Emergency Dentist — Southlake, TX
See Us for Your Urgent Dental Care
Even if you remember to brush and floss, accidents can still severely injure your teeth. Should that happen, you’ll want someone who can repair your smile. Luckily, you can always count on your emergency dentist in Southlake. Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew and his team will always try to see you quickly – they even allow for same-day visits! Therefore, save yourself time, money, and hassle and contact us today. No matter what has happened, we’ll make sure you’re smiling on the other side!
Why Choose Dr. Pettigrew for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Appointments Available
- Dental Insurance Friendly & Flexible Financing Welcome
- Highly-Trained and Certified FAGD Dentist
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
In a dental emergency, time is of the essence. As such, you should quickly do the following to care for your urgent issue:
- Book a Same-Day Visit – After your incident, contact our practice. We’ll schedule you as soon as possible, likely even on the same day you call. From there, we can also give you personalized first-aid over the phone.
- Get an Emergency Exam: When arrive for your visit, we’ll perform an exam and capture the necessary X-rays. That way, we can assess the extent of your problem and relive any immediate pain.
- Receive a Treatment Plan: After the exam, our team will review its findings with you and lay out your options. We’ll then create a custom treatment plan and explain its cost, timeline, etc.
- Undergo Needed Care: Whatever problems you face, our expert practice will work to get your smile back on track. Whether you need a filling, crown, root canal, or something else, we’ll get the job done.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Of course, dental emergencies come in many shapes and forms. They can differ rather widely at times. Still, some happen more often than others. It’s thus a good idea to learn the common ones we often treat. That way, you can get a sense of how our office can help. With that said, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing any of the following:
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies often strike without any warning, so you may not have a rainy-day smile fund. Even if that’s true, though, you don’t have to delay your care due to a tight budget. While several factors affect the cost of emergency dentistry in Southlake, we strive to keep it affordable for everyone. Once we’ve relieved your initial pain, then, we’ll create the personalized plan you need to save your smile without breaking the bank.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
There’s not a cookie-cutter treatment plan for emergency dentistry because every mouth and situation differs. Your dentist will examine your mouth to design a strategy to rehabilitate your smile while keeping your finances in mind. Although every case is unique, common treatments for emergency issues can include:
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extractions
- TMJ therapy
- Dental crowns
- Gum disease treatment
- And more
Your dentist will review all your options and the costs to make the best decision for your smile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Every dental insurance plan is different; however, most offer coverage for emergency services, like a consultation or diagnostic imaging. Most plans can be used to offset the cost of common restorative treatments, like root canals or dental crowns. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental benefits can pay 50% to 80% of the cost of certain restorative procedures. We know dental insurance is confusing, which is why we will handle all the paperwork to maximize your benefits. A member of our team will explain how your coverage is being used and if there’s any remaining balance. Rest assured, you will know precisely how much you will have to pay before committing to anything.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, we provide other solutions to keep emergency care within your budget, including:
- Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment methods, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
- Financing: Based on your credit approval, you can pay for any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments with little to no interest through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
We will review all payment options to ensure your financial situation never stands in your way of restoring a healthy, beautiful smile.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
You can’t always stop a dental emergency from occurring, but you can take several steps to lessen your risk of one, like committing to your oral hygiene. Most urgent oral health issues result from an untreated, preventable dental problem, like tooth decay. Brushing, flossing, and using a daily mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s also important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll ensure there aren’t any concerns lingering in your mouth that can turn into a big problem later. You can also avoid a trip to an emergency dentist in Southlake by wearing an athletic mouthguard if you play sports and breaking any bad habits, like using your teeth to open bottles.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
If you need an emergency dentist in Southlake, we are here to make a stressful situation easier. After addressing any pain, we will explain exactly what you can expect on the road ahead. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to calm your nerves.
Will my toothache go away without any treatment?
Discomfort originating from the gum tissue can dissipate without any treatment; however, it's unlikely tooth pain will go away on its own. Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache isn't normal. It is often a sign of a problem brewing in your mouth, like a cavity or an infection. It is best to contact your dentist right away to find the source of your discomfort before it is too late to save your tooth.
How should I sleep with dental pain?
You don't have to toss and turn all night from dental pain. You can prevent a restless night by avoiding hot, cold, acidic, or hard foods before going to bed. Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head, which can cause a throbbing toothache. Take an OTC pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to manage your discomfort. A saltwater rinse can also reduce pain and inflammation while keeping your mouth clean.
Do I need to see a dentist if my chipped tooth doesn’t hurt?
Not all chipped teeth hurt, but that doesn't mean you don't need to see a dentist. Even insignificant breaks can leave your tooth vulnerable to bacteria and additional damage. If you aren't having any pain, you can wait a day or two to see your dentist, but don't delay treatment for too long or a simple fix can turn into a costly procedure.
Will a chipped tooth heal?
Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it can't regenerate. At most, your enamel can remineralize, but it won't grow back. It is important to see a dentist to have the damage repaired to safeguard your tooth from additional complications. Minor chips can be fixed using bonding or a veneer, but more severe breaks may require a crown or another procedure.
Can I use superglue to fix a broken denture?
You rely on your dentures for a complete, functional smile. If your denture breaks, you have a dental emergency in Southlake. Although no one has time for an unplanned trip to the dentist, don't use superglue to fix your denture. While it is handy to have around the house for minor repairs, it isn't intended for oral use. It can contain toxic chemicals or cause allergic reactions. Not to mention, it doesn't hold up well in moist environments like your mouth. Instead, leave the mending for professionals. Your dentist understands you can't go without any teeth. They will get you into the office quickly to make the necessary repairs or replacements. In the meantime, use an old denture if possible.
More to Explore
Preventive Dentistry Restorative Dentistry Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontal Therapy Oral DNA Testing What is Sleep Apnea? Sedation Dentistry Advanced Technology View Our Services