Emergency Dentistry in Frisco
Get Out of Dental Pain Fast
One moment your teeth may feel perfectly normal, and the next they could suddenly experience intense pain out of seemingly nowhere. Dental emergencies can occur when you least expect them, and you need to have a dentist you can turn to stop the pain and restore the health of your smile as soon as possible. We understand how distressing it can be to have an emergency like this and do everything in our power to help make you comfortable as quickly as possible, including anesthesia when the situation calls for it.
Call Blue Star Smiles at (972) 525-2822 immediately if you have an urgent dental problem that calls for emergency dentistry in Frisco, TX.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
There are four basic steps that need to be followed in order to treat a dental emergency. The specifics may vary with the situation, but generally speaking, the process looks like this:
- Same-Day Appointment: There’s no time to lose when your mouth is suffering from severe pain or injury. If you call us with a dental emergency, we will schedule a same-day appointment whenever possible.
- Complimentary Emergency Consult: We'll provide a full examination. We'll take X-rays of your mouth and examine your teeth carefully so that we can figure out what the actual problem is. We’ll also prioritize relieving your immediate pain.
- Review Findings: We’ll explain what we found and what treatments are suitable for this specific situation. The estimated price and length of each treatment will be provided before you commit to a plan.
- Get the Care You Need: Emergency care could involve fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, or any number of other treatments. We’ll work to address your problems as quickly as possible to protect your oral health.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Some dental emergencies are obvious, such as a broken or knocked-out tooth; other issues, such as sensitive teeth, can make it a bit harder to tell whether you’re dealing with a true emergency or not. In general, we encourage you to call our dental office immediately if you experience any of the following problems. If you explain your situation, we can help you determine whether an emergency visit is needed.
Toothaches
- Is my toothache a dental emergency? Yes, a toothache in Frisco can be a dental emergency depending on the reason for it. If something is stuck between your teeth, it is unlikely that you’ll require immediate attention. However, if caused by a cracked tooth, cavity, gum disease, or facial trauma, you’ll need to call our office right away to schedule an appointment.
- How you should handle a toothache: Should you discover that something is stuck between your teeth, rinse with warm water before using dental floss to remove it. Otherwise, if this is not the problem, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and wait until your appointment.
- How we treat toothaches: Treating a toothache requires knowing the original cause. This will require diagnostic imaging and a visual examination. Once the problem is determined, we will make the appropriate recommendation for treatment. This can include everything from tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns to periodontal therapy, a root canal, or even tooth extraction.
Chipped Tooth
- Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? You will need to see an emergency dentist in Frisco only if you choose to seek treatment right away for a chipped tooth. Although not commonly deemed a dental emergency, you should still plan to meet with our team within 1-2 days of the injury.
- How you should handle a chipped tooth: In the meantime, don’t be afraid to use dental wax to cover any jagged areas of the tooth while also being mindful of eating and cleaning. If any pain develops, take an OTC medication to help reduce discomfort and improve your situation until you can reach out office.
- How we treat chipped teeth: Treating a chipped tooth is usually handled in one of two ways – cosmetic bonding or dental veneers. The state of the chipped tooth will ultimately determine how it is treated. Minor chips only require a small bit of composite resin that is shaded to match your existing tooth enamel. Major chips, however, require more extensive treatment with the help of dental veneers.
Cracked Tooth
- Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a cracked tooth in Frisco is a serious dental emergency that should be treated as soon as possible. When damage of this nature occurs, it poses a threat to the natural tooth structure as well as the others nearby.
- How you should handle a cracked tooth: To avoid causing further damage to your smile, make sure you avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the cracked tooth. Also, don’t bite down on anything hard or crunchy. You can take an OTC pain reliever to minimize discomfort if necessary.
- How we treat cracked teeth: If you sustain a cracked tooth, we’ll need to look at the severity to determine how we plan to treat it. If the crack is minor and does not affect the functionality of the tooth’s structure, we may be able to fix it with cosmetic bonding. However, if the crack is severe, we may need to place a customized dental crown or remove it and discuss ways to replace it.
