Emergency Dentist — Tyler, TX
Pain-Relieving Dentistry When You Need It The Most
Are you experiencing a searing toothache or knocked out a tooth while playing your favorite sport? In the midst of a dental emergency, it’s important to know a trusted dentist nearby that you can call. Southern Oaks Dental offers fast, pain-relieving dental treatment for patients who are in discomfort. All you need to do is contact our dental office and schedule an appointment for emergency dentistry in Tyler, TX with one of our friendly dental staff.
Why Choose Southern Oaks Dental for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Appointments & Walk-Ins Available
- Advanced Digital & X-Ray Imaging
- Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Call and schedule a same-day appointment: The first thing you should always do is contact our dental office so we can schedule a same-day appointment for you as soon as possible. We’ll also provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance to reduce the chances of sustaining additional damage to your mouth.
- Get an emergency exam and pain relief: Once you arrive at the practice, we’ll get you seen by Markle as soon as possible. Along with completing a detailed emergency exam, he’ll do whatever he can to address your dental discomfort. Depending on your symptoms, we may also capture digital X-rays.
- Reviewing our findings and recommending a treatment plan: Following your exam, we’ll have a much better understanding of your symptoms and their cause. After going over our findings, Dr. Markle will recommend a treatment plan and lay out the estimated costs and timeline associated with it.
- Getting you the care you need fast: Whether you need a dental filling, crown, root canal therapy, extraction, or other service, we’ll make sure you’re attended to quickly.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Handling a dental emergency can be hard, especially if you’re not prepared. Below, we’ve provided you with some helpful tips to consider ahead of your emergency appointment. If you experience any of the following or you’re unsure if you’re having a dental emergency, please give us a call.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
The cost of emergency dentistry in Tyler depends on what type of treatment you require. We’re able to determine this after we examine your mouth. Our team will always share the details of our findings with you and walk you through all of your options. If you have any questions about dental insurance coverage, financing, or the cost of your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly dental professionals today!
Every Dental Emergency Is Unique
Your emergency will be different from other patients. The only way to determine exactly how much your treatment will cost will be to visit your emergency dentist in Tyler, Dr. Travis A. Markle. During your initial appointment, he’ll evaluate your oral health, assess the damage to your smile, and create a specific treatment plan for your situation. The cost will depend on the procedures necessary for your dental needs, and our team will be sure to thoroughly explain the pricing information before starting any work.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Since dental emergencies typically require restorative treatments, most insurance policies can offer coverage for your necessary care. Most of the common procedures associated with emergency dental treatment include root canals and dental crowns, which can typically have 50% to 80% covered in many cases. Be sure to contact your insurance company to see if your plan provides the financial assistance you need before an emergency happens. If you have questions about your benefits, our knowledgeable front desk staff is also here to help!
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Our team can offer alternative payment options through our third-party company, CareCredit. With their help, you’ll be able to afford the cost of treatment through monthly installments. These payments will also have little to no interest, making any necessary procedures more convenient and financially stress-free. If this is something you’re interested in applying for, feel free to contact our team so we can discuss your payment plan.
Caring for Your Smile Can Save You Money
Even if you can’t predict when a dental emergency will happen, there are ways to lower your risk of encountering one. Many urgent conditions often happen due to decay, infection, or some gradually worsening circumstance. This makes brushing, flossing, and visiting Dr. Markle for routine checkups/cleanings the best way to avoid a dental emergency. Doing so will also prevent the need for more costly procedures in the future, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Although it’s impossible to completely prevent dental accidents from occurring, there are some ways that you can reduce your risk. The most important steps include practicing daily oral hygiene and completing routine exams and cleanings, but these aren’t the only ways you can lower the chances you’ll experience a toothache, infection, or other issue. Below, you can learn about some of the best tips to help keep you out of your emergency dentist’s treatment chair.
Visit Your Dentist for Routine Checkups
One of the most effective ways to not only prevent dental emergencies, but catch problems in their earliest stages while they’re still easily treatable, is to complete routine dental appointments every six months. A professional exam is the only way to know for sure that no underlying problems are present with your teeth, gums, and other oral structures, so make these biannual visits to our office a habit if you want to prevent waking up with a sudden toothache, dental sensitivity, or infection.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene in Between Visits
Brushing and flossing at home are very important to keeping plaque buildup low and removing food debris from in between teeth as well as other areas of your mouth. Without daily oral care, you can’t avoid the most common cause of dental emergencies (i.e. cavities). The good news is practicing oral hygiene is pretty straightforward. Simply brush twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss at least once a day to keep most dental disease from developing. Of course, even the best at-home care won’t remove the need for regular checkups.
Stick to a Healthy and Nutritious Diet
Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbs can be very beneficial to your long-term health and lower your risk for dental emergencies. In contrast, eating lots of foods high in sugar will only make it easier for oral bacteria to produce plaque acids that cause cavities and gum disease. While brushing, flossing, and dental checkups matter, be sure your meals are diverse and consist of foods conducive to your oral health.
Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Smile
You wouldn’t forget to wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, so you shouldn’t forget to wear a mouthguard when playing sports (or a nightguard if you clench and grind your teeth at night) either. Over-the-counter options may seem ideal for their affordability and convenience, but professionally-made options will last much longer, offer better protection, and be far more comfortable to use.
Don’t Use Your Teeth to Perform Tasks
Your teeth are not indestructible. Even though they can withstand daily chewing forces and break down very tough foods, that won’t stop them from cracking or chipping when used inappropriately. That means you should never use your teeth to open packages or bottles or trim your fingernails. If you have a habit that involves chewing inedible objects (i.e. pens, pencils, etc.), do your best to break them now so you don’t damage your enamel in the long-term.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Will My Toothache Go Away On its Own?
Toothaches can sometimes resolve on their own if they're caused by minor issues like temporary gum irritation. However, they can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as cavities, infections, or gum disease. If your toothache persists, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like swelling, fever, or severe pain, it's important to talk to us. Treating the underlying cause is crucial to prevent further complications. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers and good oral hygiene can help manage discomfort.
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?
For most dental emergencies, it's best to visit a dentist rather than the emergency room. We dentists are specifically trained to handle issues like toothaches, broken teeth, or abscesses. However, if you experience severe symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling that affects your airway, go to the emergency room immediately. These can be signs of life-threatening conditions. For other dental issues, seek immediate dental care for proper treatment and to prevent complications.
Do Chipped Teeth Heal?
Chipped teeth do not heal on their own because teeth are made of enamel and dentin, which do not regenerate like bone or soft tissue. However, treatment can restore the appearance and function of a chipped tooth. We may use bonding, veneers, or crowns to repair the damage, depending on the severity of the chip. If the chip exposes the inner pulp, a root canal may be necessary to prevent infection. It's important to see us for proper evaluation and treatment to avoid further damage or complications.
Can I Fix Dentures that are Broken in Half on my Own?
It's not recommended to attempt fixing broken dentures on your own. Dentures require precise fitting and repair techniques that are best handled by a dental professional. DIY repairs can lead to improper alignment, discomfort, and further damage. Denture repair kits available over the counter are often temporary solutions and may not provide a proper fix. It's best to take the broken dentures to us for professional repair to ensure they are properly restored and fit comfortably.
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