Emergency Dentistry

If you or your child experience a dental emergency, regardless of the time of day or night, the experienced team at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces is here for you. At their convenient office locations in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, they offer emergency dentistry, including root canals, crowns, tooth extractions, and trauma care to restore your beautiful smile. Call the nearest office, request an appointment online, or walk into the office if you need treatment for a dental emergency. 

What is emergency dentistry?

A dental emergency is any type of dental trauma that requires immediate care. Examples include:

• A knocked-out tooth
• A cracked tooth
• Gum or mouth lacerations
• A loose permanent tooth
• A toothache
• Severe tooth or gum pain
• An infected tooth
• A tooth abscess
• A broken crown or bridge

If you or your child experience a dental emergency, see the Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team right away by calling for a same-day appointment or by walking in.

What should I do during a dental emergency?

In the case of a dental emergency, do the following until you arrive at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces:

Cracked tooth 

If you experience a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.

Knocked-out tooth

In the case of a knocked-out permanent tooth, save the tooth and keep it moist. Place it back in its socket if you can, in some milk, or between your cheek and gums until you arrive at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces for treatment.

Toothache

When a toothache occurs, rinse your mouth with warm water. Use an ice pack for comfort and minimize swelling until your dentist can treat you.

Soft tissue laceration

If you injure your tongue, lip, or gums, clean the area by rinsing it in warm water. Use a cold pack to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

What happens during treatment?

The type of dental emergency you experience indicates which treatment you require to restore teeth or gums. Your Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces provider might recommend:

• Soft tissue repair
• A root canal
• Tooth extraction
• Another form of oral surgery
• A crown or bridge
• Dental implants

Your provider reviews your medical history, examines your teeth and gums, and takes dental X-rays to determine which emergency dentistry treatment plan is right for you or your child.

How can I avoid dental emergencies?

You can’t always avoid dental emergencies, so the expert team at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces is here for you when you need them the most. 

Wear a mouthguard when playing sports, and don’t chew on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or other hard objects. Avoid using your teeth to open packages and keep routine dental exams and cleanings with the Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team.

What to do in a Dental Emergency?

When it comes to dental emergencies, prompt action can make all the difference between saving a tooth and enduring prolonged pain. Whether it’s a broken tooth, a lost filling, or severe dental pain, seeking assistance from your local dentist is crucial instead of a hospital emergency room.

Limited Relief from Emergency Rooms

While emergency rooms are equipped to handle various medical emergencies, they often fall short of addressing dental issues effectively. If you visit an emergency room with a toothache, providers might offer pain-relieving medications, but they typically lack the resources to provide comprehensive dental care. Restorative treatments like tooth repair, extractions, fillings, or crowns are generally beyond their scope, and you will, more than likely, be referred to a dentist or oral surgeon anyway.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

The two most common dental emergencies are toothaches and gum bleeding, which can stem from various underlying causes. Dental decay, crooked teeth, infections, teeth trauma, or even something as unexpected as oral injuries can lead to urgent dental problems. Recognizing these signs and acting swiftly is key to preventing further complications.

Contacting your local dentist for a dental emergency ensures that you receive prompt and specialized care. Emergency dentistry services are designed to alleviate pain quickly and to address the root cause of the problem. Whether it’s a broken tooth, a lost filling, or severe discomfort, only a trained dental professional can offer immediate relief and devise a tailored treatment plan to restore your oral health.

Accessibility and Affordability

Many dental practices offer same-day walk-in appointments for emergencies. This will make sure that you don’t have to endure prolonged suffering or spend all day in the ER. Additionally, most dentists accept various insurance plans, making emergency dental care accessible to a wide range of patients. For those without insurance, dental savings plans are often available for as little as $1.00 a day, providing an affordable solution to unexpected dental expenses. These plans are available on the open market, or your local dentist may participate and offer their own plan for patients. Many practices now offer flexible financing options as well for dental emergencies and high-cost treatments. With nearly 80% of patients being approved for low monthly payment plans, individuals can receive the necessary treatment without worrying about upfront costs. These financing options ensure that financial constraints don’t delay crucial dental care when it’s needed the most.

Dental emergencies will usually require immediate attention and specialized care, and while emergency rooms may offer temporary relief, contacting a local dentist, like Smile Structure, is essential for comprehensive treatment and long-term oral health. With swift relief, same-day accessibility, affordability, and enhanced financing options, Dr. Adam Smith and his team of dental professionals will have you smiling confidently again in no time.

The next time you experience a dental emergency or search "emergency dentist near me", call Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces for a same-day appointment or simply walk in to receive treatment.