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Same-day emergency dental care for Arlington families
Dental emergencies are an unfortunate part of life. You’re eating something crunchy, and suddenly a tooth cracks. Or perhaps you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity for a while and then one day you wake up in the morning with an intense, debilitating toothache. Many people head straight to the emergency room when they have tooth pain or damaged teeth. However, the truth is that this is usually not very helpful. Most ER doctors aren’t equipped to treat specific dental problems. At most, they may prescribe antibiotics and refer you to a dentist anyway. Save time and money by calling South Arlington Smiles for an appointment as soon as possible. For same-day emergency dental care for Arlington families, you can count on South Arlington Smiles!
Why Choose South Arlington Smiles For Emergency Dentist?
Multiple Sedation Options Available for Optimal Comfort
Same-Day Appointments for Emergency Patients
Numerous Flexible Payment Options
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
First, when a dental emergency strikes, your first order of business should be to call our dental office. We’ll get you in for an appointment as quickly as possible, often within the same day you call. In the meantime, we can provide over-the-phone guidance for dealing with your situation and managing your discomfort.
Next, when you arrive at our office, your Arlington emergency dentist Dr. Talon Davis will see you right away. He will prioritize stabilizing your situation to prevent any potential permanent damage and alleviate any serious pain you may be in. Then, once he’s had a chance to evaluate your situation, he’ll go over which treatments he recommends, including their estimated length and cost.
Then, once you’ve worked with Dr. Davis to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you, our talented team will get to work repairing your teeth and protecting your smile. For anxious or uncomfortable patients, we may recommend one of our calming sedation options so you can sit back and relax while you get the professional care you need.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies are as easy to identify as a broken or knocked-out tooth. Many times, patients avoid seeking the care they need out of fear that they’re making a big deal out of nothing. However, we encourage you to give us a call anyways! Remember, teeth can’t heal themselves like the rest of the body, so it’s important to have any symptoms that you’re concerned about or bothered by checked out right away, no matter how small. When you explain your situation over the phone, we’ll help you determine how urgently you should be seen and schedule your appointment accordingly. Below, you’ll find some important information about how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies we treat here at South Arlington Smiles.
Toothaches
Chipped Tooth
Cracked Tooth
Sensitivity to Hot & Cold
Knocked-Out Tooth
Lost Filling or Crown
Broken Denture
Loose Tooth
Gums, Lips or Tongue Injury
Jaw Pain or Clenching
Something Stuck Between Teeth
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Because dental emergencies can vary greatly from person to person, there is no set cost of emergency treatment. The price will depend on your unique situation. Keep in mind that seeking treatment as soon as possible can prevent your problem from worsening and requiring more expensive procedures. At South Arlington Smiles, we will only recommend services that are absolutely necessary to get your smile back to normal. If you’d like to learn more about what to expect, continue reading or call our office to speak directly with a member of our team !
No Two Dental Emergencies Are the Same
Contrary to popular belief, visiting an emergency dentist is actually relatively inexpensive. During your appointment, Dr. Davis will conduct an oral examination to assess the severity of your condition and determine which treatments are needed to get your smile back on the right track. Since the procedures you need will depend on the type of emergency you’re experiencing, it’s impossible to provide a cost estimate until you come in for an exam. Rest assured – we’ll thoroughly explain all your options and estimated costs beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.Caring for Your Smile Can Save You Money
It may surprise you to learn that most dental emergencies in Arlington are the result of untreated infection, damage, or decay. That means you can easily avoid these unfortunate situations by taking proper care of your smile. Practicing good oral hygiene and investing in routine dental appointments are two excellent ways to save thousands of dollars every year on emergency dental care. Another great way to save money is by visiting your emergency dentist as soon as you notice something is wrong with your mouth. By addressing any problems early on, you can avoid needing extensive and costly dental work down the line.Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Yes, most dental insurance plans offer some form of coverage for dental emergencies. In most cases, they’ll fully cover one necessary emergency exam per year. Additionally, services commonly associated with hurting teeth (i.e., tooth extractions, root canal therapy, dental crowns) will receive partial coverage, ranging from 50-80%. However, every policy is unique, which is why you should confirm the details of your coverage with your insurance provider before committing to treatment. If needed, our team can help with this process as well.Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
We understand that not every patient has dental insurance. That’s why we offer additional financing options to help make your dental bills easier to manage. Here’s what that includes:- Dental Office Membership Plan – For one flat fee, you can get access to all the preventive dental care you need and a 15% discount on all services. You’ll get all the benefits of dental insurance without the hassle of yearly maximums and deductibles!
