand in the way of getting the high-quality dental care you deserve.
EVERY DENTAL EMERGENCY IS UNIQUE
Believe it or not, visiting an emergency dentist is relatively inexpensive. During your appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough oral examination to determine which treatment is needed to get your smile back to normal.
Once our emergency dentist in Denton has begun working on your mouth and the pain has subsided, you may start thinking about how much your visit will cost. While dental injuries vary from one patient to the next, there are a few factors that can influence the financial aspect across the board. Rest assured – we’ll thoroughly explain the pricing information beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect!
CARING FOR YOUR SMILE CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS
Even though not every dental emergency is 100 percent avoidable, there are many steps you can take to protect your smile from damage and infection. Practicing good oral hygiene, visiting our dentist regularly, and following a healthy lifestyle can potentially save you thousands over the years.
It’s worth noting that pushing off your emergency dental appointment won’t save you any money in the short or long term. In fact, neglecting to seek the care you need can result in everything from severe decay and gum disease to complete tooth loss. That’s why it’s incredibly important to speak up about a problem as soon as you notice it.
DOES DENTAL INSURANCE COVER DENTAL EMERGENCIES?
The good news is that most dental insurance plans do offer coverage for dental emergencies. Generally, at least one annual emergency exam is fully covered, and common services associated with hurting teeth (i.e., root canal therapy, dental crowns, extractions) receive partial coverage. Of course, every policy is unique, which is why you should confirm the details with your insurance provider before committing to anything. If needed, our team can help with that part of the process.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR MAKING DENTAL EMERGENCIES AFFORDABLE
Don’t have a dental plan? Don’t fret! We are happy to accept low-to-no-interest financing through CareCredit, which breaks the cost of even the most extensive treatment plans into easy, monthly chunks. Either way, we will go above and beyond to ensure you get the high-quality care you deserve without any surprises!
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Denton, don’t hesitate to contact our team for assistance. We’ll do everything we can to get you the prompt relief you deserve while keeping your overall expenses as low as possible!
Preventing a dental emergency is almost always easier than treating one. Not all emergencies can be avoided, but by taking some preventive steps and implementing healthy habits, you can save time and money. Here are some tips that can help you set your smile up for success.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY
Even if you don’t think anything is going on with your smile, this doesn’t mean that you should be skipping out on your regular dental visits. Tooth decay and oral infections can easily develop, and you may not even notice them right away. It is typically recommended that you see your dentist every six months for regular teeth cleanings and dental checkups. This way, your hygienist can clear away plaque and tartar, and your dentist can keep an eye out for issues so they can be treated early on.
MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE HABITS AT HOME
You should be brushing twice and flossing every day. These are both effective ways to remove food debris and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR DIET
Your diet plays a key role when it comes to your oral health. If you are constantly indulging in sugary and starchy foods, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay. Try to only consume these items in moderation. Instead, fill your dinner plate with fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins.
WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
Playing sports is an excellent way to get the exercise that your body needs to remain healthy. However, you don’t want to end up with a broken or knocked-out tooth in the process. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a dental injury.
USE TOOLS, NOT TEETH TO OPEN PACKAGING
As convenient as it is to use your teeth to open stubborn packaging, you could easily end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Instead, take the time to get some scissors or whatever other tool you need to complete your task effectively.
Dental emergencies can be scary and traumatic. But you can rest easy knowing that we're always just a phone call away. With help from our outstanding dental team at Prime Dentistry, you'll feel better fast and have a healthy smile for many years to come. And while you can't always prevent every emergency, you can be prepared with the right information. Below you'll find answers to several dental emergency FAQs, but get in touch anytime with other questions. We're here to help!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WAIT TO GET EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE?
When it comes to dental emergencies, the sooner you see us, the better! Unlike other types of health problems, dental issues get worse with time. By waiting to call us, the chances are good that you'll have more pain and risk more damage to your teeth.
For example, a knocked-out tooth can usually be saved if you're seen within an hour. Beyond that, you're at a much higher risk of losing the tooth and needing to replace it with a bridge, dental implant, etc.
WILL INSURANCE COVER EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE?
Everyone has unique circumstances, with different treatment needs as well as different insurance plans. After assessing your situation, our team will give you multiple treatment options whenever possible and also help you understand your coverage. In addition, we'll always file your claims and do our best to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Finally, keep in mind that we also accept CareCredit, a third-party financing option that allows you to make low or no-interest monthly payments for any costs that insurance doesn't cover.
HOW SHOULD I SLEEP WITH TOOTH PAIN?
A toothache, whether it’s a dull discomfort or a stabbing pain, should never be ignored. However, if you have a day or two until your dental appointment, you’ll need to get some sleep in the meantime. One of the best things to do is avoid acidic and hard foods throughout the day that could exacerbate the issue. Next, use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time and take an OTC pain reliever before bed. Prop your head up with some pillows to prevent blood from rushing to your head, intensifying the toothache in the process.
SHOULD I VISIT THE EMERGENCY ROOM FIRST FOR DENTAL EMERGENCIES?
Since most hospitals don’t have a dentist on staff, you shouldn’t head to the emergency room for a dental injury, like a knocked-out tooth or lost restoration. With that being said, there is an exception, like if you’re experiencing a potentially life-threatening symptom in tandem with your dental injury. If you’ve fractured your jaw, are having difficulty swallowing, or can’t stop the bleeding, then call 9-1-1 or head straight to your nearest ER. Once you’ve received the necessary medical attention, you can call our office so that our emergency dentist in Denton can restore your smile.
DO CHIPPED TEETH HEAL?
Enamel is incredible – it’s actually the hardest substance in the human body, according to the American Dental Association! Unfortunately, however, it cannot regenerate. As a result, even minor chips won’t heal on their own. The best way to restore the look and function of the tooth while preventing further damage is having your dentist intervene with a treatment like dental bonding or veneers.
CAN I FIX DENTURES THAT ARE BROKEN IN HALF?
If your dentures split in two, you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands and attempt to repair them. Although this may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution, only a skilled dental professional can effectively restore your restoration. Furthermore, using household items, like superglue, can negatively affect your overall health since the toxins are not safe to ingest.
IS MY TOOTH PAIN FROM AN INFECTION?
The only way to discover the root of the problem is by visiting your Denton dentist for an exam. With that being said, the root of the problem is often an untreated dental issue, like a deep cavity. So, the moment you begin to experience any unusual symptoms – from swollen gums and chronic bad breath to unusual tooth sensitivity – you should schedule an appointment.
ARE TOOTHPICKS SAFE TO USE?
Despite popular belief, toothpicks are NOT safe to use. In addition to being a choking hazard, the wood can easily splinter off, damaging your enamel and gum tissue in the process. Therefore, it’s best to use a string of floss and only use a toothpick as the absolute last resort.
