Emergency Dentist Midlothian

Treating Your Pain and Dental Injuries Quickly

Woman rubbing her jaw in pain and looking up at emergency dentist in Midlothian

There’s no time to lose when you’re suffering from a dental emergency. Putting it off for too long can cause your dental pain to grow worse, and it could even potentially cost you the opportunity to save the tooth before the damage becomes irreparable. It’s better to call Long Family Dental instead of the emergency room in these situations; we can make time to see you right away for emergency dentistry in Midlothian– usually on the same day – and our dental office is more likely to be equipped to help you find relief as soon as possible.

Why Choose Long Family Dental for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Comprehensive Treatment Menu
  • Same-Day Appointments Offered
  • IV and Oral Sedation Available

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Close-up of female dental patient touching her jaw
  1. Give Us a Call: The first step you should always take if you’re experiencing a dental emergency is to give our team at Long Family Dental a call. We’ll offer you first aid guidance over the phone and schedule an appointment for you that same day.
  2. Get Examined: When you come into our office, your smile will be examined by one of our skilled emergency dentists in Midlothian. Based on our team’s findings, we’ll diagnose any underlying conditions and walk you through our recommended treatment plan.
  3. Receive Treatment: Once our team answers all of your questions, we’ll schedule your procedure for either the same or following day depending on how extensive it is.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

There are two major kinds of dental emergencies: those that are the result of an unavoidable accident and those that stem from dental infections that went unaddressed for too long. No matter the nature of the emergency, you can be sure that you won’t be able to find a permanent solution on your own, so it’s best to call our dental office as soon as you’re able to.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

Dental team member looking at clipboard and talking to patient

There is no set price for urgent dental care. After all, there are so many different kinds of emergencies that the treatment required to address them will vary wildly from case to case. We will never try to sell you a treatment that you do not need; stopping your pain and saving your tooth will be our only priorities. Our dental office accepts many different insurance plans and can help you apply for third-party financing to make paying for your care much easier.

Every Situation is Different

a man having his teeth examined at the dental office

The cost of your emergency dental care will depend on a few different factors that are unique to your situation. Once one of your dentists in Midlothian examines your mouth, they will put together a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the type of damage your mouth has sustained, whether sedation is required, and any necessary follow-up appointments you may need. Based on these details, our team at Long Family Dental of Midlothian will provide you with a cost estimate.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

a dental team member handing a patient forms

In many cases, dental insurance plans will cover the examination as well as at least a portion of the cost of your required treatment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every insurance plan is different. Our dental insurance specialists will help file claims on your behalf and do everything we can to help you get the most out of your benefits. We’re also in-network with a number of major PPO dental insurance plans, including Aetna, United Healthcare, Careington, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, and Guardian, allowing you to maximize your savings.

Options for Making Emergency Dentistry More Affordable

a patient filling out forms on a clipboard

If you’re uninsured or unable to pay for the out-of-pocket expenses, our team offers several additional options to allow you to get the care you need. You can split your expenses up into smaller monthly payments through CareCredit financing, so long as you qualify upon applying. Our team is happy to help you navigate the application process if you’d like assistance!

We also offer an affordable in-house membership plan through Kleer for our uninsured patients. For just $28 a month for children and $34 a month for adults, you’ll receive one covered emergency examination a year, a 15% discount on additional treatments you receive, and all routine preventive dentistry. It’s easy to use, convenient, and excellent for the whole family!

Prevention Can Help You Save Money in the Long Run

a person getting their teeth professionally polished

The best way to save yourself from unexpected dental emergency situations is to keep up with routine preventive dental care, like bi-annual checkups and cleanings and X-rays. By investing a little more of your time up-front in visiting the dentist for these appointments, you can save yourself from experiencing severe oral health concerns down the road that may put you in an emergency dental office!

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Man inserting a mouthguard to prevent dental emergencies in Midlothian

Preventing dental emergencies isn’t always possible. A sudden fall down the stairs or tripping over a tree branch while out for a hike is unexpected, but keeping up with your oral hygiene can minimize the risk of many of the most common problems. If you want to avoid spending additional time meeting with your emergency dentist in Midlothian, check out these helpful tips to lower your chances of sustaining a dental injury.