Sensitivity to Hot & Cold
- Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Yes, very sensitive teeth should be seen by your emergency dentist in Frisco sooner rather than later.
- How you should handle very sensitive teeth: There are many reasons you might develop sensitive teeth, which is why you should make sure to avoid anything hot or cold but instead, drink and consume lukewarm foods and beverages. Also, don’t hesitate to take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary.
- How we treat very sensitive teeth: The cause of your tooth sensitivity will help us to determine how best to treat your problem. Cavities, cracked teeth, an infection, or even gum disease can lead to highly sensitive teeth as well as excessive teeth whitening.
- We may suggest any of the following treatment options: tooth-colored fillings, periodontal therapy, fluoride treatments, prescription mouthwash, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction.
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a lost tooth in Frisco is deemed a dental emergency and should be seen by a member of our team as soon as possible.
- How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: The best course of action you can take is to retrieve the tooth and lightly rinse off any debris, but you’ll need to hold it only by the crown. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the vacated socket and gently bite down to hold it in place. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva to keep it viable until you reach our office.
- How we treat knocked-out teeth: Treating a knocked-out tooth requires getting in to see your dentist within the hour. Any longer and the tooth will no longer be savable. Once you arrive, we will work quickly to determine if we can save the tooth. If so, we’ll place a stint to hold it in place until it reintegrates with the bone tissues. If not, we will begin to discuss ways to replace the tooth, which can include a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.
Lost Filling or Crown
- Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Technically, a lost dental filling or lost dental crown in Frisco is not considered a dental emergency. While you should seek professional help within a few days of your incident, it’s not necessary that you get in the same day for treatment.
- How you should handle a lost filling or crown: While you’re at home, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, as it will only irritate the vulnerable underlying tooth. Instead, try not to eat anything hard or crunchy that might cause further damage to your mouth.
- How we treat a lost filling or crown: We will need to survey the status of the restorations before deciding whether to replace it or re-bond it. If the restoration appears to be in good shape, we may only need to re-bond it so that it remains firmly intact. However, if too much damage has occurred, we will need to have a new restoration created.
More Common Dental Emergencies
Broken Denture
- Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?: Wearing a broken denture can be painful and might even injure your gums, soft oral tissues, and remaining teeth. We recommend calling our office immediately if your denture has been damaged in some way.
- How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: It’s best to stop wearing a broken denture immediately to protect your mouth. Do not try to fix a broken denture by yourself. Instead, keep it in a safe place until it’s time for your emergency appointment.
- How We Treat Broken Dentures: First, we’ll need to check how bad the damage is. If your denture is still mostly intact, we may be able to repair or readjust it. But if there’s significant damage that can’t be fixed, your best option will usually be to get a new denture.
Loose Tooth
- Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?: Loose permanent teeth are also known as extruded or partially dislodged teeth. Even if they don’t hurt, they could eventually fall out if left alone. As such, you should call our office right away if a tooth is loose.
- How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth: Until your emergency appointment, avoid chewing with the tooth in question, and don’t eat anything hard or sticky. You shouldn’t brush or floss the tooth until it has been treated; instead, you can clean it by rinsing your mouth with warm water.
- How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth: We’ll determine why your tooth has come loose and figure out the next best steps for treatment. Sometimes it’s possible to save a loose tooth, but in other cases, your best option may be to have it removed and replaced with a bridge or dental implant.
We help with any dental emergency
Gums, Lips or Tongue Injury
- Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?: An injury to the soft tissues in your mouth may count as an emergency if it causes bleeding. We recommend calling our office immediately; one of our team members will advise you on what to do next based on your symptoms.
- How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: You don’t want the injured area to become infected, so use water to gently rinse away any debris. To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean washcloth.
- How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: We can sometimes treat smaller injuries, but more severe cuts should be handled by the emergency room. Call 911 if your injury is causing bleeding that won’t stop even after 10 minutes of applying pressure to the area.
Jaw Pain or Clenching
- Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?: Jaw pain isn’t usually an emergency, but it can turn into one if it becomes a chronic problem or grows more severe over time. It’s best to have the issue addressed as soon as possible before it can lead to any further oral health complications.
