When a dental emergency occurs, the first thing you may think about is panicking. It’s common to become frantic and wonder, “What do I do next?” But before you take steps that could actually make the situation worse, start by taking a deep breath and allowing your emergency dentist in Midland to take care of your needs. By calling Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, you can trust that our team will walk you through the steps you should take at home, all while working to schedule an appointment for you to see Dr. Boyles as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an emergency appointment.
Why Choose Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center for Emergency Dentistry?
A toothache is not an oral health problem, rather, it is a symptom. The type of pain you are experiencing may point to many different issues. Some common types of toothaches include:
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Sensitivity to pressure
Dull, aching pain
Sharp, throbbing pain
How you should handle a toothache:
Regardless of the type of dental pain, it would be wise to call your emergency dentist right away. Describe the pain and when it started, and we will give you guidance on what your next steps should be. If necessary, we will arrange our schedule so we can attend to you as soon as possible. Before your emergency appointment, you may be able to find some relief from your pain by:
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers (just do not apply the medicine directly to your gums)
Applying clove oil to the tooth and nearby gum tissue
Avoiding extremely hot or cold foods
Not chewing with the aching tooth
Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater
How we treat toothaches:
You may need a filling, root canal therapy, crown, or another type of treatment. However, we won’t know for sure what service you’ll need until we perform your exam. We’ll work quickly to get you out of pain as soon as possible regardless.
While it may be a bit shocking to realize a small piece of your tooth is missing, the first step you should take is to call a dentist at Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center in Midland. Even if the chip is small, you should still get in touch as the tooth can easily break down further without professional treatment.
How you should handle a chipped tooth:
While waiting for your appointment, it is best if you take an over-the-counter pain reliever (i.e. Tylenol, Ibuprofen) to reduce any pain you may be experiencing, and it is best if you avoid any foods or beverages that are hot or cold, as your tooth will likely be highly sensitive. To avoid irritation to your soft oral tissues, make sure to use a small amount of dental wax and place it over the jagged edge. This will create a barrier between the chipped tooth and your cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips. If possible, try to bring the piece(s) with you to your appointment. This will allow us to determine if we can salvage the tooth in any way.
How we treat chipped teeth:
If the damage is minor, and the tooth is only missing a small piece of enamel, it may be possible for our team to re-bond it by using a tooth-colored composite resin. If a larger part of your tooth is missing, bonding may not suffice. Instead, we will need to have a customized dental crown created to fit over your chipped tooth. Should the chip appear on the surface of your tooth, you may opt for a more cosmetic solution in the form of veneers. If the damage is too severe, and the tooth cannot be saved, it will be necessary for us to extract it.
Although very minor cracks can initially be considered only a cosmetic problem, they can get worse over time. Plus, cracks in the enamel can expose the more vulnerable layers of teeth to bacteria. Whether cracking a tooth gives you pain or not, the situation should be taken seriously and professionally addressed because the crack can get deeper into the tooth.
How you should handle a cracked tooth:
If this scenario happens to you, call our office for an emergency appointment. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the tooth as clean as possible, and avoid eating with that area of your mouth. In fact, you may want to cover the tooth with dental wax or some sugar-free gum to protect it from decay-causing bacteria.
How we treat cracked teeth:
The treatment we use will be determined by how extensive the damage is. We can cover cosmetic cracks that stay in the enamel with composite resin or veneers. Deeper cracks may require root canal therapy to remove the sensitive nerve of the tooth, after which we’ll place a crown. If the crack reaches below the gumline, extraction may be necessary.
Tooth sensitivity can be tricky to self-diagnose. Sometimes, it means that a little cavity is getting larger and penetrating deeper into the tooth, but it can also happen when the enamel has been worn down from teeth grinding or brushing too harshly. If you find that your sensitivity gets worse over time or makes eating difficult, you should see us right away.
