What’s considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency consists of any dental problems that require immediate attention. Examples of dental emergencies include: Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth Infection Restoration damage Toothaches If you experience a dental emergency, or you’re unsure if it’s an emergency, contact our office by calling (972) 885-3335. It’s important to avoid fixing the problem on your own as it can cause more issues. Dental issues typically don’t go away on their own, so it's best to respond promptly to avoid further complications.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Sometimes, emergencies can be prevented if the proper precautions are followed. For example, wearing mouthguards and protective equipment when participating in physical activities can help prevent damage to your teeth and gums. Following a good oral hygiene routine, in addition to scheduling biannual checkups and cleanings, will help ensure your oral health stays on track. Seeing Dr. Clinton and our team for regular checkups will help us catch any issues before they become serious.

Are follow-up appointments considered a dental emergency?

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to examine how your mouth is responding to a particular surgery or procedure. In some cases, you may need to see Dr. Clinton for a follow-up appointment if sutures need to be removed. Your dentist will also want to assess swelling and ensure your mouth is free of infection. If you’re unsure if your follow-up appointment requires immediate attention, give our office a call at (972) 885-3335.

Can my dental insurance cover dental emergencies?

Depending on the emergency, the care, procedure, and treatment, the cost of treatment varies. Most dental insurance companies will cover some of the cost. However, we recommend speaking to your dental insurance provider to find out the coverage plan. We also offer affordable payment options so you don’t delay your emergency visit any longer.

Dental Emergencies With Dr. Clinton

Protect Your Oral Health After an Injury

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. A chipped tooth from a fall, an avulsed tooth from a sports injury, or a painful toothache in the middle of the night all require urgent dental attention. When dental emergencies strike, Dr. Scott Clinton and his team at Waxahachie Family Dentistry are ready to provide emergency dental care so you don’t have to live with unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Call (972) 885-3335 to schedule your emergency dental appointment with Dr. Clinton. Our team will prioritize your care and see you at your earliest convenience.

What Are Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies are urgent dental issues that require immediate attention to relieve severe pain or fix cosmetic problems. Some common dental emergencies include:

Toothaches: An intense, throbbing pain in a tooth that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medication. It may indicate an infection, cavity, cracked tooth, or other problem.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Any damage to the structure of the tooth that exposes inner layers. This can lead to pain and sensitivity or infection if not treated promptly.
Knocked-Out Teeth: When a tooth is completely dislodged from the socket. Quick action is needed to preserve the tooth.
Loose Permanent Teeth: Usually the result of an injury, if a permanent tooth is loosened it must be stabilized to prevent further damage.
Abscesses: An infection of the tooth, gums, or surrounding bone, resulting in redness, swelling, and intense pain. Drainage and antibiotics are required.
Object Caught Between Teeth: Food or other objects can become painfully wedged between teeth. Prompt removal is needed to prevent damage.
Broken Braces, Wires, or Dental Appliances: Orthodontic components that break or come loose can injure the gums and cheeks. They require immediate repair or removal.

When Does A Dental Problem Become an Emergency?

Not all dental issues require emergency attention. So how do you know when to seek urgent dental care? Here are some signs it’s time for emergency dental treatment:

Severe tooth or gum pain that causes difficulty eating, sleeping, or speaking clearly
Significant facial swelling around a tooth, jaw, or gums
Uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth
Trauma causing tooth displacement, chipping, or injury to gums
A knocked-out permanent tooth
Sudden malfunction of dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or bridges
Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold after a restoration falls out
Visible infection like an abscess with pus

If you experience any of these symptoms, emergency dental care is likely required. The longer you wait, the worse the problem is likely to get. Don’t live with a dental emergency — call for urgent treatment right away.

