Come See Us for Emergency Dentistry!
Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, accidents can still happen that severely injure your teeth. In those first few moments after you’ve damaged your smile, you just want to know that someone will be able to take care of you. For the people of Southlake, that person is Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew.
When you call him with a dental emergency, our team will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible (including make same-day appointments!) No matter what has happened, we’ll make sure that you’ll be smiling on the other side. Dr. Pettigrew and our team are specially trained to handle a variety of dental emergencies, so when you need urgent care, be sure to call us first.
Common Dental Emergencies
Be sure to call our practice if you experience any of the following dental emergencies:
- Knocked out tooth
- Partially dislodged tooth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Severe toothache
- Large object caught between the teeth
- Lost or damaged dental work (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures)
- Injury to the gums
- Injury to the jaw
- Swelling or pain in the face
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies often strike without any warning. If you’re like many people, you may not have a rainy day fund for your smile, but you don’t have to delay the care you need, even if money is tight. Several factors affect the cost of emergency dentistry in Southlake; however, we strive to keep it affordable for everyone. After addressing any pain, we will 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
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.