- How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: The best way to handle your jaw pain can vary depending on your situation. When you call our office, we can give you advice for taking care of your jaw until your appointment. Call the ER if you think your jaw is broken.
- How We Treat Jaw Pain: Sometimes jaw pain is caused by grinding and clenching of the teeth, in which case we may recommend a nightguard to relieve your symptoms. Other treatments might be offered based on the situation.
Something Stuck Between Teeth
- It’s not uncommon to get a piece of food stuck between your teeth. This normally isn’t an emergency unless it’s causing a lot of pain or if you’re unable to remove the foreign object on your own. To try and dislodge something between your teeth, floss around the area in question. You can also rinse vigorously with water. Do not use a toothpick or anything else that might cause a gum injury.
- If you find that you can’t remove the object by yourself, call our office. Depending on how severe the situation is, we might make arrangements to see you right away so that we can put a stop to your pain and protect your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Once you realize that you’ll need emergency dental care, you’ll naturally start worrying about the financial side of things. How much will your treatment cost? Will it fit into your budget? Can you count on your insurance to help pay for it? Our team will keep you fully informed about your financial options and how much you can eventually expect to pay. Below are the basics of what you need to know about the costs of emergency care.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
The initial emergency visit will be relatively inexpensive, as it is mainly focused on figuring out what the problem is and determining the treatments needed to restore your oral health. As for the cost of your actual treatment, we won’t know until we’ve examined your mouth and figured out what the problem is. The treatment could include root canal therapy, tooth extractions (and replacing the tooth with dental implants later), dental crowns, TMJ therapy, and more. We’ll only recommend treatments that we believe you need to protect your oral health, and we’ll explain the costs involved before asking you to make a decision.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
In general, you can expect your dental insurance to help pay for emergency care. Most plans cover one emergency examination per year and provide partial coverage for root canal therapy, extractions, and other common services that are normally performed in urgent care situations. The coverage is typically anywhere from 50% to 80%, depending on the treatment in question and the specifics of your plan. You should speak with your insurance company to confirm your current benefits before you commit to your treatment.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Patients who do not have dental insurance may want to consider using third-party financing to break up the cost of their care. That way they can pay for their treatment in smaller installments instead of one bank-breaking sum. Our practice offers financing through CareCredit, a well-known financing company that offers a number of low-to-no interest payment plans. You’ll be able to pick a plan that fits your current budget so that you can pay at a rate that’s comfortable for you.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Being proactive about taking care of your smile can help you save a lot of money on emergency care. For example, by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting us twice a year for routine dental appointments, you can potentially avoid dental emergencies altogether, meaning you won’t have to pay to treat them in the first place. It also helps to make an appointment as soon as you notice oral pain or dental damage, even if you’re concerned about the costs of care. Waiting too long will only make the issue worse, and you’ll need much more costly care as a result; getting the care you need while the problem is still small can save you time, money, and trouble.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are unsettling and can happen when you least expect them to. It’s always easier to prevent them from occurring than deal with one when it pops up. Luckily, there are many precautions you can take to drastically lower your risk of dental disaster. Incorporating healthy habits into your everyday life can protect your teeth and gums from harm. Below, you’ll find practical guidelines to help you avoid a visit to your emergency dentist in Frisco.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Everyone should visit their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments allow us to spot and treat dental problems before they turn into painful complications. Additionally, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing plaque and tartar buildup, helping you avoid unwanted problems down the line.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Keeping your mouth as clean as possible will prevent bacteria buildup and lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and infection. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash are essential practices for a healthy smile.
Be Careful with Your Diet
Believe it or not, your diet has a significant impact on oral health. Overindulging in sugary, acidic, and starchy foods can be detrimental to your pearly whites. When oral bacteria interact with sugar, they produce an acid that wears down your enamel, leading to cavities and decay. That’s why it’s best to eat a nutrient-rich diet full of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.
Wear a Mouthguard
Do you regularly play sports? Ask our team about a custom athletic mouthguard! It’ll protect your mouth from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. If you grind your teeth at night, you should wear an oral device known as a nightguard. The appliance will prevent your bottom and top teeth from touching one another and damaging your enamel.
Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging
When you can’t tear open a package or crack open a bottle, you may be tempted to use your teeth as a last-ditch effort. However, using your pearly whites for anything other than chewing foods can easily cost you a trip to your emergency dentist in Frisco. That’s why it’s always best to wait until you have the right tool or ask someone to lend you a helping hand!
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
If you need an emergency dentist in Frisco, don’t panic! We understand you probably have several concerns about the road ahead, but we are here to make a stressful situation easier. After addressing any pain, your dentist will explain everything to calm your nerves. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Will my toothache go away on its own?
It is unlikely your toothache will go away on its own. Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache isn’t normal. It is often a sign of a serious oral health issue, like a cavity or an infection. Discomfort originating from the gum tissue may subside, but tooth pain is unlikely to stop without any treatment. Your emergency dentist will examine your mouth to find the source of your discomfort to prevent it from recurring.
How should I sleep with dental pain?
It can be difficult to focus on anything else but a relentless toothache. You can avoid tossing and turning all night by sleeping with your pillow elevated. This will stop blood from pooling in your head to prevent throbbing discomfort. It is best to skip any hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks before going to bed. Take an OTC pain reliever to manage your discomfort throughout the night. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your face can numb the area temporarily, so you can get the rest you need.
Do I still need to see a dentist if a chipped tooth doesn’t hurt?
Not all chipped teeth hurt, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to see a dentist. Your enamel is the defense system for your teeth. Even minor chips can leave your teeth vulnerable to decay and additional damage. Despite not having any pain, don’t wait too long to see a dentist, or a small issue can turn into a big problem that can be costly to repair.
Will a chipped tooth heal on its own?
Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it isn’t capable of regenerating. While it may remineralize, it will not grow back. No matter how insignificant, it is important to see a dentist right away for chips or breaks. Minor chips can be repaired using dental bonding or a veneer, while more severe damage may require a crown or other restorative procedure to treat.
Can I use super glue to fix a broken denture?
You rely on your dentures, so any damage is a dental emergency in Frisco. While you may not have time for an unplanned trip to your dentist, don’t turn to home remedies to fix your denture, like super glue. Although it’s handy to have around the house, it can contain toxic chemicals and cause allergic reactions. Not to mention, it doesn’t hold up well in moist environments. Instead, wear an old denture if possible and leave the mending for the professionals. They’ll repair or replace your denture to restore a beautiful, functional smile.
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“I'm in the process of getting my teeth aligned and am really glad I chose this place for getting my Invisalign aligners. I had a lot of concerns but the dental assistant there, Alexis was super helpful and explained everything thoroughly. Look forward to the next six months of monitoring my progress. ”
- Vidya -
“Blue Star Smiles is nothing short of amazing. The staff and doctors are so welcoming, nice and knowledgeable. Stepanie specifically told me everything I need to know about my first consult, made sure there were no surprises and made me feel comfortable. Highly recommend Blue Star Smiles if you're looking for a great dentist! ”
- Katie Eedy -
“This place is the best! I've been to a lot of dentists and this place is top notch! The hygienist Stephanie was extremely thorough and super comforting. Dr. Dan was super funny and got me all squared away. All around a great place and I'd recommend it to anyone! ”
- Colin Myers -
“I had a great experience last time I was here. The staff is very friendly. Patrick the receptionist was very helpful in getting my insurance through with a more complicated process. I got my cavities filled after 8 years of no dentist appointments and my teeth feel incredible. I am getting Invisalign through them too! ”
- Charlotte Johnson -
“I went to Blue Smiles having a really bad toothache. Patrick was very accommodating seeing I got in as soon as possible. He went over all my insurance so I could view my options. Stephanie was a sweetheart, very attentive made me feel so comfortable. Can't wait to continue working with Dr. Dan and his team! ”
- Andreanna Hodges -
“Came here to get a retainer and I'm really liking their 3D scanner for your teeth over doing impressions. It's a lot faster and less uncomfortable. I really like how they care about how YOU want your smile to look, instead of telling you. I was also given very helpful advice about my TMJ and how I can work to fix it!! ”
- Jordan Farmer
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