Emergency Dentistry – McKinney, TX
Here For You During Your Most Stressful Moments
Are you or a loved one experiencing a serious dental emergency? Maybe your son tripped down the stairs and cracked a tooth, or maybe some mild oral discomfort has gradually turned into severe, distracting pain. At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, our doctors know how important it is to find relief as soon as possible in these panic-inducing situations. That’s why we make time to see you or your family member as soon as possible. In fact, we strive to bring you in on the same day as your original call! All you have to do is contact us for emergency dentistry here in McKinney.
Are you or a loved one experiencing a serious dental emergency? Maybe your son tripped down the stairs and cracked a tooth, or maybe some mild oral discomfort has gradually turned into severe, distracting pain. At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, our doctors know how important it is to find relief as soon as possible in these panic-inducing situations. That’s why we make time to see you or your family member as soon as possible. In fact, we strive to bring you in on the same day as your original call! All you have to do is contact us here in McKinney.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
During a stressful dental emergency situation, it can be difficult to think clearly. Fortunately, the only step you need to take for help is to contact our dental office as soon as possible. We’ll provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
Toothaches
If you’re experiencing a severe toothache that’s keeping you up at night, then it’s likely a sign of a tooth infection hidden deep beneath the surface of your enamel. To help combat the discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or place a cold compress on the area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, for up to an hour at a time.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Even if the damage to your tooth isn’t causing you pain, it’s vital to visit your emergency dentist in McKinney in order to prevent additional damage from occurring. If the area of your tooth that has broken off and caused a jagged edge, then you can place a piece of sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax over the area to prevent irritation to your oral tissues.
Knocked-Out Tooth
In this situation, time is of the essence, and you’ll need to visit our dental office within an hour of the accident to increase our chances of being able to successfully replant the tooth in its original socket. Be sure to retrieve your tooth off the ground by only handling it by the biting surface. After you gently rinse any dirt off, place it in a sealable container of milk or salt water to keep it viable until you reach our dental office.
Lost Filling/Crown
You can temporarily replace your restoration or cover your damaged tooth, but it’s important to visit our dental office so we can replace or repair your crown or filling and prevent additional damage. In the meantime, try to locate your restoration and rinse it under water. You can re-attach it to your tooth using a small dab of denture adhesive or a piece of sugar-free gum.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
How can you avoid dental emergencies? There are some situations – such as sudden accidents – that you can’t really plan for, but on the other hand there are many dental issues that can be avoided altogether simply by practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding bad oral habits that can harm the teeth and gums. Below are some examples of ways you can reduce your risk of a dental emergency; you can ask us for additional tips during your next appointment.
Learn More About the Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Keep Up Your Regular Appointments
Making time to see your dentist every six months can make it less likely that you’ll need to make an emergency appointment in the future. We can remove plaque, tartar, and other harmful substances before they lead to cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, we can check for warning signs of potential dental emergencies and intervene before any permanent damage is done. Being proactive about your dental health by seeking regular preventive care can save you time, money, and trouble in the long run.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Of course, even if you’re seeing your dentist on a regular basis, you still need to brush and floss every day to ward off oral health problems. If you don’t maintain a good oral hygiene routine, the gradual buildup of harmful bacteria can eventually take its toll and lead to accelerated enamel deterioration or oral infections. To avoid permanent damage, make sure that you’re brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Pay close attention to the gum line, the backs of your teeth, and other spots that can be easily overlooked.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
You are what you eat – and your smile is very much included in that. Eating foods that are high in sugars or carbohydrates can lead to an increased risk of cavities, so it’s best to cut down on these substances as much as possible. Instead, try eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to containing nutrients that contribute to healthy gums, they can also help clear plaque and bacteria from your mouth, thus helping you maintain a healthier oral environment.
Wear a Mouthguard
Most people get mouthguards for one of two reasons: either to protect their teeth while playing sports or to minimize the damage they do to their teeth at night due to bruxism. Athletic mouthguards are indispensable when it comes to keeping the teeth and gums safe if you suffer a blow to the mouth or face. Bruxism mouthguards keep the upper and lower teeth separate so that they don’t wear each other down when you unconsciously clench or grind while you’re asleep.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Tearing open a package with your teeth can seem like a time-saver, but in the long run it might actually lead to a dental emergency. Using your teeth improperly can weaken your enamel, leaving it more vulnerable to decay and increasing the risk of a fracture. Taking the time to find some scissors or an appropriate tool is generally the best decision for keeping your smile as safe as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Keep in mind the costs will largely vary depending on the type and severity of your dental emergency. Our goal at OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics is to make your dental treatments as easy as possible to understand, especially when it’s time to pay for care. As we solidify your treatment plan, we’ll break down the costs of addressing your dental emergency, go over insurance benefits, and create a plan that fits within your budget.
