Emergency Dentist Mesquite

Immediate Care When You Need It Most

Man in dark blue shirt with toothache

No one expects a broken tooth or severe toothache to pop up and ruin their day, but dental emergencies actually happen all the time. Should you or a loved one need an emergency dentist in Mesquite, take a moment to breathe, calm yourself, and give TrueCare Dentistry a call right away. Our staff will be ready to help over the phone, and we can even schedule you for a same-day appointment if needed. We’ll help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible!

 

Why Choose TrueCare Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Latest Technology Helps Us Find & Treat Issues in Less Time
  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available for Patients in Pain
  • We Can Provide Immediate Care When You Need It Most

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Whether it is a toothache, a lost crown or filling, a busted lip, or serious jaw pain, the team at TrueCare Dentistry wants you to be prepared to handle a dental emergency on your own until you can reach our office. Although we will do our best to get you in as quickly as possible, you may need to apply appropriate techniques in the comfort of your own home to prevent further damage to your already weakened smile. From dental adhesives to saltwater rinses, below you will find the necessary steps you’ll need to take should a dental emergency arise.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Woman with tooth pain visiting emergency dentist in Mesquite
  • Step 1: Give us a call as soon as you can so we can schedule to see you for a same-day emergency appointment.
  • Step 2: Follow our instructions over the phone as one of our experienced team members walks you through how to manage your situation until you can reach us.
  • Step 3: See Dr. Rana for an emergency exam, where he’ll focus on evaluating your situation and alleviating any pain you may be in right away.
  • Step 4: Review your treatment recommendations, including their estimated length and cost, and work with Dr. Rana to put together a custom treatment plan that works for you.
  • Step 5: Get the fast, professional care you need right away whether you need a filling, dental crown, tooth replacement, or something else entirely. You’ll be enjoying a happy, healthy, and pain-free smile again in no time!

Unparalleled Dental Experience & Qualifications

Blonde woman with tooth pain speaking to dentist

Throughout Dr. Rana’s 15+-year career, he has pretty much seen and done it all in the realm of emergency dentistry, so he’s exactly the type of person you want to see during a stressful situation. He’ll help calm your mind, find the problem, and get to work fixing it right away. To do so, he’ll use some of the most advanced technology available today, helping him quickly find the root cause of any issue.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

Woman with glass of water rubbing tooth in pain

The cost of your dental emergency in Mesquite will vary based on the types of treatments you need. Because of that, it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact price until you schedule a consultation with our team. It is during your visit that we can evaluate your situation and establish which procedures are necessary to fix the current problem. You may only need antibiotics to take care of an infection, or a severely damaged tooth may require root canal therapy. No matter the result, it’s best to get in and let us assess your situation before it worsens!

Every Dental Emergency Is Different

Woman with tooth pain looking up at dentist

The only way to know for sure how much your dental emergency will cost is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rana. During this visit, he’ll examine your oral cavity and determine various factors that must be considered when formulating a cost estimate, such as:

  • Where your dentist’s office is located. Those in larger cities will often have higher fees, resulting in you, the patient, paying more for treatment.
  • Whether you have insurance. Dental insurance is a great way to save money and take better care of your smile. If we are in-network with your insurance plan, you can save even more money than if you were to see an out-of-network dentist.
  • The type of restorative care you will need. No two dental emergencies are the same, meaning the type of care you need will determine how much you can expect to pay out of pocket.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Woman looking into mirror and pulling down lip

Most dental insurance plans do offer some form of coverage for emergency dental care. For example, many of them will fully cover one urgent exam per year. In most cases, treatments associated with hurting teeth (i.e., root canal therapy, dental crowns, extractions) are eligible to receive about 50-80% of coverage. Of course, every policy is unique, which is why you should contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your coverage. Our team is more than happy to help with that step if needed.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Woman in white shirt brushing her teeth

Don’t have dental insurance? Are you preparing for a more complex dental procedure that is not fully covered by your plan? If so, you can apply for financing through CareCredit. This third-party financier offers low-to-no-interest payment plans to eligible individuals. We also currently have a $19 limited emergency exam that includes your consultation and needed X-rays. If you have any questions about our special offers and how to use them, feel free to give us a call!

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Woman leaning back in chair for dental examination

One of the most surefire ways to prevent a dental emergency in Mesquite is by taking proper care of your smile. Practicing good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly, and following a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease. As a result, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year on urgent dental care. It’s also important to remember that the sooner you get in to treat the problem, the less money you’ll spend in the future. Delaying treatment will increase your chances of needing more expensive and invasive procedures down the line.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Woman in striped shirt rubbing teeth in pain

By their very nature, dental emergencies are nearly impossible to avoid with 100% certainty. However, there are a few easy things you can do to drastically cut down on your risk of dealing with a sudden painful problem that requires a visit to an emergency dental office in Mesquite. Keep reading below to learn about five simple precautions that can go a long way toward safeguarding your smile against dental emergencies!

Attend Dental Checkups Regularly

Man in white shirt brushing his teeth

We recommend that most patients, regardless of age, visit Dr. Rana at least twice a year for routine dental checkups and cleanings. These appointments may not seem like a huge priority if your mouth feels fine, but they’re vital in keeping your mouth problem-free. With regular exams, Dr. Rana can catch potential emergencies in their early stages – often long before you would have even noticed anything unusual – and stop them before they cause serious harm.