- CareCredit Financing – This option allows you to split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly installments. With multiple low-to-no interest options to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your budget perfectly.
If you or a loved one are currently experiencing a dental emergency in Arlington, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We’ll do what we can to get you the prompt relief you deserve while keeping your total expenses as low as possible!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
When it comes to dental emergencies, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure! Of course, not all emergencies can be avoided with 100% certainty, but you’d be surprised how easily you can minimize your risk by taking a few simple precautions. Safeguard your smile by keeping the following five tips in mind.
Keep Up with Your Regular Dental Visits
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent dental emergencies in Arlington is to attend a checkup and cleaning every six months. Not only can our hygiene team clear away cavity-causing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, but Dr. Davis will be able to diagnose and treat potential emergencies long before you would have noticed them. This saves you from the pain of a dental emergency as well as the need for procedures that are more expensive, invasive, and time-consuming.Maintain Good At-Home Oral Hygiene
While some dental emergencies are caused by sudden accidents, most of them develop slowly as a result of some untreated oral health problem, such as gum disease or tooth decay. By brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing at least once daily, you can greatly reduce the chances of such problems occurring in the first place. For extra protection, use toothpaste with fluoride, as it makes your teeth more cavity-resistant.Watch What You Eat
Growing up, you were probably taught that you’ll get cavities if you eat too much sugar. However, that’s not the only way that the foods and drinks you consume impact your oral health. Overindulging in items that are particularly crunchy, sticky, or acidic can weaken the enamel of your teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to chipping and painful sensitivity. These foods and beverages are generally fine in moderation, but make sure your diet contains plenty of mouth-healthy fruits and vegetables.Protect Your Smile with a Mouthguard
If you play any sport that carries the risk of a blow to the face, you’d do well to safeguard your teeth with an athletic mouthguard. This tray provides a protective barrier over the teeth, lowering the risk of one or more of the teeth breaking or getting knocked out. Similarly, you should wear a nightguard if you habitually grind your teeth when you sleep. Otherwise, the long-term pressure of grinding could leave your teeth brittle and weak. In both cases, Dr. Davis can provide a custom mouthguard that fits more comfortably and delivers more protection than the mouthguards you’ll find in stores.Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
If you’re having trouble opening a bottle or package, your teeth might seem like an easy way to get the job done. However, using your teeth as tools is also an easy way to end up in our emergency dental office in Arlington with a broken tooth. Although your teeth are strong, they weren’t meant to withstand the pressure of anything besides biting and chewing food. Preserving your pearly whites is worth the extra moment it takes to reach for the bottle opener or box cutter instead!Dental Emergency FAQs
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency?: Tooth sensitivity generally occurs as a result of damaged enamel or exposed tooth roots. The causes can be simple and handled by easily changing at-home habits or more severe and require professional attention. If your sensitivity turns into pain or becomes significant, call our office right away as you may have tooth decay, gum disease, or an oral infection.
How you should handle sensitive teeth: Start by calling our office. We can determine if you should visit our office the same day or on the next business day. We recommend avoiding any foods or beverages that are very hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or spicy. Drink plenty of lukewarm water in the meantime. Take painkillers as needed.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: While it depends on the cause, we may suggest changes in your oral care products, prescribe an oral rinse, or recommend a professional treatment. This could include topical fluoride, tooth-colored fillings (for cavities), gum disease therapy, or a root canal (for an infection).
