Emergency Dental Care in Waxahachie, TX

We’re Here For You When You Need Us

Any dental emergency, like an injury to the teeth or gums, should never be ignored. Failing to address a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage, as well as the need for more extensive and costly treatment down the road. At Waxahachie Family Dentistry, our team is prepared to treat dental emergencies and restore your oral health on short notice.

Being prepared to take action is the best way to minimize the complications from a dental emergency, even before you reach the dentist. Explore our summaries of what to do in the case of some common dental problems.

Lost Filling

If you lost your filling, contact our Waxahachie office at (972) 885-3335 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, we recommend sticking a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity, as sugar-filled gum will cause more pain. You can also use over-the-counter dental cement.

Lost Crown

If your crown has broken or fallen out, call our office as soon as possible. For the time being, if the area is causing pain, we recommend using a cotton swab to apply a small amount of clove oil to the sensitive area. Clove oil can be purchased at your local drug store or in the spice aisle of your grocery store.

If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive to help hold the crown in place. Never use super glue!

Toothaches

If you’re experiencing a toothache, contact our office as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow these instructions:

  • Thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any lodged food 
  • If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek
  • Never use heat — if you have an infected tooth, heat can cause the infection to spread
  • Never use painkillers — placing the painkillers or aspirin against the gums near the aching tooth may burn the gum tissue

Abscess

Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage soft gum tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.

If you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gum from the infection, call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Until then, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution of one-half teaspoon of table salt in eight ounces of water several times a day.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Try to save any pieces of your broken tooth and call our office as soon as possible. In the meantime, do the following:

  • Rinse your mouth using warm water and rinse any broken pieces
  • If bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken tooth to keep the swelling down and relieve any pain

Knocked-Out Tooth

In all cases, contact our office as soon as possible as knocked out teeth have the highest chance of being saved within one hour of being knocked out. In the meantime, do the following:

  • Retrieve the tooth while only touching its crown 
  • Rinse off the tooth with water if dirty
  • Don’t scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments
  • Put the tooth in a small container of milk or cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt

Bleeding After Losing a Baby Tooth

When experiencing bleeding after losing their baby tooth, place a clean, folded piece of gauze or paper towel on the site. Ask your child to bite down on the piece of gauze or paper towel for 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If the bleeding hasn’t subsided on its own, contact our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 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.

Have a Dental Emergency? Call Us Now

From lost filling to knocked-out teeth, Dr. Clinton can help. If you have a dental emergency or have any questions about your current dental situation, call our office at (972) 885-3335 and we’ll be happy to help. You can also fill out our online contact form and our staff will get back to you promptly.