Emergency Dentistry – McKinney, TX
Dental Pain Relief Right When You Need It
If you accidentally break a tooth or suddenly develop an excruciating toothache, do you know what to do next? Instead of wasting valuable time in the emergency room, you can get dental pain relief right when you need it by calling our team at Lake Forest Dental. Our team is led by Dr. Steve Cha, who has 20 years of experience treating all types of dental emergencies and helping patients feel at ease. We offer same-day appointments for patients with emergencies, so please call us right away for emergency dentistry in McKinney, TX if your smile needs urgent care.
Why Choose Lake Forest Dental for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Relaxing Nitrous Oxide Sedation Offered
- Insurance Accepted & In-House Dental Financing Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- As soon as you get in touch with us, our team will do everything they can to make sure you’re seen on that same day, especially if you’re in severe pain. Until then, we can advise you on how to manage your symptoms.
- When you arrive at our dental office, Dr. Cha will closely examine your mouth to identify the root cause of your emergency. This process may also involve taking digital X-rays.
- Once we’ve got a clear picture of your situation, we’ll develop a treatment plan that is personally designed to relieve your discomfort and minimize the chances of the issue returning.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
It can often be hard to tell whether a dental problem warrants emergency care or whether it can wait a while. As a rule of thumb, though, dental pain isn’t normal. If you’re experiencing an oral issue that causes discomfort or impacts your daily life, we ask that you call us just to be safe. Below, you’ll find examples of some of the dental emergencies that we see the most often.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Emergency dental care doesn’t come with a fixed price tag, as there are countless varieties of dental problems that could require any number of treatments. Before we go through with any procedures, our team will talk about all of the factors affecting your treatment costs. One of these factors includes your dental insurance coverage, but we also offer CareCredit financing as well as an in-house membership plan for patients without insurance.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Preventing a dental emergency is almost always easier than treating one. Not all emergencies can be avoided, but by taking some preventive steps and implementing healthy habits, you can save time and money! Here are some tips that can help you set your smile up for success.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if you don’t think anything is going on with your smile, this doesn’t mean that you should be skipping out on your regular dental visits. Tooth decay and oral infections can easily develop, and you may not even notice them right away. It is typically recommended that you see your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, your hygienist can clear away plaque and tartar, and your dentist can keep an eye out for issues so they can be treated early on.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
You should be brushing twice and flossing every day. These are both effective ways to remove food debris and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Be Careful with Your Diet
Your diet plays a key role when it comes to your oral health. If you are constantly indulging in sugary and starchy foods, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay. Try to only consume these items in moderation. Instead, fill your dinner plate with fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins.
Wear a Mouthguard
Playing sports is an excellent way to get the exercise that your body needs to remain healthy. However, you don’t want to end up with a broken or knocked-out tooth in the process. Wearing a mouthguard will significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a dental injury. Nightguards are also available to limit the harmful effects of teeth grinding while you catch some Zs.
Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging
It may seem convenient to use your teeth to open stubborn packaging, but you would easily end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Instead, take the time to get some scissors or whatever other tool you need to complete your task effectively.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Dental emergencies often come unexpectedly, so it’s understandable that you have some unanswered questions. We’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental emergencies in McKinney. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call. We’d be happy to provide additional guidance and schedule you for an urgent visit.
Will my toothache go away on its own?
Toothaches generally don’t go away on their own, so it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist to make sure nothing serious is going on. There are many potential causes for a toothache, and you will want to rule them out with a professional as soon as possible. Doing this can help you to catch underlying issues before they become more serious.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
When dealing with a toothache at night, it can be difficult to get quality sleep. Until you are able to see a dentist in the morning, keep your head elevated. This will prevent blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Additionally, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, and avoid foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard before bed. A cold compress can also help to numb discomfort.
Can the emergency room remove a tooth?
Only licensed dentists can perform tooth extractions, making the procedure illegal for someone without the training and education required to perform, even in the hospital. An emergency room can provide you with antibiotics and pain medication, but that will not address the underlying issue. You will still need to see a dentist. A tooth extraction may not even be necessary. For example, root canal therapy can relieve discomfort and prevent the need for extractions.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?
A throbbing tooth is likely a sign of an infection or inflammation within the tooth. Cavities inside the tooth allow air and bacteria to reach the sensitive inner area, therefore resulting in irritation and potential infection of the pulp nerves. This can be very painful. Throbbing teeth can also be due to chronic bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
Can I pop a dental abscess on my own?
You should never attempt to pop a dental abscess on your own. Instead, get in touch with a dentist, as a tooth or gum abscess is considered a dental infection and is therefore an emergency. Popping the abscess will only expose your mouth to more bacteria and irritate the area more. Putting off treatment can allow the infection to spread to other areas of the body, leading to serious complications.
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