Emergency Dentist Arlington

Your Smile Deserves Urgent Dental Care

Woman visiting her emergency dentist in Arlington

When faced with an unexpected oral issue, it’s important that you know where to go and who to turn to in times of crisis. Because your smile deserves urgent dental care, you can count on our team at Collins St Dental of Arlington to see you the same day, after hours, or on the weekends. Using specialized restorative dentistry services to provide prompt and effective treatment, our Arlington emergency dentists are ready to handle the situation and alleviate the pain so that you can enjoy a swift recovery. Make sure to call our office if you or a loved one is suffering from any kind of dental emergency.

Why Choose Collins St Dental of Arlington for Emergency Dentistry?

  • We’re Here Whenever Our Patients Need Us
  • High-Quality Tooth Replacement Options Available
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation Used When Needed

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Woman holding her cheek while talking to emergency dentist

Treating a dental emergency requires that you first call our dental office. Based on how serious the injury is, we will decide how quickly you should come in for treatment. If you are experiencing any pain, we can offer helpful tips to minimize discomfort in the meantime. Once in our office, we will help to get you out of pain as quickly as possible by taking digital images of your teeth and performing a complete examination of your smile. After confirming our results and establishing a treatment plan, we will begin to target the problem area so that you are no longer experiencing an emergency but instead, feel better about your oral health and appearance.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Collin St Dental of Arlington is pleased to be able to take care of many of the most common dental emergencies. While the ER is a great place for broken/fractured jaws, excessive bleeding, and continuous swelling, other, less serious issues can be dealt with at your local dentist’s office. Feel free to review the kinds of cases we see and what you can do to take care of your teeth while waiting for your appointment.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

Dentist talking to a patient at a desk

Many different factors determine the cost of dental emergencies. While many patients assume it’s too costly to see a dentist for urgent dental care, the worst thing you can do is avoid treatment. Instead, the price of your initial visit is unlikely to incur much of a cost, especially if you have dental insurance. This is why we will work closely with you and your insurance company to maximize your available benefits so that you spend less out of pocket while walking away with a fully restored smile.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Woman smiling while brushing her teeth

No smile is fully protected from dental emergencies. Accidents happen, and your dentists know that; however, there are steps you can take to safeguard your pearly whites year after year. These might include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice each day for two full minutes as well as flossing at least once a day and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash to flush out any remaining bacteria.
  • Giving up unhealthy habits that can damage your teeth, such as smoking and using tobacco products, eating ice, chewing on inanimate objects, and biting your fingernails.
  • Eating a healthy diet that contains less sugar and starch and more leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins.
  • Wearing a customized nightguard or sportsguard to protect your teeth from damage on the field or while in bed.
  • Seeing your dentist every six months for regular dental exams and professional teeth cleanings.
More to Explore

I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I am Worried About Gum Disease I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I Want to Enhance My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile View Our Services

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? Several potential problems can cause toothaches and though some are more dangerous to your dental health than others, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. You may need urgent attention if:

  • You feel a sharp pain when biting down.
  • Your discomfort is severe or lasts more than 24 hours.
  • There is a small bump on the gums near the painful tooth.
  • It looks darker than neighboring teeth.
  • You show other symptoms of infection like swelling, fever, or fatigue.

How you should handle a toothache: If you suspect something is caught between your teeth and causing the pain, you can try gently flossing. You can also rinse with warm salt water to soothe any inflammation and kill harmful bacteria. Be sure to contact us so we can schedule an appropriate time for you to come in to identify the problem and provide potential solutions.

How we treat toothaches: Once you arrive, one of our dentists will examine your mouth and take any X-rays or images needed to diagnose the issue. Then, depending on the cause of your toothache, they’ll suggest treatments like a filling, dental crown, root canal, antibiotic therapy, or if the damage is overly severe, an extraction.

Learn More About Fillings and Dental Crowns

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? It’s easy to assume that a slightly chipped tooth is a mere inconvenience, but the structure of your tooth has been compromised. Bacteria are more likely to penetrate the tender pulp inside, and it’s more susceptible to breaking further. You should contact us to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later to address it before it progresses.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: First, do your best to find the piece that broke away and store it in a clear baggy or container with a small amount of milk or some of your saliva. There’s a chance your dentist can replace it. Then, rinse your mouth gently to keep it clear of bacteria, and avoid eating anything on that side of your mouth. If there are sharp edges, cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum to keep it from cutting the soft tissues in your mouth.

How we treat chipped teeth: Typically, chipped teeth can be fixed by applying composite resin and bonding it in place. If your damaged tooth is in an easy-to-see place like the front of your mouth, you might consider a cosmetic treatment like porcelain veneers to enhance your appearance.