How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth:
Do your best to avoid things that could trigger your sensitivity, such as cold, hot, or sugary beverages and foods. Every day, you should be brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, but you may want to consider one that is specially formulated for sensitivity.
How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth:
If your sensitivity comes from a cavity, we’ll remove the decay and restore the tooth with a filling or dental crown. Remember that root canal therapy could be necessary, depending on how severe the cavity is. Worn teeth can be restored with composite resin, veneers, or crowns, but we can also bolster the enamel with a highly concentrated fluoride treatment as well.
Time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth, so it is important that you see Dr. Boyles as soon as possible. Although one missing tooth may not seem like a big deal, it can turn into years of costly treatment and time spent at the dentist’s office if you’re not careful. It is always best to treat this type of problem early on. Not only will it allow you to see a fully restored smile much sooner, but it will help you to avoid additional problems in the future.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth:
First, retrieve the tooth, if possible, and rinse off any debris. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. If this proves unsuccessful, place it between your cheek and gums inside your mouth or in a container of milk to keep it moist. Make sure to apply pressure to the socket and take an over-the-counter pain reliever (i.e., Tylenol or Ibuprofen), if needed.
How we treat knocked-out teeth:
Make sure to call our Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center office in Midland. Our team will get you in as quickly as possible, as this type of emergency is time-sensitive and requires immediate assistance. When you arrive at our office in Midland, we will start by taking dental X-Rays of your oral cavity and facial structure. This will give us a more in-depth look at what has happened and how best to fix it. Possible treatments may include reimplantation, dental bridges, or dental implants.
A lost restoration does qualify as a dental emergency because it leaves your tooth unprotected and vulnerable to oral bacteria. Plus, you won’t be able to eat with an incomplete tooth! If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for an emergency visit so we can provide a shield for your tooth again.
How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown:
After finding the crown or filling, rinse it and your mouth with clean water. Place a dab of toothpaste on it and reposition the restoration on the tooth. The toothpaste will only hold it temporarily. If you are unable to use or find your filling or crown, you can cover the tooth with sugar-free gum in the meantime.
How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns:
Although there are some exceptions when we can reuse the filling or crown that has come out, in the majority of cases, we must replace it, either because the restoration is too damaged or old.
Broken dentures are absolutely considered a dental emergency! Without functioning tooth replacements, you likely won’t be able to eat, so the problem needs to be addressed immediately.
How You Should Handle a Broken Denture:
Do not wear broken dentures, even if you want to maintain your appearance. They could damage your gums and any natural teeth you have left. Don’t forget to bring your broken dentures with you to our office so that we can see what went wrong.
How We Treat Broken Dentures:
In some situations, we may be able to fix dentures in our office; however, we are only equipped to make minor adjustments. Many times, we must order new dentures to replace the broken ones. Alternatively, this may be the perfect time to talk to Dr. Boyles about transitioning to an implant denture!
Your adult teeth are supposed to last for the rest of your life, so if one or more feels loose, it is definitely concerning. It could mean that you have a gum infection at a more advanced stage and need treatment right away.
How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth:
If you can, avoid having to chew or bite down using your loose tooth or teeth. Try not to touch or play with them because you could cause them to come out completely.
How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth:
Supposing the issue is gum disease, we will perform a two-step procedure called scaling and root planing, where we reach deep below the gumline to clear away bacteria and plaque and then make the root of the tooth slick, so plaque can’t stick to it again in the future.
Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?
As dental professionals, we’re concerned about more than just your teeth. Your soft tissues matter, too! As a result, we highly encourage patients who have endured soft tissue injuries to call our office afterward to schedule an emergency visit—even if it’s just to be safe.
How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue:
Your priority, if you’ve injured the soft tissues of your mouth, is to control the bleeding. It should stop within 10 minutes. If it hasn’t, go directly to the emergency room as this could be a serious medical situation. Otherwise, give our team a call so that we can make sure nothing else is damaged.
