Dental Emergencies Happen. We're Ready to Help.
Dental emergencies can occur at any time and are caused by a variety of different issues. They tend to be painful and may potentially be dangerous if not treated right away. Luckily our office in North Austin, TX provides emergency dentistry treatment!
Some common dental emergencies people encounter are:
- Toothaches – A toothache is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection. The pain can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Broken or chipped teeth: A broken or chipped tooth can occur due to a fall, a blow to the face, or biting down on something hard. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment may involve dental bonding, a crown, or a root canal but it’s best to contact a dentist so the problem does not become worse.
- Knocked-out tooth: Knocked out teeth require immediate attention in order to preserve your smile. It is a common issue and can be remedied in our office if care and attention is given in a timely manner.
- Abscessed tooth: An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth. The pain is very noticeable so it is vital that a dentist treats this as soon as possible to avoid losing healthy teeth as well. Treatment may involve draining the abscess and a course of antibiotics, but this is judged on a case by case basis.
- Lost filling or crown: Losing a filling or crown may feel as if a part of your tooth your used to feeling is missing. This dental emergency may expose the inside of your tooth, which leads to extreme sensitivity and pain. Luckily, re-seating a crown or sealing your tooth again is not a difficult procedure and your dentist can have you on your way in no time.
FAQs
Emergency Dentistry Questions
Tooth pain usually doesn’t wait – and you shouldn’t have to either. Below are quick answers to the emergency questions we hear most. If you’re in pain, dealing with swelling, or something broke, call or text and we’ll help you figure out next steps and get you in as soon as possible.
What counts as a dental emergency?
If treatment is recommended, we’ll explain what we found, talk through your options, and outline the plan in order of priority. You’ll know what’s urgent, what can wait, and what the expected costs look like before anything is scheduled. If you have questions after you leave, just call or text – our team is happy to help.
Can you get me in the same day for an emergency?
Often, yes. If you call or text early, we’ll do our best to see you the same day. Even if our schedule online says we have no availability, call or text us and we will do everything in our power to get you in for care. The goal is to get you comfortable first, then figure out the cause and the best fix.
What should I do right now if I have tooth pain or swelling?
Call or text as soon as you can – especially if swelling is involved. Until you’re seen, avoid chewing on that side, rinse gently with warm salt water, and use a cold compress on the outside of the face for swelling. If there’s fever, trouble swallowing, or swelling that’s spreading, that’s more urgent and should be addressed immediately.
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Time matters. If possible, pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it if it’s dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk (or tucked in the cheek if safe) and call or text right away so we can guide you and try to see you quickly.
What if a tooth breaks or a filling or crown falls out?
Call or text and we’ll help you get scheduled quickly. Even if our schedule says it’s full, call or text us and we can typically make the time to see you whenever possible.
In the meantime, avoid hard foods on that side and keep the area clean. If a sharp edge is cutting your cheek or tongue, dental wax from a pharmacy can help temporarily until you’re seen.
Will you take my insurance for emergency visits - and what if I don’t have insurance?
We work with many PPO dental insurance plans and can help verify benefits. No insurance is fine too – the office can go over expected costs before treatment, and an in-house membership option may help with ongoing care after the emergency is under control.
Where are you located, and do you serve patients outside Brushy Creek?
Brushy Creek Dentistry is located at 15534 Ranch Rd 620 N #300, Austin, TX 78717, and patients come in from Northwest Austin and nearby areas like Brushy Creek, Anderson Mill, and Round Rock for urgent dental care. Dr. Brandon Johnson and Dr. Cornelia Duffin lead the clinical care, and the team’s priority is getting you seen quickly and treated with patience.
Still have questions?
Call or text us, seriously! We would be happy to answer any questions without ever any judgment.