Is your mouth in severe pain? Do you have teeth that have been damaged or knocked out in an accident? These are all examples of dental emergencies, and you need to have them dealt with as soon as possible if you want to find relief and protect your overall health. When you need urgent dental care, call our Plano dental office immediately to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hardin, our trusted emergency dentist in Plano, TX; the sooner you act, the sooner you can say goodbye to your pain.
Why Choose Westpark Village Dental Care for Emergency Dentistry?
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Comprehensive Restorative Treatments
Sedation Dentistry Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Whenever you have a dental emergency, we’ll follow these steps to address it:
Schedule an Appointment: After listening to your symptoms and confirming that urgent care is necessary, we’ll make arrangements to see you at our dental office – typically on the same day, whenever possible. Additionally, we can give you advice over the phone for managing your pain and preventing further damage.
Thorough Examination: We will closely examine your mouth to identify the root of your dental emergency and determine how severe it is. X-rays might be taken depending on the nature of the problem.
Review of Findings: After our examination, we’ll tell you what we found and explain what your best options for treatment are. Don’t worry; you’ll be informed of the costs involved and the expected timeline before you have to commit to anything.
Get the Care You Need: From fillings to tooth extractions, we offer a full menu of dental services to help you get the relief you need.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
There’s no one definition of “dental emergency” that perfectly describes every kind of issue that might require urgent care. You can always call our dental office if you expect that you’re experiencing an emergency. In the meantime, below are some particularly common examples of dental problems that can warrant an immediate appointment.
Understanding the Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Many different treatments might be recommended based on the type of emergency you experience, and consequently, the amount you can expect to pay for care isn’t set in stone. Our team will only recommend the services that are truly needed to get you out of pain and restore your oral health. We’ll always be transparent when it comes to cost, and we’ll review your payment options with you to make your treatment as affordable as possible. To learn more, simply click on the button below!
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
Determining the overall cost of your emergency dental care requires a detailed oral examination to identify the underlying issue. Certain emergencies can be resolved with prompt, straightforward, and budget-friendly interventions such as fillings or prescription mouthwash. However, more critical scenarios might demand complex procedures like extractions or root canals, accompanied by additional expenses for tooth replacements and custom-made restorations. Rest assured – Dr. Hardin will thoroughly evaluate all available options and discuss their respective costs with you before moving forward with any treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
You’ll be happy to know that most dental insurance plans typically provide some level of coverage for dental emergencies! Certain plans fully cover at least one emergency exam per year, while common services such as root canal therapy, crowns, and extractions often receive partial coverage ranging from 80% to 50%.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the exact amount of coverage can vary significantly between plans, and yearly maximums may apply. That’s why it’s crucial to verify the details with your insurance provider before proceeding with treatment. Our team can assist you throughout this process if needed. Remember: preventive dental care, including routine checkups and cleanings, is usually covered at 100% by most plans, making them invaluable for avoiding dental emergencies. Don't overlook their importance!
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Don’t currently have dental insurance? That’s okay! You don’t have to completely pay out-of-pocket. We offer alternative financing options to make your treatment far more manageable in the long run. Some of these solutions include:
In-House Membership Plan – For one low monthly fee, our Westpark Village Dental Care In-House Membership Plan will grant you access to preventive services, as well as a 15% discount on all other dental treatments. You can avoid the red tape of insurance and still receive top-notch dentistry at your convenience!
Third-Party Financing – It’s easy to enroll in programs like CareCredit and Lending Club. These payment plans will help spread out the cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments, ensuring you stay within your budget.
In-House Dental Financing – Our practice also offers in-house dental financing with no interest added for your convenience. There are multiple payment plans available, giving you the freedom to do whatever is necessary to make the financial aspect of your treatment simple and manageable.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
While dental emergencies can sometimes be accidental, many arise from untreated infections and damage. Prioritizing routine dentist appointments and maintaining good oral hygiene at home can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Promptly addressing dental pain or damaged teeth is crucial.
Even if you’re concerned about the cost of emergency dentistry arise, you must understand that delaying treatment will only escalate expenses. Seeking immediate attention for a hurting tooth could be the decisive factor between preserving it through root canal therapy or resorting to extraction and subsequent tooth replacement, such as dental implants.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Patients are often curious how they can protect their smile from serious harm. Good news: there are actually several ways you can reduce your chances of experiencing a dental emergency! Here are a few tips that can help:
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
In short, visiting our dental office every six months ensures that we can regularly check for early warning signs of problems that could eventually turn into dental emergencies. For example, if we find a small crack during your exam, we can fix it before it gets larger and warrants a same-day visit to our office for treatment. Of course, these routine appointments also allow us to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease in the future.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Of course, you also need to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We recommend starting with the basics, like using the right products (i.e., soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, antimicrobial mouthwash). Then, focus on frequency. In addition to brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently, you should be brushing for a full two minutes and using mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each time.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Just like eating lots of added sugar can increase your risk of developing cavities, eating lots of nutrient-dense foods can help keep your teeth healthy and strong! That’s why we encourage our patients to add sweet potatoes, whole apples, celery, and other smile-friendly foods to their plate whenever they can.