How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue:
Most of the time, we simply need to examine your mouth to ensure that no other structures have been harmed. If necessary, we can provide stitches to facilitate the healing of these soft tissues, but our main concern is checking for additional damage.
Jaw Pain
Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?
It is common for a person to experience temporary discomfort in the jaw joint at some point in life. It may not always be considered a dental emergency unless it lasts more than a week, happens frequently, or interferes with your ability to function.
How You Should Handle Jaw Pain:
You can ease your discomfort by putting a cold compress on your jaw and by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also stay away from hard, crunchy, or chewy foods.
How We Treat Jaw Pain:
We will first examine your jaw joint to make sure that your upper and lower teeth align correctly. We will also look at your teeth to see if you practice grinding or clenching. In this case, we can provide a nightguard to protect your pearly whites and ease the tension in the joint.
With tiny spaces in between your teeth, you are bound at some point to get a piece of food stuck. Unfortunately, if you leave it there, it could allow bacteria to form plaque and lead to an infection or cavity. Gently slide floss between your teeth and dislodge the piece of food or whatever is stuck. Do not attempt to use a sharp utensil or tool in your mouth, or you run the risk of poking your gums or cracking a tooth. If you are unable to get the stuck piece out on your own, call our office. We have the training and proper instruments to handle the situation safely.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Call us to make a same-day appointment: When you get in touch with our office, we’ll not only get you scheduled for a dental appointment, but we’ll also provide first-aid tips over the phone to help you manage your symptoms before you arrive. We’ll do whatever we can to get you seen the same day as well, especially if you call earlier in the day.
Complete an emergency exam: After you get to our office, we’ll perform an emergency exam and determine if X-rays are needed to locate the source and extent of your dental emergency. We’ll also get you out of immediate pain if present.
Reviewing your findings: Once the exam is complete, we’ll go over all findings with you directly, and then recommend a treatment plan from there. Regardless of the extent of your dental needs, you’ll always know your estimated costs in advance so you can make an informed decision on your future care.
Get the care you need: Whether you need a dental filling, crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or another service to resolve your dental emergency, Dr. Boyles will work quickly to get you the attention your smile needs.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
We understand you may not actually know whether your particular situation needs immediate care or not. We consider the following circumstances to be true emergencies, and Dr. Boyles has the advanced skills needed to assist you with them. If you are experiencing any of the following, please get in touch with our office right away.
Amid a stressful (and potentially uncomfortable) dental injury, the only thing on your mind is going to be restoring your pain-free smile. However, understanding the cost of emergency dentistry in Midland can help make the entire process much more anxiety-free. While there is no flat fee for treatment, there are a few things that will play a role in the final cost across the board. Keep reading to learn what they are!
Every Dental Emergency is Different
When researching the cost, it’s important to remember that a “dental emergency” can refer to many different things. For example, it could be a painful toothache that needs root canal therapy or a completely knocked-out tooth that needs to be replaced with a dental implant. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all price – it’s determined entirely by what’s best for your oral health.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
In many cases, yes! What is covered, however, depends on the fine print on your dental plan. For example, you may have a complimentary emergency dental exam annually. Or, you may have 50% - 80% coverage of restorative treatments, like dental crowns. Fortunately, our knowledgeable team can help you maximize your benefits and understand the cost every step of the way.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
If you’re currently uninsured, don’t worry – there are other ways to make covering the cost of urgent dental care more affordable. First, we offer an in-house dental plan. Not only does this make essential preventive care more affordable, but it provides you with significant discounts on other services as well. Otherwise, you can opt for flexible financing, which allows you to space out your payments into budget-friendly chunks.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
No cost-related list would be complete without discussing the importance of preventive care. After all, a solid at-home oral hygiene routine combined with biannual checkups and cleanings can significantly reduce your chances of visiting our emergency dentist in Midland at the last minute. So, make sure to implement the following best practices:
Brush twice a day
Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning (or sooner if you begin to experience any abnormal symptoms, like a toothache)
