Emergency Dentist – Weatherford, TX

Get Immediate, Comfortable Dental Care When You Need It Most

Weatherford emergency dentist and assistant treating a dental patient

What should you do in an emergency? For many people, that’s an easy question to answer – call 911. However, if the emergency has to do with your teeth and gums, you should call us at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford. Our team of dentists is better equipped and trained to handle these kinds of cases and help you get the relief you need quickly. If you find yourself in any of these situations, be sure to call us first. We’ll make every effort to see you as soon as possible—we’ll even make same-day appointments! Also, our highly skilled team will walk you through basic first-aid. If you find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency in Weatherford, don’t call 911, call us!

Why Choose Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Same-Day Appointments Available
  • Team of Highly Experienced Dentists
  • Advanced Modern Dental Technology

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Woman holding her cheek in pain
  • We encourage you to give us a call the moment you notice something doesn’t feel right about your smile. That way, our team can listen to your symptoms, get you scheduled for an emergency appointment, and provide first-aid tips to help manage your situation. Same-day appointments can also be made to ensure you get your emergency handled as quickly as possible.
  • After you arrive, one of our experienced dentists will assist you with your dental emergency. This includes a detailed exam to locate the source of your issue as well as prevent the problem from getting worse. We may need to complete a series of X-rays if the problem is not easily visible.
  • Following the exam, the dentist will break down their findings as well as go over which treatments they believe will address your emergency to the fullest. This also includes potential cost estimates and the length of treatment.
  • With the help of our team, we’ll always be sure to address discomfort first so you can leave the office feeling better following your emergency. With that said, treatments to handle emergencies can vary and may include dental fillings and crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, or something else.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies come in all different forms, and our team wants to do everything we can to help you manage and treat all of them when they occur. We will happily walk you through first aid steps and pain management over the phone, but you also can keep reading for some basics that can help you stay comfortable until you reach our office.

Toothaches

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?

It is! You shouldn’t suffer from dental pain, which can be quite excruciating. Not only can it make you miserable, but it can hamper your ability to eat or function properly. If you have a toothache for more than a day, let us know and schedule an appointment right away so that we can resolve the issue and get you back to feeling your best sooner rather than later.

How You Should Handle a Toothache

Try to keep your mouth clean by gently swishing warm salt water. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage any discomfort or swelling you may have. Do not delay in contacting us about your toothache because the problem will only get worse with time, not better.

How We Treat Toothaches

Most of the time, a toothache points to decay that is reaching the center of the tooth, which is called the pulp. This is the part of the tooth where the nerve resides. Often, treatment of dental pain includes root canal therapy and placing a custom dental crown. However, if a filling can be used to correct the problem, we will take advantage of this more conservative option.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Chipped Tooth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Definitely. Even if a chipped tooth isn’t causing you pain, it still should be treated quickly to get your smile back to full strength and look its best. Plus, a chipped tooth may have a sharp edge or point that could damage your other teeth or the soft tissues in your mouth.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth

After calling our office, see if you can find the piece(s) of your tooth that has chipped off, and be sure to bring it with you to your appointment. If your tooth is sharp, you can use dental wax, which can be found at most drugstores, or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue, cheek, and gums from the damaged tooth.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth

In some cases, we may be able to reattach or use the broken piece(s) of the tooth to restore it. In others, we can use composite resin to fill in chips or place a custom veneer to cover this cosmetic flaw.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Bioclear Dental Bonding

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Yes, a cracked tooth is considered a dental emergency and needs to be treated right away. Although your enamel is the hardest material found in your body, it can be broken, allowing bacteria access to the inner layers of the tooth. Whether it’s the result of chewing on something hard or a dental injury, a cracked tooth needs to be addressed immediately.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth

Until you arrive at our office, you can keep your mouth clean by rinsing it with salt water. If you are experiencing any pain, you can use over-the-counter relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and put a cold compress on your face.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth

In many situations, a cracked tooth exposes the pulp or nerve center of the tooth. As a result, we need to perform root canal therapy and seal off the inner chamber to protect it from infection. Then, we typically place a dental crown or filling to cover the crack.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Bioclear Dental Bonding

