When you least expect it, a dental emergency can pop up and ruin your day. But, thanks to our team at Sunny Smile
Dental, it doesn’t have to ruin your smile. You can rely on
Dr. Sung-Hee Lee
and our compassionate team to relieve your pain and resolve the problem as soon as possible. If you or a loved one
experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to
call our North Dallas dental office
right away! In fact, we recommend saving our number in your phone just in case you need emergency dentistry in North
Dallas, TX.
Why Choose Sunny Smile Dental for Emergency Dental Care?
Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
Nitrous Oxide Sedation In-House
We Accept Dental Insurance
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Scheduling a same-day appointment with our team:
After you get in touch with our office, we can get you scheduled for an appointment, take note of your
symptoms, and provide first-aid tips over the phone if needed. We’re prepared to schedule a same day
visit, so don’t wait if you call if you fear you’re having a dental emergency.
Completing a detailed emergency exam:
After you reach our office, we can perform an emergency examination and capture digital X-rays if necessary.
This will help us confirm where your symptoms are coming from and the severity of your dental emergency.
Reviewing your findings and making a plan:
After going over our findings with you, we can recommend a more detailed treatment plan that resolves your
emergency at the source and prevents it from getting worse. We’ll always explain your cost estimates
ahead of time so you can make an informed decision on your care.
Get the dental care you need ASAP
: Our team will work as quickly as possible to complete your care, whether it’s a dental filling,
crown, root canal therapy, extraction, or another service if necessary.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
In most cases, your first move should be calling Sunny Smile Dental. Not only can we get you on our schedule
quickly, but we can provide specific advice for dealing with your particular situation. After all, what you do
before you come in can have an effect on your treatment. But don’t worry! Our team will be here to help you
through the whole process. Below are just some general tips for some of the most common types of emergencies.
Although each dental emergency is unique, one thing remains the same in all cases—it’s never a good
idea to postpone getting essential treatment. Not only can you experience pain longer than necessary, but the
problem can only get worse with time, likely costing you even more to fix it later on. If you are concerned
about the cost of treatment, talk to our knowledgeable team. We can work with you to make the cost fit within
your budget. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Numerous different factors contribute to the cost of dental emergency treatment, but your initial visit
should be relatively inexpensive. During your appointment, our team will take a look at your smile and
determine what type of treatment is necessary to restore it to health. Until you have the issue looked at,
it is pretty much impossible to accurately determine the exact cost of your treatment. Some common solutions
to dental emergencies include the following:
Root canal therapy
Extractions
Dental crowns
TMJ treatment
And more!
You can relax knowing that our dental team is prepared to thoroughly explain our findings, recommended
treatment plan, and expected cost. No one wants to end up with a bill higher than initially expected.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
In most cases, dental insurance plans will offer some amount of coverage for emergency situations. In some
plans, one yearly emergency exam is fully covered. Common services associated with tooth pain, like root
canal therapy and extractions, can receive partial coverage (anywhere from 50-80%). Keep in mind that all
plans are different and yearly maximums usually come into effect. It is a good idea to confirm what is
covered with your insurance company before committing to treatment. At Sunny Smile Dental, we are in-network
with many major dental insurance providers, and we are more than happy to accept your insurance and file
claims on your behalf. If you have any questions, talk to one of our friendly team members.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck.
We work with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into
manageable monthly instalments with little-to-zero interest attached. We also offer a $30 new patient exam
and X-ray special. Seeking dental treatment shouldn’t mean stressing over finances!
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Not all dental emergencies are preventable, as unexpected, unavoidable incidents can occur. However, when
you implement some extra steps into your life, you can reduce your chances of developing oral health issues
that eventually need emergency treatment. By avoiding dental emergencies, you can save hundreds, or even
thousands of dollars over time.
You should always keep an eye out for changes in your mouth. New oral pain or visible changes can indicate
that you have an issue that needs to be addressed. By caring for dental problems as soon as possible, you
can keep them from progressing and becoming more serious. The longer that you put off dental treatment, the
more it is likely to cost as well. For instance, if you come to the practice for root canal therapy now, you
may be able to avoid the cost and hassle of needing an extraction and tooth replacement in the future.
Ultimately, you can save time, discomfort, and money!
Dental emergencies can happen out of the blue so we’re always happy to help. This is why we are
prepared to see you as soon as possible! Contact us so we can work to restore your smile to health.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can typically feel overwhelming, especially when they catch you by surprise. While some of
them are unpredictable, many can be avoided. In fact, the majority of people who seek emergency dental care
often struggle with tooth decay that could have been prevented ahead of time. For this reason, it’s important to
know the crucial steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk to your pearly whites in your everyday
life. Read along to learn five essential ways to prevent dental emergencies in Dallas!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Many dental situations such as cracks, cavities, and infections can be emergencies in the making without you
even noticing them. To avoid this possibility, it’s best that you regularly schedule checkups and cleanings
with us every six months or sooner. Dr. Lee will be able to monitor your oral health and address any
developing issues she may detect from becoming bigger problems in the future. Our team will also polish your
pearly whites and prescribe you personalized preventive care to help you prevent dental emergencies from
starting.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
One of the most effective ways to protect your smile is to practice good oral hygiene. Without frequent
cleaning, your teeth and gums can be at risk of plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. When these are left
unchecked, they can cause your enamel to weaken, infect your gum tissue, and make you more vulnerable to
more serious health issues, such as lung and heart disease. To prevent this, be sure to brush for two
minutes twice each day, floss at least once, and rinse with mouthwash regularly.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Most people are aware that eating candies or sugary foods too often can cause cavities or give you a
toothache. However, other meals can be just as detrimental to your dental health. Overconsumption of hard
foods, sticky treats, and acidic drinks can drastically heighten your risk of various dental emergencies,
such as cracked teeth or even dental abscesses. Instead, try to eat meals that are high in calcium, fiber,
and vitamin C to maintain a stronger and healthier smile naturally and deliciously!