Learn More About the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Dental Emergencies are Unique (and What That Means)
When you visit a dentist for an emergency, you’ll find that the visit is relatively affordable. Our team will start by examining your needs and figuring out what treatment you require to get you feeling normal again. The only way to know for sure how much you’ll need to pay is by completing a detailed exam of the problem at hand. With that said, the most common solutions to your dental emergency may include the following:
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extractions
- Dental crowns
- and other services!
No matter what we determine, we’ll also explain our findings in great detail so you understand why we recommend a specific treatment plan. You’ll also be told what your costs will be ahead of time so you aren’t caught by surprise.
How Caring for Your Smile Saves You Money
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but they most often occur due to a dental infection that was left unaddressed or forced trauma suffered from a bad fall or sporting injury. When you maintain a routine dental checkup and brush and floss every day at home, you can prevent the majority of dental emergencies and save hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars a year!
Furthermore, the moment you notice something is wrong, whether it be dental pain, swollen gums or a damaged tooth, call us! The sooner you get in touch, the less money you’ll likely need to pay compared to waiting. For example, your damaged tooth may only need a root canal to be treated. This is substantially better than waiting and needing an extraction (and dental implant) later!
Will Dental Insurance Cover My Emergency?
In most cases, dental insurance will offer partial coverage for your dental emergency. For example, you may notice that you can complete one emergency exam a year. Specific services designed to treat dental emergencies, such as extractions and root canal therapy, can receive anywhere between 50% and 80% coverage in many cases. Keep in mind that your plan is likely to vary from someone else’s. Confirm your yearly maximum with your insurance provider as well before you commit to treatment to avoid penalties.
Learn Your Options for Making Dentistry Affordable
Do you lack dental insurance at this time? You still have multiple options to cover the cost of your dental emergency. For example, we offer third-party financing through CareCredit. Not only can you expect low-to-zero interest payment plans, but you can easily qualify with help from our dental office. Additionally, you can take advantage of our in-house payment plan, which allows for payment for dental treatments to be completed over the span of up to 24 months!
When a dental emergency strikes, don’t force yourself to handle it alone. Instead, give our dental office a call and we’ll get your dental emergency treated and your budget planned out.
Emergency Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
You might think that an urgent dental situation like the ones described above could never happen to you, but unfortunately, one out of every six Americans will be faced with an unexpected dental emergency every year. You don’t want to be caught off guard should this happen to you. That’s why your dentist in McKinney has answered some of our most frequently asked questions about emergency dentistry. For the answers to any emergency questions that you don’t see laid out on this page, just contact us and ask!
My Toothache Went Away. Do I Still Need to See an Emergency Dentist?
Absolutely! Many people mistakenly believe that a minor toothache is nothing to worry about. However, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that healthy teeth generally don’t hurt. Even if your discomfort subsides, that’s not a good sign. If your toothache was due to an infection inside the tooth, this could mean that your tooth’s nerve has been damaged to the extent that it doesn’t send pain signals to the brain anymore. At this point, you should see us for prompt treatment. The sooner you visit our dental office, the more likely it will be that we can save your tooth from having to be extracted.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Emergency Treatment?
There are multiple factors that might affect the answer to this question, such as the type of emergency you’re suffering from and what kind of restorative treatment you’ll require. If all you need is a prescription of antibiotics, your insurance is much more likely to cover the full cost of that compared to more extensive treatments like a tooth extraction and replacement. Don’t worry; our team is more than happy to work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits in whatever way we can.
What If I Have a Dental Emergency While I’m Out of Town?
Nothing ruins a vacation quite like a sudden dental problem. Remain calm to the best of your ability. Look for a dentist in the area who will get you out of pain and treat the immediate problem. Then, give us a call and book an appointment for when you get back in town. From there, we can take a look and determine whether you need any additional treatment.
What Should I Do If My Child Knocks Out a Baby Tooth?
Unlike with a knocked-out adult tooth, do NOT try to place the dislodged baby tooth back in the socket. Doing so could actually end up damaging the permanent tooth underneath the gumline. Instead, give our dental office a call and bring your child in for an appointment as soon as you can. We may not do very much if the tooth was close to falling out naturally. If the tooth came out too prematurely, then we might place a space maintainer to prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting into the gap until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.