Emergency Dentistry – Midlothian, TX
Prevent Future Issues: Get Your Emergency Handled!
Have you or a family member experienced a dental emergency at some point in your life, but you weren’t sure what to do? Did you visit the emergency room, only to be told to go to a dentist? Dental emergencies don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s incredibly important to have a dentist you can rely on for your visit. If you’re experiencing a cracked tooth, an oral infection, or simply dental pain, don’t wait to visit Dr. Johnson and his team!
Why Choose Dental Center of Midlothian for Emergency Dentistry?
- Oral Conscious and Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available
- Caring and Accommodating Dentist
- Open Five Days a Week Starting at 8 a.m.
How to Handle Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies typically appear in the form of a decayed or infected tooth (long-term emergency) or sudden trauma (short-term emergency.) Both require their own needs for treatment, which is why you should always call our dental office the moment they appear. Not only can we get you scheduled for an emergency appointment, but we can provide additional guidance to manage your symptoms beforehand. Take a moment to look over our recommendations for treating certain emergencies below.
Toothaches
If you’ve already tried flossing in between your teeth for food debris, take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen to reduce discomfort. If your face begins to swell, which is typical for infections, apply an ice pack to your mouth in 20-minute intervals. At our dental office, we’ll confirm the presence of decay or an infection, then remove that decay or prescribe antibiotics to get you treated.
Chipped/Broken Teeth
Keep any pieces of teeth that you can find and bring them to our dental office. Use a cold compress to reduce facial swelling and take painkillers as needed, making sure to avoid aspirin as it can cause a burning sensation if it contacts the inner tooth. Use wax paraffin or sugarless gum to cover any jagged areas which can easily cut your mouth. Dental bonding, dental fillings or a crown may be needed to restore your tooth’s function and appearance.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Locate the tooth and gently pick it up by the crown portion only. The root portion may still have tissue attached. If so, do not try to remove this tissue. After gently rinsing the tooth of any debris and rinsing your mouth out with warm water, place the tooth back into your socket to keep it preserved. You can also place it in milk to preserve it until you get to our dental office. A dental implant or bridge can fill the gap if reimplantation is unsuccessful.
Lost Filling / Crown
If your restoration is loose or unseated, rinse the restoration off and wash your mouth out with warm water. Use either dental cement or denture adhesive to reseat the crown over your natural tooth. This will help reduce sensitivity as a damaged and exposed tooth can feel uncomfortable. If the restoration cannot be used, a replacement will be made.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
In most cases, you can prevent a dental emergency by practicing proper prevention at home and at our dental office. Daily brushing and flossing prevent plaque buildup, which is the main cause of cavities and oral infections. Visiting our dental office once every six months helps us catch problems before they become emergencies. Furthermore, wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth while playing contact sports and not using your teeth as a tool prevents most serious problems.
Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
You won’t know exactly how much your dental emergency will cost to treat until you arrive at our dental office for closer examination. However, simple emergencies generally do cost less than more complex ones. For example, oral infections may only require a prescription to treat, but they may also require root canal therapy if your tooth is at risk of failing. Once we’ve taken x-rays and built an accurate diagnosis, we can start talking about your dental care costs.
Learn More About the Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Dental Emergency FAQs
At the Dental Center of Midlothian, your emergency dentist believes it is best to have all the information you need when faced with a dental emergency. While it is helpful to know what to do in certain situations and how to prevent them from happening in the first place, what about where to go or what to do if you’re on vacation? Let us provide additional insight by inviting you to review the following frequently asked questions. Here you will find the answers you need to stay calm and collected should you experience a dental injury.
Do I need to skip the dentist’s office and go straight to the ER?
The answer is…it depends. If you suffer from a broken or fractured jaw, continuous bleeding from the mouth, or increased swelling that is making it difficult to breathe or swallow, don’t wait to see a dentist. Instead, get yourself to the closest emergency room for immediate medical attention.
Otherwise, you will be fine to call our office and schedule an appointment. We will work to get you as quickly as possible so that you will achieve relief from the pain.
Why is seeing a dentist better than going to the ER?
Your emergency dentist is not only more knowledgeable but also trained in handling all types of dental emergencies. Apart from the fact that you will be working with someone who knows you personally and can offer start-to-finish dental care, you will avoid long hours waiting in a lobby. Instead, you will have a set time in which you can come in and get the care you need without sitting among others who may be very sick.
Should I still see a dentist if my pain is gone?
Naturally, any time you feel pain within your mouth, you should contact us. However, if this discomfort goes away on its own, you may be tempted to cancel the appointment. Don’t do this. The reason is that there could be an underlying cause for your pain that is not capable of being seen by the naked eye. Pain doesn’t just occur for no reason, so even if it does dissipate, make sure you let us take a look. By examining your oral cavity and reviewing digital X-rays, we will be able to determine if anything is happening beneath the surface.
What if a dental emergency occurs while I’m on vacation? What should I do?
First, find a local dentist who can see you and offer immediate dental care. You don’t want to spend your entire vacation in pain, so it’s best to get in to see someone who can minimize discomfort and fix your particular issue. Second, make sure to call us and alert us to the situation. This will allow us to discuss what kind of treatment you received and determine if you will need additional care when you return.
I’m uninsured. Should I avoid emergency dental care?
Absolutely not. No matter the type of injury, forgoing treatment will only end in additional time and money spent attempting to save your oral health from further deterioration and damage. The sooner you seek treatment, the better off you and your smile will be. If you do not have dental insurance, we will be happy to assist in identifying additional payment methods that can be used to cover your out of pocket expenses.