Emergency Dentist Marshall, TX | Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, no matter how diligent you are about oral healthcare. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office at 903-437-8048 for the soonest care possible. Emergency dentistry is a general dental service that can help eliminate further complications in the future.

Do I Have a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is anything that needs to be seen right away. This can include a broken tooth, tooth pain, or a broken dental restoration. It’s always better to be safe and call us with a dental concern than to ignore something that gets more severe and requires more extensive treatment. However, if you damage the soft tissue or have facial bleeding, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room.

Tooth Pain

Tooth pain has so many different types and causes. It may be sharp, throbbing, sudden, gradual, aching, or a combination. No matter what yours feels like, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. You should never ignore or try to brush off tooth pain. Tooth decay is a common cause, as the infection burrows deeper into your tooth, impacting dental nerves. A broken filling can also cause pain, exposing sensitive interior tissue.

Another common cause is an infection in the bone or tooth socket. An abscess occurs when a pocket of pus forms in an area near your tooth, which can be the source of your pain. We usually need to drain the abscess and evaluate the state of the tooth to see if we can avoid extraction.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Especially as an adult, losing a tooth can be scary. And it certainly counts as a dental emergency. If you handle the situation properly and get us the knocked-out tooth in enough time, the tooth will be viable for replacement back in your mouth. If your tooth gets knocked out, do your best to stay calm. Look for the tooth and pick it up if possible. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris that might have gotten on it.

Then, put the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva. This preserves the tooth longer so you can make it to our office. We’ll evaluate the tooth and determine if we can put it back in your mouth. If not, we offer multiple different options for tooth replacement. Specifically, a single dental implant is the gold standard to replace a missing tooth.

Broken Tooth

Some breaks aren’t an emergency. For example, a small cosmetic chip you may not even notice can happen. Other times, a large portion of your tooth may break off. This is painful, exposing dental nerves that are extremely sensitive when they come into contact with anything. Depending on how the tooth breaks, it can leave sharp edges that can injure the soft tissues of your cheeks and gums.

If you can, bring in the piece or pieces of the tooth that broke off so we can observe. Usually, we recommend something like dental bonding that we can mold to fill in the space of the tooth that broke off, protecting the interior and soft tissue.

Broken Dental Restoration

Dental restorations are crucial to the function and look of your smile. It’s important to replace them as soon as possible if they break or fall out. A dental restoration can include bridges, dentures, fillings, or crowns. Never try to glue together a restoration yourself. You also should never try to put the crown back on your own tooth. Collect the pieces of the restoration and bring them to our office. We decide whether we can repair the restoration or need to replace it.

Preparing for a Dental Emergency

One of the first steps in preparing for a dental emergency is to have a well-stocked dental first-aid kit. This kit should include items such as gauze, dental wax, temporary filling material, a small container with a tight-fitting lid, over-the-counter pain medication, and the contact information of your emergency dentist. These readily available items can help you manage pain and prevent further damage until you can see a professional.

It is also important to have a list of emergency contacts handy in case you need immediate assistance. This can include the contact information of your regular dentist, an emergency dental clinic, and the National Poison Control Center. Having this information easily accessible can save valuable time in the event of a dental emergency.

Additionally, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic first-aid techniques for dental emergencies. Knowing how to handle common issues such as a chipped or knocked-out tooth can help you act quickly and confidently in a crisis.

For example, if you have a chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply gauze to control bleeding, and use dental wax to cover sharp edges. If a tooth has been knocked out, rinse it gently with water, careful not to touch the root, and place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist until you can see a dentist.

In addition to having a well-equipped first aid kit and emergency contacts, it is important to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. By maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent dental emergencies from occurring in the first place. Your dentist can identify potential issues early on and provide guidance on preventing more serious problems in the future.

Another key aspect of preparing for a dental emergency is knowing when to seek professional help. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, you must immediately contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious complications and may result in permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

Anyone can experience a dental emergency, so it’s important to be prepared. Learn more from the answers to these commonly asked questions.

Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

You can go to the emergency room for severe dental emergencies, such as a broken jaw, uncontrollable bleeding, or severe infections that affect breathing or swallowing. However, ERs typically do not have dentists on staff and may only provide pain relief or antibiotics. If you have issues like a broken tooth, damaged restoration, or a knocked-out tooth, you can only get the proper care from a dentist.

What are the signs of a dental infection or abscess?

A dental infection or abscess often presents with severe tooth pain, swelling, redness, pus, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth. It can spread quickly to other areas, leading to serious health complications. If you suspect an infection, seek emergency dental care immediately to prevent further issues.

What if my child has a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies in children, such as toothaches, knocked-out teeth, or injuries, require immediate attention. Stay calm and assess the situation. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not reinsert it. For a permanent tooth, follow the same steps as an adult and see us immediately.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

A toothache may temporarily subside, but the underlying issue—decay or infection—will not heal without treatment. Ignoring a persistent toothache can lead to serious complications. Always see a dentist if you have ongoing pain.

Does insurance cover emergency dental care?

Many dental insurance plans cover emergency visits, but coverage depends on your provider and plan. Some plans may cover only specific treatments or have limitations on after-hours care. Check with your insurance company to understand your coverage.

How fast can I expect to get relief from a dental emergency?

The relief time from a dental emergency depends on the severity of the issue. Minor issues, such as a small filling or mild toothache, can often be treated during the same appointment. Treatment may involve multiple steps or follow-up appointments for more serious issues like severe infection or broken teeth. Your dentist will provide a timeline based on the specifics of your emergency.

Contact Marshall Family Dental

If you think you have a dental emergency, call our office immediately. For other appointments, call our office or contact us online.