Emergency Dentist in Austin: When to Go and What It Costs

Dental emergencies always seem to happen in the most inconvenient moments: a cracked tooth at dinner or waking up in the middle of the night with a terrible toothache. If you have a dental emergency that needs immediate attention, then rest assured knowing that our emergency dentist in Austin is here to help. myDental is always just a phone call away, offering on-demand services in your time of need.

The truth is that accessing quality dental care and knowing what to do in a dental emergency might be the difference between saving your tooth and losing it. Here’s what you need to know about emergency dental services and what will happen when you call our Austin dental office.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

If you are wondering whether you have a dental emergency, then the best thing that you can do is pick up the phone to discuss your symptoms with our dental team. Some of the most common types of dental emergencies that we treat include:

• Severe or ongoing toothache, and the pain isn’t responding to over-the-counter pain medications.
• A knocked-out tooth. This type of emergency dental treatment must be addressed quickly because there is only a short window of time when it’s possible to save the tooth. You need treatment within an hour for the best chance of re-implantation.
• A cracked or broken tooth, especially when there are sharp edges causing pain or cutting the inside of your mouth.
• An infection or dental abscess. These infections can spread quickly, causing your jaw, neck, or face to start swelling. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.
• A lost crown or filling that is leaving part of your tooth exposed. This dental emergency can also cause pain.
• Soft tissue injuries inside the mouth also qualify as dental emergencies, especially when you have bleeding that will not stop.

What Is Not Typically a Dental Emergency

Other dental issues need to be addressed in a timely manner, but they don’t necessarily qualify as a dental emergency. If you have any of these issues, then we will schedule an appointment (but you might not necessarily need same-day dental care):

• A minor chip in your tooth doesn’t have any sharp edges and isn’t painful.
• A lost filling can sometimes wait for a day or two, but only if it’s not painful.
• Mild tooth sensitivity, without other symptoms. Usually, the sensitivity is to hot or cold temperatures.

When you call our dental office, we will evaluate your symptoms over the phone and help you understand the ideal timeline for your treatment. We’ll fit you into the schedule as soon as possible and also offer same-day dental treatments for the most urgent issues.

What to Do Before You Arrive

There are a few things that you can do to manage the emergency situation before you arrive. Our office staff can provide these recommendations over the phone, helping to reduce your risk of complications and increase the likelihood of success with your dental treatments:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root area. Rinse it gently, without scrubbing. Then place the tooth in milk or between your cheek and gum, and get to a dentist immediately. You need treatment within an hour to increase the possibility of saving the tooth.
• Dental Abscess: Never try to drain the infection or apply heat to the area. You can use a cold compress on the outside of your face, which can help to manage the swelling.
• Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth out using warm water. If there are any sharp edges, you can place dental wax over the affected area to avoid cutting your tongue or cheek.

While we can accommodate walk-ins, we always recommend that you call ahead so that our office can prepare for your arrival. Calling ahead can minimize your wait time.

What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit

One of the benefits of choosing myDental for your emergency dental visit is that our office is equipped with modern technology to address all types of dental issues. We’ll see you as quickly as possible, diagnose the problem, and then put together your customized treatment plan to protect your smile.

We always prioritize pain relief and then offer recommendations to restore the tooth and prevent complications. The treatment for toothache relief might be as simple as a filling. Or, if you have a tooth that is severely damaged, then an emergency tooth extraction, crown, or root canal might be necessary.

Some of these treatments can be completed during the same visit. Depending on your needs, it might be necessary to have you come back to our dental office for a follow-up procedure.

Don’t Wait If Something Feels Wrong

If something in your mouth feels painful or strange, then it’s time to call our office to learn more about available services for restorative dentistry. At myDental, we offer full-service care for patients of all ages. If you are dealing with a dental emergency right now, contact us as soon as possible.

FAQ

Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

While pain and infection can be treated with medications in an ER, you will need dental procedures to address the cause of your dental emergency. If you don’t have life-threatening or severe symptoms, then the best option is often to skip the hospital and go straight to an emergency dentist in Austin.

How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency at myDental?

At myDental, we prioritize same-day appointments and will fit you in as soon as possible. Call our office immediately so that we can prepare for your arrival.

Is a dental abscess an emergency?Yes, if you have a dental abscess, then there is a risk of the infection spreading to other areas of your neck, face, and jaw. The infection can also spread throughout the body. You should call an emergency dentist in Austin right away if you have any signs of a dental infection.