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Very Sensitive Teeth

Is Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Very sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable but are not necessarily a dental emergency. Oftentimes, the reason for your sensitivity is why it’s best to seek professional help sooner rather than later, so if you notice discomfort when attempting to drink a hot or cold beverage, go ahead and call our office to schedule an appointment. The underlying cause might be excessive whitening, worn tooth enamel, an abscess, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or a severe cavity.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth

While waiting to see our dentists, it’s best if you drink lukewarm water instead of anything hot or cold, avoid spicy, sweet, and acidic foods and beverages, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. By adhering to these tips at home, you can lessen your symptoms and achieve greater comfort while waiting for treatment.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth

At Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford, your emergency dentist in Weatherford will first need to identify the underlying cause of your sensitivity. If worn tooth enamel or a minor cavity is the culprit, desensitizing toothpaste, prescription mouthwash, a tooth-colored filling, or fluoride treatment may be recommended. If gum disease is the problem, periodontal therapy will be required to remove bad bacteria and improve the health of your soft tissues. If an abscess or severely decayed or damaged tooth is the reason, tooth extraction may be the only way to reduce symptoms and minimize further harm to your oral health.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Periodontal Therapy

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Yes, anytime you experience a lost tooth in Weatherford, you should immediately call our dental office and get in to see us right away. Teeth are not meant to live outside their sockets, so emergency treatment is necessary if we are to try and save the tooth.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Retrieve the tooth by its crown and rinse off any debris. If possible, you can try to reinsert it into the socket or place it between your cheek and gums inside your mouth. If you feel more comfortable, you may place it in a container of milk to keep it moist while making your way to our dental office for treatment.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth

Our dental team will look at your mouth as well as the tooth to determine the best course of action. If it can be saved, we will attempt to reattach it, so it reintegrates with the bone and tissues. If too much time has passed or the tooth is too badly damaged, the only solution will be to replace it. Depending on your preference, oral and overall health, jawbone density, and budget, you can choose between a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

Losing a restoration is not something you expect to happen, but it often does. Because of normal wear and tear, they can fall out accidentally, causing you to turn to your dentist for help. While a filling or lost dental crown in Weatherford isn’t considered “urgent,” you do not want to wait too long to receive treatment simply because you could cause further damage to your vulnerable tooth or experience an infection.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

If you can, try to retrieve it and reinsert it. Using dental cement, you can try to put it back in place, but if you’re concerned you might damage your tooth or restoration, wait to see our dental team. In the meantime, don’t chew on that side of your mouth, and be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth so as not to cause more harm to your tooth.

How We Treat a Lost Filling or Crown

When meeting with your emergency dentist, we will evaluate the restoration to see if it is possible to re-bond it in place. If it’s fully intact, it will be a quick and easy process. However, if the crown or filling is lost or too damaged, we will need to have a new tooth-colored filling and/or dental crown created to protect your weakened tooth and its structural integrity.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Metal-Free Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

Yes, a broken denture in Weatherford is a dental emergency that requires our team to examine the problem and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment. You do not want to wait to seek help, as you could damage your gums, cheeks, or other soft oral tissues.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture

The American Dental Association (ADA) has a denture repair kit; however, it is strongly advised that you avoid using this unless it’s an emergency. Instead, avoid wearing your prosthetic and wait until you get in to see us.

How We Treat Broken Dentures

Our dental team will evaluate the state of your denture to determine if composite resin can be used to treat a minor break or crack. However, if the damage is severe, we’ll need to either replace your denture with a new one or discuss the potential for dental implants.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Adults should not have loose teeth, which is why you need to get in right away for an emergency dental appointment. At Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Weatherford, we need to treat your loose tooth in Weatherford as soon as possible.

How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth

If you must wait a short time at home before your appointment, we will likely recommend that you don’t eat anything hard or crunchy, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and avoid touching the loose tooth to prevent any possible further damage.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth

Depending on the reason for your loose tooth, we may recommend one of several treatment options. If gum disease is causing your tooth to become loose, we’ll need to treat your soft tissues with periodontal therapy and secure the tooth with a splint. If a dental implant is loose, we may need to remove it and perform a bone graft and allow the area to heal before determining if we can replace it with another dental implant post. If the problem is the result of facial trauma, we may need to remove the tooth and discuss potential solutions to replace it (i.e., dental bridge, dental implant).

