Emergency Dentist — Westlake Hills, TX
When An Emergency Strikes, Don’t Wait!
Dental emergencies don’t exactly happen often. When they do, having a dedicated dentist you can visit to get it taken care of can make all the difference. Whether you have tooth pain that simply won’t go away or you aren’t even sure if what you’re dealing with is an emergency, don’t be afraid to call us to get guidance and schedule a visit at Westlake Hills Dental Arts. After all, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to emergency dentistry in Westlake Hills, TX! When an emergency strikes, don’t wait to call us!
Why Choose Westlake Hills Dental Arts for Emergency Dental Care?
- #1 Friendly, Caring Dentist and Team
- #2 Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- #3 Comfortable & Relaxing Dental Office
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
- Step 1: Call us right away. As soon as you are able to do so, give our office a call. We’ll do everything we can to schedule you for a same-day appointment, and one of our team members will walk you through basic first-aid for managing your situation.
- Step 2: See us for your exam. When you arrive, your Westlake Hills emergency dentist Dr. Rebecca Long will evaluate you right away to determine the source and extent of your emergency. She’ll review her findings with you and fully explain all your treatment options. Together, you’ll create a custom treatment plan that works for you.
- Step 3: Get the care you need. Once a treatment plan has been made, our experience team will get to work! Whether you need a filling, deep teeth cleaning, dental crown, root canal, or something else entirely, your safety and comfort will always be our top priorities as we get your oral health back on track.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
The moment you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, whether it’s an aching tooth, sensitivity that doesn’t go away, or another concern, call our dental office as soon as you can. Not only can we get you scheduled for an appointment, but our team can provide advice on how to improve and manage your situation before you do arrive. Below, you’ll find important information about the most common dental emergencies we treat.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If you require immediate dental care, the last thing you should be worried about is how you're going to pay the bill. Many factors affect the cost of emergency dentistry in Austin, but we offer the financial solutions you need to save your tooth without it costing you an arm or a leg. We'll get you into the office quickly and address any pain before creating your personalized treatment plan.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
There isn't a flat fee for emergency dental services because every situation differs. Your emergency dentist in Austin will examine your mouth and learn more about your situation to create a treatment plan. Although every case is unique, common emergency treatments include:
- Root Canal Therapy
- TMJ Treatment
- Tooth Extraction
- Gum Disease Therapy
- Restoration Replacement
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Every dental insurance plan differs; however, most policies offer coverage for emergency consultations for a copay. You can use your annual allowance for medically necessary treatments after meeting your yearly deductibles, like crowns, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions. Your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expenses. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to lower your out-of-pocket responsibility.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, we offer other options to keep emergency dentistry affordable, including:
- Traditional Payments: We accept all traditional payment methods, like cash, personal checks, and most credit cards.
- Financing: Based on your credit approval, you can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
A member of our dental team will review your estimate and explain the fees, so you know exactly what you'll have to pay. They will help you find the solutions you need to rehabilitate your dental health without spending your life's savings.
Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Although accidents happen, many dental emergencies are preventable. You can safeguard your smile against dental emergencies by committing to good oral hygiene. Besides brushing and flossing, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They'll monitor your oral health to detect anything concerning while it is small to provide quick treatment.
In addition, break any bad habits that may damage your teeth, like crunching ice or chewing on your fingernails. Ask your dentist for a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. Don't forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Since dental emergencies can be difficult to predict, they can’t be completely avoided. With that said, you can dramatically reduce your chances of sustaining a serious dental injury if you take the right precautions. For example, it’s important that you:
Maintain Regular Exams and Cleanings
Brush Twice a Day
To remove plaque, food particles, and other debris from your teeth, it’s important that you brush for a full two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste each morning and evening. Of course, that’s just the first step. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevent painful dental damage, and keep your breath minty-fresh, you should also floss and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash daily.
Don’t Over-Indulge on Added Sugar
Remember, what you eat impacts your oral health. For that reason, we strongly recommend limiting your intake of added sugar. Additionally, you should avoid biting on hard, sticky, and crunchy foods and break the habit of chewing on ice. Instead, focus on incorporating foods into your diet that benefit your teeth and gums, like plain yogurt. Basically, you want to eat well-balanced meals that are low in added sugar to help keep your oral and overall health in great shape.
Wear a Protective Mouthguard When Necessary
Do you play a contact sport, like football? Do you participate in a solo sport, like running, rollerblading, or skateboarding? Either way, you should wear a mouthguard – it’s the best way to avoid a chipped, cracked, or completely knocked-out tooth! If you don’t have one, let us know. We can have a custom one made from impressions of your teeth to ensure it fits perfectly.
Kick Bad Habits That Damage Teeth
Finally, it’s important that you kick any bad habits you’ve developed that can damage your teeth. Smoking, biting your fingernails, and using your teeth to open bottles, packages, or other items better suited for a tool are all examples. It might be difficult, but it’s worth your time and effort!
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Dental emergencies are unexpected, so it can be difficult to know exactly what you should do. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Dr. Long and the rest of our team at Westlake Hills Dental Arts are here to help you get some relief. In the meantime, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about dental emergencies that may help to sooth some of your worries. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
Will my toothache go away on its own?
A toothache typically doesn’t go away on its own. It is best to schedule an appointment with a dentist to rule out underlying problems before they become serious. Not all toothaches are emergencies necessarily, but leaving any tooth pain unchecked can potentially lead to serious complications or permanent damage, like needing to have the tooth removed. It’s best to come see us if you have an intense toothache or if your toothache has lasted for more than a day.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?
A throbbing toothache is likely a sign of an infection or inflammation within the tooth. This occurs when cavities or cracks inside the tooth allow air and bacteria to reach the sensitive inner area, therefore causing irritation and pain. An infection in the tooth can become very serious, even life threatening. Give us a call immediately if you have throbbing tooth pain and we’ll do everything we can to save your tooth and protect your smile.
Should knocked-out teeth be placed in water?
Water can be used to rinse a knocked-out tooth, but it shouldn’t be placed in water. This is because water can damage the root surface cells of the teeth, making it more difficult for a dentist to save. Instead, try to place it back into its socket yourself. If you are unable to do so, keep the knocked-out tooth in between your cheeks and gums. You could also place it in a container of milk, saline solution, or saliva until you make it to your emergency dentist in Westlake Hills.
What is causing my jaw pain?
Jaw pain is typically caused by chronic teeth grinding and clenching. This puts stress on the jaw joints. It can also be caused by facial injuries that never healed properly or arthritis. A misaligned jaw can lead to TMJ disorder (TMD) which affects the joints connecting the jaw to the skull. By coming to see us, we can confirm the source of your jaw pain and work to develop a treatment plan to provide long-term relief.