Emergency Dental Care

Nobody starts out their day by planning for a dental emergency, and the uncertainty of a sudden dental emergency has the potential to completely derail your day. But when you are a patient at Smiles Family Dental, you will never need to feel unprepared for a dental emergency again!

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call at 817-277-1971 right away so we can schedule your same-day emergency dental care in Arlington, Texas, with our dentists. Dr. Angelie Zamora and Dr. Britany Jenkins will give you fast treatment, professional advice on how to handle your situation and a level of care you can count on even in highly stressful situations.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Some dental problems are obvious emergencies. However, you may have a question about a minor toothache or a small chip. You can always call and ask us about your specific situation — if in doubt, reach out.

Common dental emergencies include:

• Broken or Cracked Teeth. Damage to your teeth can not only be painful but can expose your tooth to bacteria, putting you at risk of dental infection. Quickly repairing damage will keep your teeth safe into the future.
• Persistent Tooth Pain. When tooth pain will not go away, you might not feel like eating or even sleeping. Rather than living with pain, call us! We can find the cause of your discomfort and help you feel better soon.
• A Knocked-Out Tooth. After a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it only by the crown and place the tooth in a glass of milk, not water, to best preserve it. Bring the tooth to your appointment, and we may be able to save and replace it.
• Swelling or Abscess. A tooth infection can be serious and spread quickly. If you see swelling or symptoms of an abscess — pus, blisters, etc. — call us right away, and we will take care of you as quickly as possible.
• Injury to Soft Tissue. Accidents happen to everyone, but children are especially susceptible to soft tissue injury to cheeks or gums. Encourage your child to sit still whenever they have something in their mouth to avoid future problems.
• Loose or Missing Dental Work. Fillings can fall out, especially if they have sustained damage. You may also experience a loose crown or bridges, or problems with dentures. The faster these issues are fixed, the faster your dental care is back on track.
• An Object Stuck Between Teeth. It can be quite painful to have something wedged between your teeth, and these objects can contribute to gum disease and general mouth pain if not taken care of.

If you have any of these issues or a question about a dental problem, give us a call.

What Should You Do in the Meantime?

If you are not able to call our office right away, or if you are waiting for your appointment time, do not be afraid to take advantage of some of the following tips to manage pain and discomfort:

• Stay Calm. Dental emergencies can be very stressful, but remaining calm is one of the best ways to manage a bad situation. Breathe slowly and know help is coming!
• Use a Cold Compress. A cold pack on the affected area can reduce pain and swelling at the same time.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Medication. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and let our dentists know what medications you have taken.
• Stem Any Bleeding. If you are bleeding, use gauze or another clean piece of fabric to stem the blood. Avoid tissues or other materials that may disintegrate in your mouth.

Emergency Room Situations

If you have a broken jaw or a wound that will not stop bleeding, go to your nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing an emergency that has affected your teeth but has also done damage to other parts of your body, particularly your head, visit the emergency room first.

An infection may also require an emergency visit if the swelling makes it difficult to breathe or cuts off your airway. While we are here for any dental emergencies, we want you to care for your overall well-being first!

If You Have a Dental Emergency, Do Not Hesitate To Call!

For same-day appointments and an experienced dental team, call our office right away! We want to help you feel better as quickly as possible. We can also answer your questions about whether or not you need an emergency dentistry appointment.