Learn More About Dental Bonding and Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth an emergency? If you’ve noticed that you have a crack in your tooth but aren’t experiencing any discomfort, it’s natural to wonder if it qualifies as an emergency. The truth is that you can’t always tell the extent of the injury without a professional examination, so it’s best to call us for an appointment.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: You can start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to clear away unwanted germs. If there’s inflammation or aching then a cold compress can temporarily numb the area for some well-deserved relief. Also, try to avoid biting or eating anything on that side of your mouth to prevent possible breakage.

How we treat cracked teeth: The remedy for your cracked tooth depends on the severity of the harm done. If it’s minor, then dental bonding may be enough to resolve the issue. If it’s overly damaged, however, then we might need to provide a dental crown to protect it and restore its functionality.

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? There are several potential causes of tooth sensitivity, and some are more harmful than others. For example, if the roots have become exposed or your enamel has thinned over time, you might experience mild discomfort. Typically, this isn’t urgent, but if it worsens or doesn’t dissipate after a few days, then you need professional help.  You might have cavities, gum recession, or an infection.

How you should handle very sensitive teeth: First, call us and we’ll schedule an appropriate time for you to come in. We’ll also walk you through any care instructions over the phone to manage symptoms until you arrive. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, spicy, or acidic that can trigger the unpleasant sensation.

How we treat very sensitive teeth: The treatment depends on the cause, so we will provide suggestions after your examination. We might recommend desensitizing toothpaste or topical fluoride therapy if it’s due to weakened enamel. If gum disease has caused recession, then we might offer scaling and root planing, laser treatment, or antibiotic therapy.

Read More About Fluoride Treatment

Read More About Gum Disease Treatments

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? It’s important to act quickly as soon as your tooth is knocked out to try to save it. Contact our office right away to make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: First, try to locate the tooth. It may be still in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow it. Be sure to handle it by the crown and not the roots so you don’t damage any viable cells. Then, store it in a clean container or baggy with either a small amount of milk or saliva to bring with you when you come in for your appointment.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the tooth is in good condition and the cells are still viable, our dentists might be able to reinsert it into its socket. Otherwise, we might recommend a possible replacement such as a dental implant or bridge.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Although they’re incredibly durable, dental restorations typically don’t last forever. If your dental crown or filling is several years old, it can break down or fall out entirely. Although it may not be an emergency, the underlying tooth is exposed so we’ll want to see you as soon as possible to protect and preserve it.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: Try to locate the damaged restoration and bring it with you so we can identify what happened and the best way to repair your tooth. You might be able to reattach your dental crown temporarily with toothpaste or dental cement until you arrive.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If the dental crown is newer and in good condition, we might try to reattach it. Otherwise, we’ll recommend a new filling or crown to replace your lost restoration.

Learn More About Fillings and Dental Crowns

Broken Dentures  

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? Yes, even if it doesn’t seem like the break is that bad, a broken denture is a broken denture. So, don’t hesitate to contact our Arlington dental team to schedule an appointment within the next few days.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture Calling us is a great first step. In addition to that, we recommend putting your denture in a small, clean container for safekeeping and continuing to care for your smile. Make sure to avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods in the meantime too!

How We Treat Broken Dentures There are some cases where we can repair your dentures at our office. If that’s simply not possible, then we will take the necessary steps to have a new traditional or implant denture made so you aren’t without a complete and confident smile for long.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Loose Permanent Tooth  

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? Whether your tooth feels slightly loose or is on the brink of falling out, you should contact us ASAP to share your symptoms and schedule an appointment with our Arlington emergency dentist.

How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth Between now and your appointment, do what you can to protect your tooth from completely falling out. That includes avoiding crunchy foods and not wiggling the tooth with your finger. If needed, you can take OTC pain medication as well.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth Sometimes, a loose permanent tooth can heal back in place with the proper support. Other times, our only option is to remove the tooth before putting a dental bridge or implant in its place.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue  

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? Although soft tissue injuries require your immediate attention, they don’t usually require a same-day visit to our office. That’s because they can usually be handled at home quickly and easily.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue Go to the sink and use clean, cool water to rinse your mouth. Then, use a clean, damp washcloth (or gauze, if you have it) to apply pressure to the cut and stop the bleeding.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue Usually, soft tissue injuries stop bleeding within 10 minutes of applying pressure. If yours continues to bleed, then call 911 or head to the ER for medical attention.

Jaw Pain  

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? It is if it’s persistent, severe, or negatively impacting your overall quality of life! If that’s the case for you, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our Arlington dental team to schedule an emergency exam.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain For short-term relief, you can try using a cold compress, avoiding crunchy foods, and taking OTC pain medication. For long-term relief, you need to come to our office for the necessary care.

How We Treat Jaw Pain There are a few options, but the one we recommend for you depends entirely on what we find during your emergency exam. If, for example, we determine that your jaw pain is the result of your wisdom teeth being impacted, then we will need to extract them.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Something Stuck Between the Teeth  

If something is stuck between your teeth, you may be tempted to reach for something sharp, like tweezers. Don’t! Instead, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm saltwater before gently flossing.