It’s normal to be stressed and frightened when you suddenly have to deal with a toothache or dental injury. At Avion Dental & Orthodontics, you have a team of knowledgeable and caring dentists that you can turn to when your oral health takes a turn for the worst. We will make time to see you as soon as possible so we can help you get relief quickly. Make sure you have our contact information handy, so you can call us right away for emergency dentistry in Dallas, TX if there’s a problem with your smile. Call us immediately for urgent dental care!
While dental emergencies are typically alarming and overwhelming, we encourage you to stay calm! This will help you to act quickly and correctly to prevent the situation from getting worse. First, give us a call as soon as you can. From there, here’s what you can expect:
Any dental issue that involves persistent oral pain and/or noticeable damage to the teeth or gums can be seen as a warning sign of a dental emergency, be it due to prolonged decay or a sudden accident. However, there are also some types of dental emergencies that are less easy to identify, but need timely treatment nonetheless. If you experience any of the following common dental emergencies, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Dental emergencies come in various forms, and the type of treatment one requires will depend on the severity of your pain and the root of the problem. As such, we can only give you an accurate idea of how much your dental emergency will cost once we’ve already examined your smile and determined what treatments are necessary. We’ll work alongside your insurance company to make sure you receive the appropriate benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask about third-party financing or other options that can make your care more affordable.
There are no two dental emergencies that are exactly alike, which is why we need to perform a detailed exam of your mouth before we can confirm which treatment it is you need to get your oral health back to normal. The good news is emergency exams are relatively inexpensive themselves, which is why you should always visit to get peace of mind.
Additionally, the most common treatments we perform to address dental emergencies include the following:
No matter what your needs may be, we’ll always break down our treatment plan with you ahead of time so you know what to expect should you agree to move forward with your care.
In a majority of cases, dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage. This includes emergency exams, usually one to two per year. These visits are generally covered 100% by dental plans. However, what often receives only partial coverage is treatment for dental emergencies. Root canal therapy and tooth extractions can be covered anywhere between 80% and 50%, which is why it’s so important to look over your plan’s details ahead of time. Yearly maximums and other factors tend to come into effect when getting coverage for dental emergencies, so look over your plan’s stipulations before committing to treatment.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get affordable treatment from our office. Not only are we happy to accept Medicaid and CHIP, but we’re also more than ready to walk you through the process of using programs like CareCredit. This third-party financing allows you to pay for treatment over the span of several months, usually with little to zero interest attached. We even offer an in-house financing plan should you prefer to work with us directly to budget your care.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of our practice’s membership plan. Not only does this offer discounts on services performed for emergency care, but you don’t have to worry about deductibles, waiting periods, or annual maximums.
No matter how you decide to pay for your care, we’ll always assist you in navigating your costs and build a plan that fits into your finances. Don’t hesitate to call us directly for help or to take care of a dental emergency!
Dental emergencies can sometimes be unavoidable, especially if you experience a bad fall that left your tooth damaged. However, most dental emergencies are preventable. For example, people often need emergency care due to an unchecked dental infection that developed due to unremoved decay. With regular at-home care and routine checkups, you can potentially save hundreds if not thousands on dental treatments.
The moment you notice something is wrong with your tooth, whether it’s discomfort, sensitivity, or it just doesn’t look quite right, give our office a call. Remember, costs are only more likely to go up the longer you go without getting the treatment you need. For example, a damaged tooth that only needed a dental crown today could end up needing root canal therapy or even a tooth extraction later.
Think about your daily oral hygiene routine. Are you brushing and flossing at least twice every day? If not, you should start making it a habit to do so right away. You also need to be aware of any potentially harmful behaviors like chewing your fingernails, opening packages with your teeth, and crunching ice. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us for a nightguard; we can also supply mouthguards to keep your smile safe whenever you play sports. Keeping your smile safe by preventing dental emergencies in Dallas will not only save you money and time in the long-run, but it can be the difference between experiencing a life-altering oral accident or not.
The American Dental Association, along with our team here at Avion Dental & Orthodontics, recommends coming in for checkups and cleanings once every six months. With routine visits, we’ll be able to spot the early signs of oral health problems before they have a chance to progress and spread, leading to the need for urgent dental care.
To stop the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which harbor harmful oral bacteria, it’s important to create a good oral hygiene routine. The American Dental Association states that brushing twice each day for two minutes, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash once a day can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Harmful oral bacteria that are known to cause problems like gum disease and cavities love to feast on sugars and carbohydrates that are abundantly found in processed foods. By maintaining a more balanced diet and substituting fresh fruits and vegetables or other snacks that are lower in carbohydrates and sugars every now and then, you can reduce your risk of developing a serious oral health problem.
If you participate on a sports team or clench and grind your teeth while you sleep (which is a condition called bruxism), we recommend investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard. These are made from durable acrylic materials that effectively shield your teeth from trauma and force. Not only can they help you play on the field more confidently or rest a little easier, but they can also significantly reduce your risk of breaking a tooth.