Wear a Mouthguard
While your tooth enamel is the hardest material in your body, it can still be vulnerable to injury. Whether
it’s due to sudden physical trauma or prolonged exposure to pressure, your pearly whites can sustain
significant damage that may require emergency care. If you like playing sports or any physical activity that
can risk your teeth being harmed, feel free to speak with us about custom-crafted sports mouthguards. Also,
if you tend to grind your pearly whites while asleep or awake, you may want to ask about personalized
nightguards for bruxism. Our team will be more than happy to recommend the best products to help you
maintain your smile.
Use Tools, Not Your Teeth, to Open Packages
If you tend to use your teeth to conveniently open packages, hold items, or remove a bottle cap, then you
may be at serious risk of a dental emergency. These practices can easily become costly, as you might end up
needing us to address a chipped or cracked tooth. Try to keep the proper tools nearby so you can keep your
dental health intact. Make sure never to use your pearly whites for anything other than chewing food,
talking, and showing off a brilliant smile!
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Dental emergencies are unsettling and can happen when you least expect them to. But don’t worry – if
you’re ever in pain and find yourself in one of these unfortunate situations, Dr. Lee can give you the
prompt relief you deserve. At Sunny Smile Dental, we will do everything possible to put your mind at ease.
That’s why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions we receive from patients about
dental emergencies. If you don’t see your specific question below, feel free to give us a call!
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
In most cases, a toothache will not go away on its own. Since it’s usually the result of severe decay,
you’ll need professional dental treatment to alleviate it. As soon as you notice tooth pain, you
should schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee right away to ensure nothing is wrong. She’ll conduct an
oral examination to rule out any underlying problems that could be contributing to your discomfort. By
seeking treatment right away, you can address any issues before they turn into more serious complications.
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
If you have a nagging toothache at night, it’s likely preventing you from getting some much-needed
sleep. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can dull the pain just enough to get some rest. Make sure you
keep your head elevated to prevent blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your pain. You can also
take over-the-counter pain medication as needed for improved comfort or use a cold compress.
Can the Emergency Room Remove a Tooth?
It may surprise you to learn that only licensed dentists can perform tooth extractions. It’s illegal
for anyone to perform the procedure without proper training and education, even in a hospital setting. If
you go to an emergency room for a dental emergency, they’ll only be able to provide antibiotics and
pain medication. Although that can alleviate your discomfort, it won’t address the underlying problem
causing your toothache. That’s why it’s always best to see an emergency dentist for these types
of situations.
What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?
A throbbing toothache often indicates an infection or inflammation within the tooth. When cavities inside
the tooth allow air and bacteria to reach the inner portion, it can result in irritation and potential
infection of pulp nerves. However, there are also some cases where throbbing teeth could be because of
chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
Toothaches
Is my toothache a dental emergency? From minor to severe issues, there are many reasons why you may have a toothache. While some people can wait to get it checked out during their routine appointment, you should schedule an emergency appointment if you have any of the following symptoms:
Extreme discomfort that lasts more than 24 hours
Sharp pain when biting down
Dental sensitivity that lasts over 30 seconds
A small bump has developed near the painful tooth
The painful tooth looks darker than the surrounding tooth
Signs of a serious infection (i.e., swelling, fever, fatigue)
How you should handle a toothache: You can floss and rinse around the tooth to remove any debris that might be stuck and causing pain. If the problem continues, take over-the-counter pain medication and apply a cold compress to the face. Avoid popping any pimple-like bumps and do not put aspirin directly on the teeth or gums!
How we treat toothaches: Our team will need to conduct a thorough examination to determine which solution is best for your smile. In many cases, the best way to stop a severe toothache is with root canal therapy, which is actually much more comfortable than you might think! Some other solutions include fillings, dental crowns, antibiotics, prescription mouthwash, gum disease treatment, or extraction.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? It depends! Some cases aren’t considered urgent emergencies, but you should still visit your dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a chipped tooth untreated can cause the problem to get worse, potentially leading to serious damage or decay.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Retrieve the broken-off pieces of tooth and rinse them under a cool stream of water. Place them in a bag and bring them to your appointment. If you have a jagged edge of the tooth, use some sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax to cover the area and prevent tissue irritation.