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Periodontal Therapy

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?

Soft tissue injuries are easy to treat and heal. Most bleed for only a short time, allowing them to heal quickly. However, if the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, don’t wait to see us. Instead, go to a local emergency room for immediate medical attention.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a clean washcloth or gauze to apply to the area. This will help to stop the bleeding. Once this is accomplished, use a cold compress to minimize swelling and reduce any discomfort.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

If you need to see us for treatment, we will determine if you need stitches. Otherwise, we can discuss the cause of your soft tissue injury and whether you should invest in a mouthguard to protect against future mouth-related accidents.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?

Jaw pain can be a debilitating problem that makes eating, speaking, and smiling difficult. It is better to call and alert us to the situation sooner rather than later, as you can begin to develop worsening conditions in your jaw joints and facial muscles. Not to mention, your bite may be misaligned and need proper treatment to fix the problem.

An important note to keep in mind is if you break or fracture your jaw, go to the ER as quickly as you can. You will need medical attention right away before coming to see your emergency dentist in Weatherford.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain

If your jaw is not broken or fractured, you’ll be advised by our dental team to avoid bad habits of eating ice, biting your fingernails, chewing on inanimate objects, as well as eating hard or crunchy foods. You may find it helpful to perform a facial massage or stretches.

How We Treat Jaw Pain

Our team will begin by evaluating the underlying cause of your pain. Through a visual exam and dental X-rays, we should be able to determine if any inflammation or damage is causing the problem. Depending on our findings, we may recommend a customized mouthguard to eliminate bruxism and/or TMJ therapy to improve the condition and help you achieve relief from the pain.

Learn More About TMJ Therapy

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Dental floss or a water irrigator are the only safe and effective solutions you should use to dislodge an object that is stuck between your teeth. Toothpicks, forks, and other sharp-edged objects can push the item further into your gums or even damage your soft tissues and teeth if you’re not careful. You’ll want to be mindful of how you go about removing a piece of food or object if you don’t want to find yourself in the emergency dental office.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

Emergency dentist treating a dental patient

No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them; however, they are more common than you might realize. If you find yourself facing a sudden oral health issue, time is of the utmost importance. You don’t want to lose valuable minutes worrying about the cost of emergency dentistry in Weatherford. We strive to keep the services you need affordable. While every case differs, here’s how much you can expect to pay for emergency dentistry.

Every Dental Emergency Is Different

Despite what you might have heard, an emergency visit is relatively inexpensive because we provide many solutions to keep your treatment within your budget. Your emergency dentist in Weatherford will perform a comprehensive examination to assess the problem and create a personalized treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, several factors influence the cost, like the treatment required. Common treatments for dental emergencies include:

  • Root canal therapy
  • Extractions
  • Dental crowns
  • TMJ therapy

We’ll explain the costs associated with your plan, so you know exactly what you need to pay before getting started with any treatment.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

You can’t fully prevent a dental emergency from occurring, but there are several things you can do to lessen your risk of one, like keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Besides maintaining your oral hygiene at home, it’s best to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will monitor your oral health to detect issues while they are still small to prevent them from turning into bigger problems. In fact, every $1 spent on prevention can save you as much as $50 on restorative or emergency services.

Despite maintaining your oral health, a complication can still arise. Although no one has time for an unplanned trip to their dentist, don’t wait to get the care you need. If you delay treatment, the issue will continue to worsen, which might require a more costly procedure to resolve.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Every dental insurance policy is unique; however, many policies can be used to offset the cost of your treatment, such as consultation or X-rays. After reaching your annual deductible, your coverage can pay as much as 80% of the expense. We’ll work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your benefits and lower the amount you need to pay.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Our office strives to provide the care you need without breaking the bank. Besides using your dental insurance, we offer many payment options, including:

  • Traditional Payments: We accept checks, cash, and most major credit cards.
  • Financing: We work with CareCredit, which is third-party financing to pay for your treatment using a low monthly plan.