The Emergency Dental Care Process at Waxahachie Family Dentistry

No one wants to endure unnecessary dental distress. That’s why Dr. Clinton and our attentive staff make emergency care our top priority. Here’s what you can expect if you call Waxahachie Family Dentistry with an urgent dental issue:

Detailing Your Issue: We’ll get key details about your issue to assess options and urgency.
Quick Pain Relief: If indicated, they can prescribe pain medication or perform initial pain-alleviating treatment.
Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays and other imaging as needed to determine the extent of the injury and required treatment.
Restoration of Form and Function: For problems like chipped teeth, they can smooth sharp edges or bond resin.
Definitive Treatment: From fillings and crowns to extractions and root canals, they can complete treatment promptly.
Complete Care: With onsite specialists and technology, most emergency treatments can be done at their state-of-the-art Waxahachie office.
Exceptional Follow-Up: After addressing the urgent issue, they will explain proper at-home care and schedule follow-up visits.

With these steps, Dr. Clinton and his team work to turn dental emergencies into relief. They strive to make the process as quick, smooth, and painless as possible.

At-Home Dental Emergency Tips

In some cases, you can temporarily manage the issue at home until able to see a professional. Here are some at-home tips:

For a chipped or fractured tooth, rinse with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce any swelling. Then eat soft foods, don’t bite on the tooth, and avoid hot/cold foods. Gently clean with a soft brush. Seek dental treatment promptly.
If a tooth is knocked out, DO NOT scrub the tooth, but rinse gently if dirty. Try to re-implant and bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to keep in place. If unable to re-implant, store in milk or saline solution. Seek emergency dental care ASAP.
For loose permanent teeth, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and bite down on gauze to stabilize it. Avoid touching the tooth or wiggling it further. Limit the use of the tooth and see a dentist immediately.
For objects caught between teeth, try to gently remove them with floss or an interdental cleaner. DO NOT dig around or damage the gums. If unable to remove, seek professional help promptly.
Toothache pain can be temporarily alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen until you can receive dental treatment.

These tips can provide temporary relief in an emergency until professional dental expertise is available. Don’t wait with dental discomfort — call Waxahachie Family Dentistry right away!

Should I Visit The Emergency Room or Wait For A Dentist?

In some extreme dental emergencies, you may need to be seen promptly at the hospital emergency room, especially if:

You have significant facial swelling affecting your airway.
You have uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth.
You experience trauma (like a car accident) causing severe mouth injuries.
An infection like an abscess causes fever, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing.

The ER can provide rapid care which may involve antibiotics, pain medication, sutures, or tooth stabilization until thorough dental treatment is possible. However, for many common emergencies like chipped teeth, toothaches, or lost restorations, you can avoid long ER waits by calling your dentist directly for quicker specialist attention. Waxahachie Family Dentistry offers urgent emergency care and can prescribe pain relief if needed overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I chip a tooth during the night?

Rinse the tooth with warm water. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed for discomfort. Then, call your dentist first thing in the morning to schedule a prompt repair. Avoid chewing on the side with the chipped tooth.

What should I do if my dental veneers come loose or fall off at home?

Avoid re-cementing veneers at home. Call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment to re-bond them professionally. In the meantime, clean well but avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, which could cause damage or swallowing of the veneer. Use temporary dental adhesive like Fixodent if needed to stabilize until your visit.

My wisdom tooth is impacted and is now extremely painful and swollen. Is this a dental emergency?

Yes, with severe pain and swelling, an impacted wisdom tooth requires prompt emergency dental care. Call your dentist right away. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and recommend extraction as soon as possible to relieve the pressure on the infected area. Leaving it untreated can worsen the infection.

If I lose a permanent tooth, how long do I have to replant it?

With prompt emergency treatment, some knocked-out permanent teeth can be successfully reimplanted and saved. Call your dentist immediately if this occurs. The best chances for tooth survival are within 30 minutes or less. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (not the root) and keep it moist with milk or saliva until your dental visit.

Don’t Panic with Dental Disasters — Call Dr. Scott Clinton Today!

Life throws curveballs, especially with your dental health. You can relax knowing that Dr. Scott Clinton and his team at Waxahachie Family Dentistry are ready with prompt emergency dental expertise whenever you need it. Don’t let an urgent dental issue turn into prolonged misery. Call (972) 885-3335 right away to schedule an appointment so you can get back to smiling confidently!