Don’t Skip Out on Regular Six-Month Visits

Man sitting in a dentist’s chair

Your dentist is your friend and ally. At Long Family Dental, we want to help you enjoy life with a damage- and cavity-free smile. This is why you are encouraged to keep your regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings. Doing so will give us a chance to use more specialized instruments and an eye for detail to identify any signs of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and damage. If any are found, we can eliminate the problem and improve the health and function of your pearly whites and gums for longer-lasting health.

Stay On Top of Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Man brushing his teeth

In addition to keeping your twice-annual visits with your dentist, you will also want to stay on top of your oral hygiene routine at home. This means brushing your teeth twice a day (and after meals), flossing at least once, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Your teeth need daily care because of the bacteria that can easily build up. By practicing proper oral hygiene, you can lower the risk of dental damage and infection, effectively reducing your chances of spending additional time and money on restorative treatment.

Think About What You’re Eating

Woman enjoying a nice dinner

Sugar and starch are known to cause cavities, so it’s best to limit how much you consume. Candy, chips, white pasta, desserts, crackers, and other similar foods should be enjoyed in moderation if you want to prevent cavities and dental decay. Instead, fill your diet with healthy options, such as leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and more. Also, don’t make a habit of chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, or anything else that’s hard. It can wear down the teeth quickly and eventually weaken them to the point of breaking. If you must chew on something, make it sugarless gum.

Safeguard Your Smile

Man wearing a mouthguard

If you enjoy playing sports, it’s important to wear a mouthguard on the field at all times to protect your teeth. Even solo activities that require exerting a lot of energy (i.e., running, hiking, biking, etc.) can lead to accidental falls. By wearing a mouthguard, you can protect your teeth from serious harm, instead allowing the oral device to bear the brunt of any excessive pressure that might be placed on your pearly whites. The same is true if you grind your teeth at night. A custom nightguard can protect your teeth from damage or enamel erosion.

Don’t Use Your Teeth to Open Packages

Man opening a package

Opening packages with your mouth is hard on your teeth, so take the extra time to find some scissors or another tool more suited for the job. Your tooth enamel may be the hardest substance in the body, but it can still sustain chips, cracks, fractures, and breaks. Don’t assume you’ll save time by using your teeth to do the job. Instead, you could find yourself losing valuable time by having to visit your emergency dentist because you refused to look for a proper tool.

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? A toothache caused by trapped food can often be resolved with dental floss. However, if the pain stems from an infection, a root canal may be necessary. Call our office immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain lasting more than 24 hours
  • Extreme sensitivity lasting over 30 seconds
  • Sharp pain when biting down
  • A small bump on the gums near the affected tooth
  • Signs of infection such as swelling, fever, or fatigue

How you should handle a toothache: Use ibuprofen for pain relief and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid letting aspirin touch the tooth or gums. Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

How we treat toothaches: Toothaches can result from cavities, gum disease, or infections. After an examination, we’ll determine the best treatment, which may include fillings, dental crowns, antibiotics, prescription mouthwash, root canal treatment, gum disease treatment, or extraction.

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Not always, but it’s important to see a dentist soon to prevent further damage or infection.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: If possible, collect and bring any broken pieces to your appointment. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or cement to protect your gums. Apply a cold compress in 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling.

How we treat chipped teeth: Tooth-colored composite resin is commonly used to restore chipped teeth. If the damage affects a highly visible tooth, a veneer or dental crown may be a better option for improved aesthetics and durability.

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Yes! Even a small crack can make your tooth vulnerable to further damage or infection. If you experience pain or sensitivity after a blow to the face, schedule an emergency appointment. Some cracks are not visible, meaning hidden damage could be present.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with water to remove bacteria. Use a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort. To protect soft tissues, apply orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum to the jagged edges of your tooth.

How we treat cracked teeth: Minor cracks can be repaired with composite resin, while more severe damage may require a custom dental crown. If the tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be necessary, and we can discuss replacement options.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Sensitivity isn’t usually a true emergency, but severe or sudden pain shouldn’t be ignored. Call us to describe your symptoms – we’ll determine how quickly you need to be seen. Some underlying causes might include an abscess, gum disease, enamel erosion, or an advanced cavity.