If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We’ll save your smile and stop your pain, so you can get back to enjoying your day.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Senior woman in dental chair talking to dentist and team member

At Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford, we know not all dental accidents are avoidable. A sudden fall while riding your bike, a hard-hitting tackle, or an accidental slip while walking on a wet floor can lead to a chipped or broken tooth or soft tissue laceration. The good news is there are several things you can do to prevent dental emergencies in Weatherford. By taking the right precautions and maintaining optimal oral hygiene, you can make sure you’re spending your time enjoying the activities you love and not at your local dentist’s office.

Make Time to See Your Dentist Regularly

Every six months, you should see your dentist for a regular dental checkup and cleaning. While it may not seem like much, this is valuable time spent, as your dental team will check for any signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. We’ll also perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can cause periodontal disease. By maintaining these visits, you will lower your risk for many of the most common oral health problems and ensure a healthier smile year-round.

Stick to An Oral Hygiene Routine at Home

Whether you’re by yourself or with your family, make sure you’re sticking to a proper oral hygiene routine at home. Brushing twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash will help to remove germs and bacteria that are known to cause cavities and gum disease. This will prevent infections from forming inside your mouth that can lead to more extensive restorative care (i.e., fillings, dental crowns, root canals, tooth extractions).

Eat Healthy Foods

Instead of incorporating sweets and starches into your daily diet and raising your risk for cavities and gum disease, make healthy choices by choosing fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and leafy greens. Full of nutrients your body needs for greater energy and overall wellness, you can strengthen your tooth enamel and ensure better gum health by opting for these healthier alternatives.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you want to avoid the emergency dental office in Weatherford, make sure you’re wearing a customized mouthguard while playing sports. These are also beneficial if you are prone to grinding your teeth at night. Whether it is a contact or solo sport or bruxism that is putting your teeth and gums at risk, a customized mouthguard by our dental team will safeguard your smile from serious injury. From knocked-out and broken teeth to worn-down tooth enamel and soft tissue lacerations, you can feel more at ease when wearing a customized mouthguard.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Are you guilty of using your teeth to open packages and containers? Although tooth enamel is considered the hardest substance in your body, it is not indestructible. Too much pressure can easily cause fractures, chips, and breaks to occur. Trying to open a package with your pearly whites will only lead to a much-needed visit to your emergency dentist. Instead, find scissors, pliers, or another helpful tool to do the job and leave your teeth alone.

Dental Emergency FAQs

What If I Have an Emergency Outside of Office Hours?

Emergencies often happen at the most inconvenient times, like at the start of the weekend. Regardless of when it is, give us a call first - our voice messaging system will give you an emergency number to use.

Or, if you’re dealing with something that you think can wait until our office opens, you can just leave us a message. Our front office checks our messages first thing each day and will get back to you immediately.

What’s Considered A True Emergency?

When people call us, one of the first things they often say is, “I’m not sure if this is really an emergency or not.” Here are several indications that you need care right away:

  • Pain that prevents you from sleeping, working, or eating
  • Moderate or heavy bleeding
  • Facial swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gums (these are possible signs of an infection)
  • A broken tooth or filling (if there’s no pain, you can usually wait a day or two)
  • Knocked-out tooth

Can I Take Pain Medication?

Taking over-the-counter pain reliever as directed is perfectly fine, but remember that treatment is still necessary to take care of the underlying problem, even if the pain subsides. Some situations can become dangerous to your overall health if they go too long without being addressed. For example, a severe toothache is often the result of an infection that can spread to other areas of the body and, in severe cases, become fatal.

When Should I Go To the Hospital?

As an emergency dentist in Weatherford, we’ve made emergency care a priority and we’re always just a phone call away. But, since some dental emergencies require medical attention first, go to the nearest ER or urgent care center for any of the following:

  • Bleeding that doesn’t subside after applying pressure for 15 minutes
  • Facial cuts or lacerations that may need stitches
  • A fractured or dislocated jaw
  • If you have swelling or a severe toothache and you can’t make it to our office within a few hours
  • If you’ve knocked out a tooth and can’t see us within an hour

After you’ve been stabilized, you can call us for any dental work that may be necessary.