Do you have a habit of opening bottles, packaging, and other items with your teeth instead of grabbing a pair of scissors or a bottle opener? This may sound silly, but this is a common reason why we see patients with chipped or broken teeth. Try to avoid using your teeth as tools, because they’re not indestructible, and doing so could land you in your emergency dentist’s treatment chair.
Since dental emergencies can be quite anxiety-inducing to handle, it’s natural to have lots of questions on your mind. That’s why we’ve taken the time to answer a few of the most frequently asked ones here! Of course, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. In the meantime, keep reading!
Despite crossing your fingers and your toes, your toothache won’t go away on its own. In fact, a once painful toothache that has subsided could mean the infection has damaged the nerve of the tooth extensively. That’s why it’s best to get in touch with our emergency dentist in Dallas ASAP. Scheduling an appointment when you first notice the discomfort allows our team to treat the root of the problem before it has a chance to turn into something more serious.
In short, the answer is yes. Even if a chipped tooth isn’t resulting in any irritation or discomfort, the inner layers could be exposed. Plus, once chipped, it’s vulnerable to further damage. With that being said, since it’s not considered an urgent dental emergency in Dallas, you can probably schedule an appointment a day or two later if needed. However, you shouldn’t put it off for too long, just in case.
Under no circumstances should household items, like superglue, be used to fix your dentures. Not only can non-approved products like this lead to further damage to your restorations, but the chemicals inside are toxic. As a result, putting superglued dentures in your mouth can wreak serious havoc on your oral and overall health. Plus, superglue isn’t designed to hold up in damp environments, making it a poor solution anyway. The best option is to get in touch with us ASAP and preserve the broken pieces in a clean storage case or plastic bag in the meantime.
If you notice an unpleasant odor on your breath when waking up or after eating a meal with garlic, there’s likely nothing to worry about. However, if you struggle with persistent bad breath, even after using mints or brushing your teeth, then it could be halitosis (chronic bad breath). Oftentimes, this condition is linked to poor dental habits, like smoking. However, it could also be the result of an untreated dental problem, like a cavity or gum disease. Therefore, you shouldn’t wait to get in touch with our dentist. During your visit, they can conduct a thorough oral exam to determine the root of the problem. If needed, they can quickly intervene with the appropriate restorative care and get the health of your smile back on track.
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Is my toothache a dental emergency? If you are suffering from a toothache in Dallas, it may or may not be a dental emergency. Most commonly, if something is lodged, you can easily remove it at home and avoid a trip to the dentist. However, if pain, swelling, or sensitivity continues, you may have a more serious problem that needs immediate care. If you experience any of the following symptoms, don’t wait to call our office for help:
How you should handle a toothache: You’ll first need to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to flush out any debris and eliminate bad bacteria. It is then best to use dental floss or a water irrigator to dislodge anything that might be stuck between your teeth. If this is unsuccessful or you discover lodged food isn’t the problem, take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce discomfort.
How we treat toothaches: Depending on the cause of your toothache, there is a good chance we’ll recommend one of the following treatment options: antibiotics, a tooth-colored filling, a dental crown, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction. If the tooth can be saved, you may be referred for a root canal. No matter the type of treatment recommended, you can trust that we will go over all the details to better prepare you.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it. A sudden fall or biting into a hard apple are just two ways you can damage your teeth. If you experience no pain, you may be able to wait 1-2 days before seeking professional help, but you don’t want to wait longer because you could develop an infection or cause further damage.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Retrieve any chipped pieces and bring them with you to your appointment. Rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out the remaining debris. You’ll need to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and apply dental wax or sugarless gum to the rough edges of your tooth. This will protect your soft tissues from further damage.
How we treat chipped teeth: When meeting with your emergency dentist in Dallas, the decision will be either to apply direct bonding to cover the minor chip or discuss the potential for veneers if the chip is severe. The decision is yours, but we will go over each option and which one might be best for your individual needs and goals.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? It is definitely a dental emergency if you have a cracked tooth. Even if pain is not a symptom and you cannot see the damage, it may exist beneath the gum line, which requires immediate assistance. Don’t wait to call our office.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: You’ll want to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to eliminate any possible bacteria that might try to infect your vulnerable cracked tooth in Dallas. You’ll also need to apply dental wax or sugarless gum to the tooth to keep any jagged or rough edges from damaging your soft tissues.
If necessary, you can take a pain reliever and use a cold compress to alleviate swelling and reduce discomfort.
How we treat cracked teeth: Treating a cracked tooth requires knowing where it exists and how it formed. If the crack is minimal, we may be able to rely on tooth-colored composite resin. It can be applied directly onto the tooth enamel and sculpted in a way that hides the imperfection. If the crack is severe, we’ll need to have a customized dental crown made to secure the tooth and its structure as well as create a pleasing aesthetic using high-quality materials. If the crack is so severe the tooth is no longer savable, we’ll need to extract it.
