Emergency Dentist North Dallas
Call Us When Your Smile Needs Urgent Care
Dental emergencies can strike at the most unexpected times, and they can be just as painful as they are alarming. The good news is that if you ever find yourself suffering from an urgent dental issue, you can call Dr. Greer, Dr. Roberts, and the rest of our team for help. We’ll make arrangements to see you as soon as we can, and we’ll determine the best way to help you find the relief that you’re looking for. Call us immediately if you’re in need of emergency dental care.
Why Choose Dale W. Greer, DDS for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Relaxing Sedation Options
- Fully Personalized Dental Services
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can come in many different forms and have a variety of potential causes. To help make sure you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario, here are some examples of particularly common dental emergencies; contact us immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following issues.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Although we’d love to be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost here, we need to have an in-depth understanding of your dental needs to give you an accurate number. The good news is that we can share some helpful information on the topic, including the factors that influence the price and whether or not dental insurance covers a portion of it. So, if you want to learn more, read on!
Every Dental Emergency is Different
As we mentioned above, we can only give you a reliable estimate after we have learned more about your situation, including the type of dental injury you’ve sustained and what kind of treatment you need. Following your exam, we will share our findings, discuss your treatment options, and answer any questions you have before working on your custom treatment plan. Of course, we will also discuss the cost (including the financial solutions available) so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises at the end of your visit.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Do you have dental insurance? If so, take a look at the fine print on your plan. You might be surprised to see that your provider will cover the cost of the emergency exam or a portion of the cost of the necessary restorative care. If you need any assistance understanding or utilizing your coverage, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’d be happy to do our part to help you get the most out of your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Are you uninsured? Don’t let that stop you from getting the dental care you need! We’re proud to welcome CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier that offers payment plans, so patients don’t have to pay for the entire cost of their treatment in one lump sum. Plus, there is often little-to-no interest attached, which makes visiting our emergency dentist in North Dallas even more affordable.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
One of the biggest mistakes patients make in an attempt to save money is to take the “wait and see” approach. Although it seems like a good option, there’s one fatal flaw: tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems only get worse if neglected. So, the best thing for your smile and your wallet is to schedule an appointment with us when you first notice that something is wrong, even if it’s a relatively minor toothache.
Important reminder: Many dental injuries are preventable if you take good care of your smile. So, make sure to do what you can to protect it from harm, like brushing twice a day, cutting back on added sugar, and wearing a mouthguard during sports.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
It goes without saying that it’s better to avoid dental emergencies altogether rather than to deal with them after they have already occurred. Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect your teeth and gums from harm, reducing your risk of needing same-day care in the process. We recommend:
Schedule a Dental Visit Twice a Year
Remember, even if you brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash consistently, your oral hygiene regimen is ultimately incomplete without routine dental checkups and cleanings. So, it’s very important that you schedule a visit with your North Dallas dentist every six months. If you start to experience anything unusual between appointments, like a dull, persistent throbbing, don’t wait – get in touch with us ASAP.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
To prevent plaque, food particles, and other debris from lingering on your teeth, you need to brush for two full minutes each morning and evening. Of course, that’s just the beginning. To reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems, you also need to floss, rinse with mouthwash, and clean the surface of your tongue consistently.
Limit Your Intake of Sugary Treats
Although delicious, soda, ice cream, caramel-filled candies, and other sugary treats quickly lead to tooth decay. So, it’s important not to over-indulge. At the same time, focus on incorporating foods into your diet that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. That way, your body has everything it needs to keep your immune system strong and your gums healthy.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
One common misconception that many patients share is that wearing a mouthguard is only necessary while playing football, soccer, or another contact sport. That’s not the case! In fact, you should wear one anytime you’re active, including when you ride your bike or jog. This small appliance will ensure that your teeth are protected from unexpected impact or persistent clenching, reducing your risk of dental damage in the process.
Break Harmful Habits
If you want to avoid a last-minute visit with your emergency dentist in North Dallas, it’s very important that you break harmful habits. While your mind may immediately go to “smoking,” that’s not the only thing that puts your teeth and gums at risk. Biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, and using your teeth as tools to open things can also cause your enamel to chip, crack, or fracture.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Should I Worry About a Chipped Tooth If It Doesn’t Hurt?
A chipped tooth does warrant a call to our office, even if it doesn’t hurt. The reason for this is simple: it can break further or develop an infection. So, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, schedule an appointment at our dental office in North Dallas before the end of the week.
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
Although trying to “sleep off” a toothache is not recommended, we also know that it isn’t always possible to come to our office the same day. If that happens, it’s helpful to know both what to do and what you should avoid to effectively alleviate your discomfort long enough to get some rest. We recommend avoiding spicy and sugary foods at dinner as well as using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, taking OTC pain medication as directed, and propping yourself up on a few pillows so your head stays elevated while you sleep.
Should You Put a Knocked-Out Tooth in Water?
Unfortunately, water can damage the root surface cells of your teeth. So, if you knock out a tooth, you shouldn’t submerge it in water. Instead, you should either place it back in the socket or put it in a clean container filled with milk.
What Does Chronic Bad Breath Mean?
Chronic bad breath is often due to diet or poor oral hygiene. However, if the odor persists even after adjusting your diet and committing to a solid dental care regimen, then an untreated oral health issue may be the culprit. The best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated emergency dentists in North Dallas so they can complete a comprehensive oral exam and determine if that’s the case.
Tip: Until your appointment with us, use a sugar-free mint or gum to help keep your breath fresh!
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?
We only recommend going to the ER if you are experiencing something potentially life-threatening (i.e., uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing). The reason for this is simple: most hospitals don’t have dentists on staff. As a result, if you arrive with a toothache, they will likely refer you back to our office. The good news is that we offer same-day emergency appointments, so we will have your healthy, pain-free smile restored in no time.
Is It Safe to Use a Toothpick?
Although using a toothpick may seem harmless, we actually advise against it. There are a few reasons for this, including that the sharp edge can irritate your gums. Not only that, but accidentally swallowing one can be fatal. All that to say, we recommend taking a different approach if you get something lodged between your teeth: using a clean strand of floss to remove it.
