Do you need an emergency dentist during this time of social distancing? Promptly addressing a dental emergency can make the difference between keeping or losing a tooth. Whether you are an existing or a new patient, our dental office is open for dental emergencies.
Not all dental emergencies require immediate attention in the dental office, but we are here to help you through them. If your dental emergency happens during normal business hours, please call or text our dental office at 512-862-1463 at the first sign that something could be wrong for emergency dentistry from our Austin, TX dentist. We also provide general dentistry services to patients in Austin, Texas.
Accidents don’t always happen during a normal workday, so we offer an after-hours dental emergency texting option. You may text us at 855-359-8326 and a team member will reach out to you.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
If you’re experiencing pain in your mouth, the first thing you should do is contact our Derby Dental team. Not only can we evaluate the urgency of your issue, but we can schedule you an appointment to heal your smile as soon as possible. Over the phone, we can also provide basic first-aid tips for some of the most common dental emergencies.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While sudden accidents are often unavoidable, most dental emergencies can actually be prevented if you’re proactive about your oral health. To minimize your risk, make sure to:
- Practice daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
- Visit Derby Dental every six months for a checkup and cleaning (that way, we can catch smaller problems before they worsen into emergencies).
- Wear a mouthguard if you engage in contact sports or if you clench and grind your teeth at night.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open bottles or chewing inedible objects like ice, pencils, fingernails, etc.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
While the cost of urgent dental care will vary based on your specific circumstances, it’s crucial that you don’t put off seeking treatment. Otherwise, your condition could worsen and end up requiring a more expensive procedure. Whether you need a round of antibiotics to address an infection, a crown to restore a broken tooth, or a tooth extraction to preserve your total oral health, we can’t determine your costs until we’ve examined your mouth. We’ll be sure to create a treatment plan that gets you out of pain without breaking the bank.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Do you have more questions on your mind about how to handle a dental emergency in Austin? Let us help you find the answers! Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from patients. If you have a specific question on your mind, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team so we can help.
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Are you crossing your fingers and hoping that your toothache will go away on its own? Since enamel doesn’t regenerate and antibiotics can’t kill an infection in your mouth, this generally doesn’t happen. The best way to make your toothache go away is by visiting our emergency dentist in Austin for treatment. From there, we can pinpoint the root of the problem and address it, restoring your pain-free smile in the process.
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
If you have a day or two until your appointment and need to get some rest, there are a few things you can do to help you sleep. To begin, don’t eat any hard or crunchy foods at dinner. This will just exacerbate any discomfort you’re feeling.
Next, place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help alleviate soreness. Lastly, prop up a few pillows so your head stays elevated while you doze. Remember: these are not long-term solutions, but short-term tips to help ease your discomfort until your dental appointment.
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First with a Dental Emergency?
Since emergency rooms rarely have dentists on staff, they aren’t the best place to turn for straightforward dental emergencies, like a loose restoration or a knocked-out tooth. If, however, your dental injury is accompanied by a potentially life-threatening symptom, like a fractured jaw or serious laceration in your mouth, breathing and swallowing, then you should call 911 or head to your nearest ER right away.
Is My Tooth Pain from an Infection?
If you’re experiencing throbbing tooth pain, then it’s likely from an infection. Of course, there are other symptoms you should look out for as well, including a bitter taste in your mouth, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and red or swollen gums. If any of these symptoms arise, then schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Austin right away.