How you should handle sensitive teeth: Until you get to your emergency dentist, avoid hot, cold, acidic, spicy or very sweet foods and drinks. Brush and floss gently using a soft?bristled brush and a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity. If the discomfort spikes, take an over?the?counter pain reliever as directed.

How we treat tooth sensitivity: After a thorough examination, we’ll pinpoint the source of your discomfort and recommend one or more dental treatments to address the issue. These may include professional fluoride varnishes or gels, tooth?colored fillings, dental crowns, or root canal treatment.

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Knocked-Out Tooth

 Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, this is considered a true dental emergency. Acting fast is critical if you hope to save the tooth. Call us right away to arrange a same?day visit. The quicker you get here, the better the chance we can reimplant the tooth successfully.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Pick up the tooth by the chewing surface and avoid touching the root. Run it under cool (not cold) water for a few seconds to remove debris. Store the tooth in a small, sealable container filled with milk or a mild salt?water solution. Bring the container straight to your appointment.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the root and crown are intact, we’ll splint the tooth to its neighbors and allow the surrounding bone and tissues to heal and reconnect. If the damage is too severe, we’ll discuss replacement options such as a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? It’s alarming to find a filling or crown has come out, but this situation (while urgent) isn’t typically life?threatening. You should still call us as soon as possible to reduce your risk of infection or tooth damage.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: First, locate the restoration. Once you find it, keep the crown or filling in a safe container. If the area feels sharp or exposed, you can apply a small amount of dental wax (available at most pharmacies) until your appointment. Stick to soft foods to prevent further damage.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If the crown is undamaged, we may be able to reseat it temporarily with dental cement before crafting a permanent solution. On the other hand, lost fillings generally need a fresh restoration. We’ll remove any decay, then place a new filling or discuss an alternative restoration if necessary.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Broken Dentures

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? You rely on your dentures every single day. You use them to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. Breaking one might not be painful or life-threatening, but you should still have it fixed as soon as possible. Wearing broken dentures can lead to soft-tissue irritation and make the damage worse.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: You shouldn’t attempt to repair a broken denture on your own. Denture repair kits and household items can result in further damage. Instead, give us a call to let us know what’s going on.

How We Treat Broken Dentures: The way that we address broken dentures depends on the severity of the damage. If your denture just has a small chip or crack, we may be able to correct it with composite resin. However, for more severe damage, you may need to be fitted with new dentures. This is also a great time to consider other tooth replacement options, like dental implants.

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? Yes! A loose tooth is at risk of falling out, so it is an urgent dental emergency. You should have this addressed as soon as possible. Give us a call to schedule an appointment immediately.

How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth: If you notice that your tooth is wiggly, give us a call to schedule a visit. Until your appointment, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and don’t touch the tooth with your finger or tongue.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth: We will do everything in our power to save your tooth. If we can’t, we will discuss tooth replacement options to complete your smile.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? Experiencing trauma in this area can be alarming because it has the tendency to bleed a lot. If you have concerns regarding a wound in this area, give us a call so we can provide you with further instructions.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Start by rinsing the area with water to wash away dirt and debris. Then, use a clean washcloth or gauze to apply pressure to the area until the bleeding subsides. For pain and inflammation, use a cold compress.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: If the cut is small, we may be able to help by stitching it shut. For larger cuts or lacerations, you should go to the emergency room. We’d be happy to address your smile after you have been discharged.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? Most of the time, jaw pain isn’t a dental emergency. However, it can still be uncomfortable. If your pain becomes severe or chronic, let us know. We can begin working toward reducing your discomfort.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers are oftentimes enough to address the discomfort. If you think your jaw may be broken or dislocated, you should go to the emergency room for assistance.

How We Treat Jaw Pain: The treatment that we use to address jaw pain depends on the patient. For some, a nightguard for bruxism is necessary. For others, TMJ treatment may be necessary. During your visit with us, we will work to get to the bottom of the issue so it can be resolved.

Learn More About TMJ Treatment

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

You shouldn’t attempt to use anything sharp to try to get an object out from between your teeth. Attempting to dislodge it with tweezers, toothpicks, or cutlery can put the item in further or damage your soft tissue. Instead, rinse your mouth with water. Next, use dental floss to dislodge it. If you are still struggling to get it out, give us a call so we can assist you.