Note: It’s also important that you don’t chew on ice cubes, pen caps, your fingernails, and other hard objects; it’s one of the easiest ways to damage your teeth!
Wear a Mouthguard
Have you heard that roughly five million teeth are knocked-out each year due to sports-related accidents? So, whether you like to skateboard, surf, play football, or wrestle, you need to wear a mouthguard. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for the bulky, uncomfortable ones that are available over-the-counter either. Our Plano dental team can have a custom one made so your smile is properly protected during practices and games.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Simply put, you should never use your teeth to open packages, remove clothing tags, bite your nails, or hold your keys. In addition to introducing countless bacteria to your mouth, using your teeth as tools can cause them to break under the pressure.
Dental Emergency FAQs
No one ever expects a dental emergency, but they are quite common. Don't panic because your emergency dentist in Plano, Dr. Hardin, is here to help. After addressing any pain and assessing your smile, he will create the personalized plan you need. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to help you through the stressful event.
How Should I Sleep With a Toothache?
If it seems like your toothache gets worse at night, you're not imagining it because there are fewer distractions. Not to mention, certain triggers can cause your discomfort to skyrocket. You can ensure you don't spend the night tossing and turning by avoiding hard or chewy foods for dinner. Avoid anything hot, cold, or acidic. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce discomfort and inflammation. Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head, which can worsen your toothache. A cold compress can also numb the area and reduce swelling.
Do I Need to See a Dentist If My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Not all chipped teeth hurt, but that doesn't mean you don't need to see a dentist. Your tooth can be at risk of serious complications with no treatment because it will be vulnerable to harmful bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Not to mention, the structure of your tooth may be compromised.
Will a Chipped Tooth Heal?
Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can't regenerate. Once it has been lost, it is gone for good. A minor chip may remineralize, but your tooth will not grow back. No matter how insignificant the damage appears, don't wait to see a dentist. They'll provide the quick care you need to restore the health, function, and appearance of your tooth.
Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?
You rely on your teeth to get through your day, so a broken denture is a dental emergency in Plano. If possible, use an old denture until you can get into our office. Never wear one that's damaged because it can cause oral injuries. Don't try to repair your denture on your own using superglue or other adhesives. They don't hold up in moist environments, and they can put you at risk of allergic reactions or toxic chemicals. Instead, leave the mending to professionals. We'll get you into the office quickly to provide the necessary repairs or replacements to restore your smile.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance?
Most dental plans offer emergency coverage for your consultation after a co-payment. Your dental insurance may cover any imaging or diagnostic procedures. If you require treatment, your benefits can pay up to 80% of your expense of certain restorative procedures after meeting your annual deductible. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any benefits to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. They will explain how your coverage is being used and your payment options for any remaining balance, like CareCredit.
Is my toothache a dental emergency? Although toothaches aren’t always severe, they’re often a common indication of infection within the inner layers of a tooth. If you notice issues such as sharp pain when biting down, tooth sensitivity that persists longer than 30 seconds, intense discomfort that goes on longer than a day, a small bump around the painful tooth, or signs of an infection (like swelling, fatigue, fever), notify our team right away.
How you should handle a toothache: Try cleaning around the affected tooth to get rid of any particles or debris that could be causing discomfort. If this doesn’t help, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and/or use a cold compress to alleviate your symptoms. Avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums, as that can harm the tissue.
How we treat toothaches: We will thoroughly assess your oral health to see what the underlying problem is. Treatments for a toothache will depend on the root cause and can range from antibiotics and dental crowns to tooth extractions. Our team will walk you through your options in detail during your visit.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Chipped teeth are typically urgent situations, as the damage isn’t usually life-threatening. However, you’ll still want to get it fixed before germs accumulate or any further damage can occur. Even if you don’t feel pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with our team for help.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Gather any pieces you can find and bring them to our dental office with you. Take over-the-counter pain medications or use an ice pack to minimize discomfort. If necessary, cover the damaged part with dental wax or sugar-free gum if the area is sharp or jagged, which can potentially harm your soft oral tissues.
How we treat chipped teeth: We can often address this situation with composite resin. But if the injury is on a more visible tooth, you might consider veneers instead.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Even if you’ve experienced a minor crack, leaving it unaddressed can make you susceptible to further damage or infection later on. Make sure to visit our emergency dentist for help, especially if you notice any sensitivity or pain.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to wash out any harmful bacteria and debris. Take over-the-counter painkillers and/or use a cold compress to alleviate discomfort. Try not to eat or chew on the injured part of your mouth as you wait to get treatment.
How we treat cracked teeth: Depending on the severity of the damage, our team can often treat minor cracks with dental bonding or moderate cracks with dental crowns. If your tooth can’t be repaired, then we may likely need to extract it to preserve the rest of your smile. We’ll then review your tooth-replacement options, such as a dental bridge or implant.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Tooth sensitivity can occur due to various causes. For instance, exposure of the tooth roots or gradual erosion of enamel can lead to this sensitivity. In most cases, mild sensitivity doesn't require immediate attention. However, if your sensitivity intensifies, accompanied by pain lasting for several consecutive days, or if it affects only one or two teeth, it should be treated as a dental emergency. This could potentially indicate issues like cracked teeth or fillings, deep cavities, gum recession, or infection.