When treating a cracked tooth, our team will identify the location of the problem and determine how to address it. If minor, you may want to consider dental bonding, as it can easily hide small imperfections that don’t negatively affect your oral health. Otherwise, we may recommend a customized dental crown to better support your tooth’s structure, or if the crack is severe, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? There are many reasons you might experience very sensitive teeth (i.e., cracked tooth, excessive whitening, abscess, gum recession, worn tooth enamel, etc.). Although not always a dental emergency, you’re better off calling and alerting us to the problem so we can decide how quickly you need to come in for an appointment.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: You’ll be advised to stay away from drinking or consuming anything hot, cold, spicy, sweet, or highly acidic. You’ll also want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever if the discomfort becomes less manageable.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: There are multiple ways we can treat sensitive teeth. Your emergency dentist in Dallas may recommend a tooth-colored filling for a serious cavity or fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel. If gum recession is exposing your tooth roots, you may need periodontal therapy to improve your gum health. However, if you have an abscess (infection), the only solution may be root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. When faced with a lost tooth in Dallas, you should not wait to seek emergency assistance. Call our office immediately and let us know of your situation.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: When faced with this reality, you’ll first need to retrieve the tooth holding it only by its crown. Gently rinse with water to remove any debris. You can try to reinsert it into the vacated socket or place it between your cheek and gums inside your mouth. If you’re unable to do this, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist and viable.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: You will need to get to our dental office within the hour if you want us to try and save your tooth. If it is salvageable, we may be able to reintegrate it with your bone tissues. However, if the tooth is damaged or too much time has passed, it may no longer be viable and require replacement. Our team will discuss your options of a dental bridge or denture to restore your smile.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? We understand you may be tempted to panic if you lose a dental crown or filling, but the truth is you can wait a few days before seeing a trusted professional. Not viewed as a dental emergency, this situation should be treated within a few days of your restoration falling out. Why? To avoid possible infection or further damage.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: While waiting to see your dentist about your lost dental crown in Dallas or filling, you’ll need to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and be careful when brushing or flossing near the tooth. You can use dental cement to put your restoration back into place, or you can choose to wait for a professional to take care of it.
How we treat a lost filling or crown: There are two ways a lost dental crown or filling can be fixed: tooth-colored fillings or metal-free dental crowns. If your filling is too damaged, we’ll need to have a new one put into place. If your crown cannot be saved and re-bonded, we will make sure you receive a natural crown that blends in with your regular teeth and functions normally.
Is a broken denture a dental emergency? Yes! If you continue wearing a broken denture, it can damage your gums, soft oral tissues, jaw, and any remaining teeth you have left. You should contact our office right away to get it repaired.
How to handle a broken denture: As soon as you notice your denture is broken, give our team at Avion Dental a call. Do not try and fix it by yourself at home! Using superglue or other household items to repair your oral appliance can do more harm than good.
How we treat broken dentures: When you come in for your emergency appointment, we’ll carefully examine your denture to determine the severity of the damage. In some cases, we can use composite resin to repair a small chip or crack. However, a replacement may be the best option if the damage is too significant. If your denture can’t be fixed, you should consider upgrading to implant dentures!
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? From severe gum disease to physical injury, there are many reasons why a permanent tooth can become loose, extruded, or partially dislodged. Even if you’re not experiencing any pain, it’s still at risk of falling out. Because of that, it qualifies as a dental emergency, and you should contact our team right away.
How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: Call our emergency dentist in Dallas as soon as possible. Do not touch your food and avoid eating any hard or sticky foods. If needed, you can rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: If your tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be the best solution. In that case, you’d need to explore your tooth replacement options like dental bridges or dentures.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Oral injuries (i.e., bleeding gums, lips, or tongue) can bleed a lot and be quite alarming. However, our team may be able to help if your bleeding is minor. Give our office a call and explain your symptoms so we can determine your next best steps.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Gently rinse your mouth with water to wash away debris and harmful bacteria. Apply pressure to the injury with a clean washcloth or gauze until the bleeding stops. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling and minimize discomfort.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: We might be able to stitch the wound close if the cut is small enough. However, you may need to head to the nearest ER if the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure.
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Even though jaw pain can affect your day-to-day life, it’s not usually considered an emergency. If your discomfort becomes chronic, you should call our office to avoid a painful complication down the line.
How you should handle jaw pain: Our team will provide you with specific instructions over the phone. Usually, we recommend taking an over-the-counter painkiller and using a cold compress to relieve any swelling and discomfort.
How we treat jaw pain: We might recommend a custom mouthguard to address your pain. If your discomfort is because of teeth grinding and clenching (a common cause of jaw pain), a mouthguard should provide relief. In the event that your wisdom teeth are erupting, extraction may be the ideal solution.
If your teeth hurt due to a piece of food or another small object wedged between them, you can try and resolve the issue yourself with dental floss. Be very careful and gentle; do not use a pin or another sharp object that can damage the gums. If you can’t remove the object by yourself, call our practice and make an appointment as soon as possible; plaque could build up around the area if it’s left alone, and that in turn could potentially lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.