How we treat chipped teeth: A chipped tooth can usually be fixed with composite resin. However, you can ask about getting a veneer if you’ve chipped a highly visible tooth and are concerned about aesthetics.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Yes! If you have a small crack in your enamel, you should address it right away to prevent infection and further damage. Keep in mind that cracks aren’t always easy to see, which is why you should make an appointment right away with our team.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Carefully rinse your mouth to wash away any lingering bacteria. If you want to relieve your discomfort, you can apply a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. Make sure you avoid chewing on the injured side of your mouth and cover the damaged tooth with sugar-free gum if there’s sensitivity.
How we treat cracked teeth: Most cases of cracked teeth are addressed with custom-made dental crowns. However, we might be able to use composite resin for minor damage. On the other hand, a tooth that is damaged beyond repair may need an extraction, meaning you’ll have to explore your replacement options.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Your very sensitive teeth should be seen by an emergency dentist sooner rather than later, as a serious infection could exist.
How you should handle sensitive teeth: It’s best to not chew on that side of your mouth, as anything hot or cold could cause further irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm liquids and foods, if you must, and be mindful when brushing near the affected teeth.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: Treating sensitive teeth means that we must first find the reason for the problem. This can stem from aggressive brushing, excessive whitening, gum recession, a serious infection, or even a cracked tooth. Various types of treatment can be administered, but we will need to first capture digital images of your mouth to identify the real problem and formulate a treatment plan that works for you.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, when faced with a knocked-out tooth, you need to seek immediate attention from your emergency dentist.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Knowing what to do when dealing with a lost tooth in Dallas means staying calm. You’ll first want to retrieve the tooth and attempt to reinsert it into the vacant socket. If you are unable to hold it in place by gently biting down, you can place it in a container of milk and bring it with you to your appointment.
You’ll need to arrive within the hour to determine if the tooth is still viable.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: We may be able to reintegrate it into the socket if the tooth is still savable. We’ll place a splint to hold it in place until it rejoins with the bone tissues. However, if the tooth cannot be used, we’ll begin to discuss alternative tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? While you may want to get in to see your emergency dentist right away should you lose a dental crown in Dallas or a filling, you can wait a day or two before seeking treatment.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: Anytime you lose a restoration, it’s important that you have it checked and replaced. Leaving a vulnerable tooth exposed to possible bacteria and debris can worsen your symptoms. However, in this situation, if you lose a dental crown, you can try to reattach it with dental cement. You should also avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to minimize additional damage.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: When looking at your filling or crown, we’ll determine if we can re-bond it. If this is not possible, we’ll need to have a new tooth-colored filling or metal-free dental crown created and put into place.
Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? The short answer is “yes.” So, even if your dentures are only slightly cracked or chipped, it’s important that you call us right away.
How You Should Handle a Broken Denture First, do not wear your broken dentures. Remember, even a small chip can create a sharp edge that cuts the soft tissue in your mouth. Instead, gather the broken pieces in a clean container for safekeeping. If you have a backup pair of dentures, you can wear those in the meantime.
How We Treat Broken Dentures If the damage is somewhat minor, then the solution may simply be repairing your dentures. However, many patients use this as an opportunity to replace their dentures with more modern or implant-retained ones!
Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? In addition to making it difficult to eat, a loose permanent tooth can be painful and is at risk of falling out completely. For all of these reasons, it warrants an immediate call to our Dallas dental office.
How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth First, call our dental team to schedule a same-day appointment. Until then, be diligent about protecting your smile from further harm by rinsing your mouth with clean water periodically and avoiding crunchy, hard, and sticky foods.
How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth If the tooth is only slightly loose, it’s possible that we can save it. Sadly, that’s not always feasible. In that case, we can gently remove the tooth and put a dental bridge or implant in its place.
Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? Although you should act quickly, soft tissue injuries can usually be handled at home. However, if you think you need stitches or the cut has been bleeding for more than 10 minutes, then you should go to the ER.
How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue Usually, you can handle this dental injury at home with two steps: rinsing the cut with clean water and applying pressure to it with a damp washcloth.
How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue Our team is always here to answer any questions you have pertaining to your oral health, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need a reminder of how to handle this dental injury.
Jaw Pain
Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? Not usually. With that said, you should contact our Dallas dental team if your jaw pain has persisted for more than 24 hours. Then, we can schedule a time for you to come in for an exam.
How You Should Handle Jaw Pain Placing a cold compress against your jaw can help on two fronts: it can alleviate swelling and provide a temporary numbing sensation. Of course, if the pain is more severe, you can also take an OTC pain reliever as directed until your appointment.
How We Treat Jaw Pain That depends – what’s the root of the problem? If your jaw pain is the result of chronic teeth grinding, then we may recommend having a custom mouthguard made. If your jaw pain is due to impacted wisdom teeth, then we will create a plan to have them removed.
Something Stuck Between the Teeth
At first, having something stuck between your teeth may not seem like anything more than an annoyance. However, you should call our office if the debris remains firmly lodged in place after rinsing with warm saltwater and flossing. After all, leaving it alone to slowly dissolve can result in several oral health problems, including tooth decay, and we want to intervene before that happens.