How you should handle sensitive teeth: Start by contacting our office. We'll offer initial steps to help address your sensitivity and schedule an appointment, preferably on the same day if your symptoms are severe. Meanwhile, opt for lukewarm water, steer clear of spicy, acidic, or sugary foods, and take pain relievers if necessary.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: The recommended treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If weakened or eroded enamel is the issue, we may suggest desensitizing toothpaste, prescription mouthwash, or topical fluoride therapy. In cases of gum disease or a tooth infection, the recommendation may include antibiotics, gum disease treatment, or root canal therapy.
Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? As soon as your tooth is knocked out, it's important to take swift action if you hope to salvage it. Contact our office immediately to book a same-day emergency appointment. The sooner you arrive, the better chance we have of successfully reimplanting your tooth.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Find the tooth and make sure you handle it by the crown section only. Avoid touching the root or removing any connected tissue. Rinse the tooth gently with water and, if possible, store it in milk or saline solution. This will help preserve it for up to an hour. If available, you can also use an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: Should the tooth remain viable and show no significant damage, we might be able to reimplant it. Over time, the tooth can potentially re-establish connections with your bone and soft tissue. However, if the tooth has been out of the mouth for an extended period or is severely damaged, we may recommend opting for a tooth replacement instead.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Although dental restorations are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they are not intended to be permanent. Consequently, extremely old dental crowns and fillings may deteriorate or even come off entirely. While this doesn't always constitute an emergency, it is a matter of concern and should prompt you to contact our office. This is because the tooth becomes more susceptible to potential infection.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: Try to find the restoration and bring it along when you come to our office. If you have a crown, you can attempt to temporarily reattach it to your tooth using dental cement. However, we do not advise doing the same for a dental filling.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If your restoration is still fairly new and in good condition, there's a possibility we can re-cement it at our office. Otherwise, we may suggest opting for a replacement crown or filling.
Is my broken denture a dental emergency? Yes, a broken denture in Plano is a dental emergency, and you should not wait to seek help.
How you should handle a broken denture: When dealing with a broken denture while at home, do not attempt to reinsert it into your mouth. Doing so may cause damage to your oral tissues. While there are repair kits available, these should only be used if you must wear your dentures right away.
How we treat broken dentures: At Westpark Village Dental Care, our team will evaluate the status of the denture and determine if it can be fixed with composite resin. If this is not possible, we will need to either have a new one made or discuss the possibility of switching to a dental bridge or dental implants.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a loose tooth is a dental emergency. Adults should never experience loose permanent teeth, so it’s imperative that you see a dentist right away.
How you should handle loose permanent teeth: You might be tempted to prod at the tooth with your tongue or finger, but you should avoid this at all costs. Otherwise, it might cause the tooth to completely fall out. You’ll also want to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. If needed, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize any discomfort you might experience as well.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: It’s important that we identify the underlying problem that is causing your permanent tooth to be loose. This can be the result of facial trauma, poor oral hygiene, or gum disease. Based on the reason for the loose tooth, we will likely recommend one of the following treatment options: periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, or dental bridges.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? No, a soft tissue laceration is not technically a dental emergency; however, you are always encouraged to seek timely help if you are unsure what to do.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Typically, injuries to your gums, lips, or tongue heal quickly, but it’s important that you work to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Using clean gauze and some pressure, it should cease within 10 minutes. If it doesn’t, go ahead and get to your local ER.
If you are able to stop the bleeding at home, you can reduce swelling with a cold compress placed against your cheek.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Most soft tissue injuries occur as a result of facial trauma. This is why we must address how it happens and what can be done to avoid the same kind of injury in the future. Our team can provide you or your child with a customized athletic mouthguard to help reduce the potential of injury to the lips, tongue, and gums.
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Yes, jaw pain can be a dental emergency depending on the reason for it.
How you should handle jaw pain: When thinking about the causes of jaw pain, most cases stem from stress, bruxism (teeth grinding), or a misaligned bite. Seeking treatment is important, especially before symptoms worsen. In the meantime, you’ll want to avoid eating anything hard, chewy, or crunchy.
How we treat jaw pain: Treating severe jaw pain requires understanding the cause. If it is due to bruxism, we can suggest a customized nightguard to keep teeth from touching throughout the night. If caused by stress, we may recommend that you seek stress-relieving techniques. If the problem worsens and leads to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), you’ll need to see an outside specialist for treatment. And if an improper bite is the culprit, specialized orthodontics may be the solution.
Something Stuck Between the Teeth
Having something stuck between your teeth is unlikely to be a dental emergency, especially if there is a piece of food that is the reason for any discomfort. A warm water rinse and dental floss should be enough to dislodge it. However, if you attempt to use toothpicks, tweezers, or any other sharp object to remove the food, you put your oral tissues at risk as well as your teeth, which can result in a trip to the emergency dental office.