Quit unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice
Drink plenty of water
Limit your sugar intake
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Life is often unpredictable. We understand that even with the best of intentions and careful care, dental injuries and other issues can come up unexpectedly. We’re certainly here to help! However, while not all dental emergencies are entirely preventable, there are a few ways you can better protect your teeth and gums. We encourage safe practices that can minimize your risk of experiencing dental emergencies and can help you prevent these unfortunate situations.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Keep your regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings at our Midland dental office. You will need to see us every six months to ensure no problems are developing and catch any issues while they are still early in development. As a result, we can treat problems before they cause you significant pain or damage. Plus, at this appointment, we will remove plaque and tartar build-up from around your teeth and gums, stopping future cavities and other issues.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home
You need to keep a good oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day for a full two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. This may seem like a long time, but it is necessary to reach most of the surfaces of your teeth. You also must floss at least once a day because brushing misses the important spaces between your teeth. Maintaining this daily routine will ensure decay and bacteria are effectively removed from your smile.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Avoid consuming too much sugar or starch, and stick to more nutrient-rich, healthy foods. Sugars and starches can cause bacteria to produce acids that lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Limiting how much you eat of these substances reduces the impact bacteria can have. Healthy foods you should have often include leafy greens, fibrous vegetables like carrots, and calcium-rich dairy products. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day!
Wear a Mouthguard
Talk to your dentist about an oral appliance to wear at night if you are prone to teeth grinding (bruxism). This will protect your teeth and prevent excessive wear and tear as well as potential jaw pain. If you play sports, particularly those that involve a lot of contact, consider wearing a mouthguard to absorb potential hits to the face that would otherwise cause injuries.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Never use your teeth as tools. Instead, opt for scissors or another appropriate tool to open packages and containers. Your teeth were not designed to handle plastic and other materials, so they can become damaged if you misuse them. Take a little bit of extra time to locate the tool you need and spare your smile from unnecessary pain and injury.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Does Keeping a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk Really Help?
Yes, it does. When a tooth gets knocked out completely, it’s important to act quickly to improve your chances of successful re-implantation. If you are unable to reposition the tooth on your own, you need to make sure the root stays moist and uncontaminated. You can store the tooth between your cheek and gums, or you can submerge it in a container of milk. This liquid has proteins that maintain a safe acid-to-alkaline ratio and sugars that help cells to continue growing. These can temporarily keep the tooth viable until you get to our dental office for emergency treatment.
Should I Go to the ER When I Have a Dental Emergency?
Most of the time, when you experience a dental emergency, your first phone call should be to our Midland dental office. We’ll do everything we can to see you as soon as possible in our schedule. Although an emergency room is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, medical doctors are often not equipped or trained to handle dental problems as efficiently as our dentist and team are. As a result, you may be waiting for hours, only to be referred elsewhere for treatment, wasting precious time and money. On the other hand, there are situations where a visit to the ER is the best course of action. If, for example, you have a broken jawbone or bleeding that lasts longer than 10 minutes, you should definitely head to the ER before seeking dental treatment.
How Much Will Treating My Dental Emergency Cost?
Each dental emergency is different. Even if two patients both experience a toothache, it could affect another tooth, or one patient may have more severe decay than the other. As a result, the treatment and the cost will vary on a case-by-case basis. When you come into our Midland dental office, our team can provide a quote for the treatment we recommend and work with you to make your dental costs fit within your budget.
What if My Toothache Goes Away?
Some people choose to ignore a toothache in the hopes that it will go away on its own. In some cases, the pain does vanish after a while. However, you should not view the sudden disappearance of dental pain as a good thing. Remember, teeth are not capable of healing themselves when they face significant damage. When a toothache suddenly goes away, it may simply mean that the nerve inside the tooth has died, but a dangerous infection could still be present. Seeking professional care before a toothache reaches this point is the wisest course of action for both your oral and overall health.
