Emergency Dentist in Garland, TX

If You Have a Dental Emergency, We Can Help!

Dental emergencies are unpredictable and can still happen even with proper at-home care and regular dentist visits. Luckily, Dr. Dooley and our team at Scott Dooley DDS are here to help when they do. We offer swift treatment for a full range of dental emergencies. To learn more about our emergency dentistry services, give our emergency dentist in Garland, TX, a call at 972-846-4286. 

Do You Require Urgent Treatment?

If you or a member of your family experience any of the following dental emergencies in Garland, TX, contact us immediately for the swift and effective care you need:

• Broken tooth
• Knocked out tooth
• A dental crown that comes off
• Toothache
• Something stuck around your tooth
• Cracked tooth
• Dental abscess or infection

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Chipped or Broken Tooth

You should call our office immediately if your tooth has been broken, chipped, or fractured. Depending on the severity, you could end up losing your tooth if the tooth is not treated promptly.

Here are some tips to pull you through until your appointment:

• Take acetaminophen or over-the-counter pain medication if the tooth hurts. Salt water should be used to rinse your mouth.
• If you have the piece of the tooth that broke off, store it in a small container of milk or saline solution and bring it with you to your appointment.
• To prevent the break in the tooth from cutting your lip or the insides of your cheeks, wrap it in wax paraffin or sugar-free gum.
• If you must eat before your appointment, avoid biting down with the broken tooth and stick to soft foods.

The severity of the damage to a broken or cracked tooth will determine how it should be treated. The repair of a broken or damaged piece of enamel can be completed in one visit. Broken or severely damaged teeth may require a more expensive and lengthy procedure.

Tooth Knocked Out

If a tooth is knocked out, time is critical for successful reattachment. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or your mouth next to your cheek. Avoid water, as it can damage the cells on the root surface. See our dentist immediately, ideally within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Dental Crown Fell Off

If your dental crown comes off, you may be able to replace it with drugstore dental cement. However, this is not a permanent solution. If you do not have it reattached permanently, you may lose the crown, and the tooth may suffer more extensive damage. 

Severe or Ongoing Toothache

Toothaches are another typical dental emergency. You should schedule an appointment with us immediately if:

• A toothache lasts more than one or two days.
• The pain is severe.
• You feel pain when you open your mouth; you have an earache or a fever.
• Your face or mouth has swelling  
• It is important to diagnose and treat dental infections promptly so that they do not spread to other areas of the jaw or face or even the bloodstream.

Toothaches are very uncomfortable, but they don’t have to be permanent as long as the problem is treated. Our dentist can help you relieve pain and prevent infection from spreading to other parts of your body.

Is it possible for a toothache to make me sick or even cause death?

A toothache by itself is unlikely to be fatal. However, untreated infections in your teeth or any other parts of your body can cause serious complications. Infections, when left untreated, can spread to the bloodstream, which can lead to serious complications or even death. In this case, if your toothache doesn’t improve, it’s important to call our team to rule out infection.

Lost Fillings

If you have lost a filling, contact us immediately to schedule an appointment. Often, over-the-counter pain medications can alleviate your discomfort until you receive the treatment you need. It is important to ensure you take care of a lost filling as soon as possible to avoid pain or damage to the tooth. 

Soft Tissue Injury

Injuries to soft tissues can take place in the cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue.  In the event that your child or yourself sustains an injury to the soft tissue of the mouth, you can follow these first aid steps:

• Use a mild saltwater solution or an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
• If bleeding continues, apply a piece of moist gauze to the area. This should be done for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
• Ice can be applied to the injured area for 5-10 minutes to reduce swelling, stop bleeding, and relieve pain.
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop in a few minutes could indicate a serious injury. Call our emergency dentist in Garland, TX,  immediately. 
• If the bleeding is profuse and not getting any better with compression, you should head to your nearest emergency room.
• Keep pressure on the area until it can be treated.

Why Use As Your Emergency Dentist?

Dr. Dooley is committed to providing the treatment you need as soon as possible and has experience in providing emergency dental care. Our compassionate team understands that dental emergencies can be stressful and scary, but be assured we are trained for such situations, and there is no reason to worry. When you call us with a dental emergency, we can often get you in for a same-day appointment. We also offer 24-hour emergency paging, so you can always get a hold of our team in an urgent situation. 

Our Emergency Services

We understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, causing pain and inconvenience. Our dedicated team is prepared to provide swift and efficient emergency services to address your urgent dental needs, ensuring your comfort and health are restored as quickly as possible.

Dental Fillings

A sudden toothache or sensitivity might indicate a cavity that requires immediate attention. Our emergency dental fillings service offers a prompt and effective solution to fill the cavity, alleviate pain, and prevent further decay, using materials that match the natural color of your teeth for a seamless finish.

Reattaching Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is of the essence when it comes to a knocked-out tooth. Scott Dooley DDS provides urgent care to clean the affected area and reattach the tooth, increasing the chances of saving it. We guide you through the process of preserving the tooth until you can reach our office, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Repairing Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges can sometimes become damaged or fall out, leading to discomfort and potential harm to your oral health. Our emergency services include repairing or replacing crowns and bridges, restoring the function and appearance of your teeth, and preventing any further complications.

Root Canals

An infection in the tooth’s root can be incredibly painful and harmful if not treated promptly. Dr. Dooley offers emergency root canal treatments to remove the infected tissue, relieve pain, and save the natural tooth. Our experienced team ensures the procedure is as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Treating Abscess or Infection

Dental abscesses or infections require immediate attention to prevent the spread of infection and more severe health issues. Our emergency services include draining the abscess, treating the infection, and providing necessary care to address the root cause, alleviating pain and restoring your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my toothache suddenly stops?

While a sudden cessation of tooth pain might seem like a relief, it can actually indicate that the nerves inside the tooth have become too damaged to transmit pain signals. This condition could lead to an abscess or a more severe infection if not treated promptly. It’s essential to see Dr. Dooley, even if the pain subsides, to assess and treat the underlying issue.

Should I wait to see if my chipped tooth gets worse before seeking treatment?

Even a minor chip in a tooth can expose sensitive layers, leading to pain, infection, or further damage. Additionally, small chips can affect the tooth’s structure, making it more vulnerable to future breaks. It’s advisable to seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent complications and preserve the tooth’s integrity.

Is it a dental emergency if I lose a filling or crown but feel no pain?

Yes, losing a filling or crown exposes the tooth to potential infection, further decay, and structural damage. It’s crucial to protect the tooth and restore its function as quickly as possible, even in the absence of pain. Temporary solutions can sometimes be applied at home, but professional dental care should be sought promptly.

How can I tell if I have a dental abscess?

A dental abscess may present as a severe, persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, fever, swelling in the face or cheek, and a foul taste in the mouth from draining pus. It’s a serious condition that requires urgent dental care to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Can minor gum bleeding be considered an emergency?

Occasional minor gum bleeding might not be an emergency but could indicate the early stages of gum disease. However, if bleeding is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling and pain, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. In such cases, consulting with a dentist as soon as possible is critical.

Call Now For Fast Relief in Garland, TX

If you have a dental emergency, then we will quickly determine the most effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and restore your smile. To schedule a visit with our emergency dentist in Garland, TX, call Scott Dooley Dentistry today. We can also assist patients who reside in Dallas, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and all surrounding communities.