Maintain a Good At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine

Older couple standing outside and smiling

Aside from professional dental cleanings at our office, you’ll need to take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home if you want to prevent dental emergencies in Mesquite. Daily oral hygiene is absolutely essential in preventing the buildup of plaque that contributes to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health problems. Make sure that every day, you brush your teeth twice for two minutes each time, and that you floss between your teeth as well.

Follow a Nutritious Diet

The foods and drinks you consume impact your dental and overall health. If your diet contains too many items that are particularly sugary, starchy, or acidic, you’ll have a higher likelihood of cavities, gum infections, and worn-down or sensitive teeth. Such foods and beverages are typically fine now and then, but make sure that your diet primarily consists of nutritious items that benefit your oral health. For example, many fruits contain vitamin C, which encourages healthy gums.

Wear a Mouthguard

Man putting in a mouthguard

Do you play sports regularly or clench and grind your teeth at night? If so, you’ll want to ask Dr. Rana about a mouthguard. These oral appliances fit over your teeth to minimize the risk of severe sports-related injury or chronic wear from nighttime teeth grinding. Better yet, the mouthguards we provide are customized to your unique teeth, making them more effective and comfortable than the cheaply made guards you’ll find in stores.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

If you’re having difficulty opening a package or bottle, it can be tempting to simply use your teeth to get the job over and done with. However, using your teeth for anything other than chewing food can all too quickly lead to a painful dental emergency. Your pearly whites will be in much better shape if you take the time to grab the right tool for the job instead.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Should I Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

Only if you are experiencing any of the following situations should you go to the ER instead of your dentist’s office:

  • Broken/fractured jawbone
  • Continuous bleeding from the mouth
  • Increased swelling that could cause a blockage of the airway

Dr. Rana is trained and skilled at treating all types of dental emergencies and will provide the care you need as quickly as possible. From serious toothaches and chipped teeth to soft tissue injuries and a knocked-out tooth, he can offer start-to-finish treatment in-house, so you don’t have to wait long hours in a lobby or only have your symptoms treated. With Dr. Rana, your oral health and smile aesthetic are in good hands.

What Should I Do If I Experience a Dental Emergency While I’m Out of Town?

The one thing you do not want to do is wait until you return to see a dentist. Instead, contact a local dental professional who can quickly see you and determine the cause of your problem. This will ensure you receive the care you need so that you can continue to enjoy your time away. Just make sure that you call our office and alert us to the situation. If necessary, we will schedule a time when you can come in once you return and let Dr. Rana take a look.

Do I Still Need to See the Dentist If My Toothache Goes Away?

Yes! Just because pain is no longer a concern does not mean there isn’t the possibility of an underlying issue that cannot be seen. Oftentimes, severe problems exist beneath the gumline, making it extremely difficult to identify areas of concern, especially if there are no symptoms.

When faced with any type of tooth pain, contact our office. We will listen to the situation you’re experiencing and determine if it’s necessary for you to receive immediate dental care. Whether it is the same day or the following week, it’s best to let Dr. Rana examine your smile and make sure there are no additional problems.

 

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency?

There are many reasons why you could be experiencing a toothache. It could be the result of something minor, or it could be a more problematic issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you have a toothache that’s sharp, throbbing, or accompanied by a small, pimple-like bump on the gums, you should schedule an appointment with us right away.

How you should handle a toothache:

If you have a toothache, begin by rinsing your mouth with water and flossing around the tooth. You may want to swish some saltwater around in your mouth to disinfect the area and reduce inflammation. To numb any soreness, try using an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed and apply a cold compress. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

How we treat toothaches:

Before you can treat your tooth, we will need to take a look at your smile to determine the cause of your toothache. In many cases, a toothache can be treated with a filling or dental crown. In more severe cases, gum disease therapy, root canal therapy, or an extraction may be necessary. We can determine the best way to treat your smile when you visit our practice.

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

A chipped tooth isn’t usually considered an urgent dental emergency, but you should still schedule an appointment with us within a few days. Even if your chip is small and not noticeable, leaving it without treatment can cause additional damage.

How you should handle a chipped tooth:

Start by rinsing your mouth out with water. Collect larger pieces of your tooth if you can. When you come to the dental office, bring them with you. In the meantime, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the chip is located. If your tooth is sharp or jagged, apply some dental wax so you don’t accidentally cut your lip or cheek.

How we treat chipped teeth:

In most cases, chipped teeth can be repaired with dental bonding in a single appointment. However, if your chip is on a more visible tooth, like a front tooth, you may want to consider a longer-lasting cosmetic option, like a veneer.

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

Cracked teeth can be very painful, and they leave your smile vulnerable to bacteria. In some cases, it can be difficult to see cracks in your teeth. If you notice that you have increased sensitivity or discomfort after biting down on something hard or taking a blow to the face, you may have one or more cracked teeth. You should seek treatment as soon as you can.

How you should handle a cracked tooth:

You should start by rinsing your mouth with water. This helps to keep the area clean until you can receive treatment. Next, give us a call to schedule an emergency appointment. If you notice swelling or are experiencing pain, this can be lessened with a cold compress and/or an over-the-counter pain reliever.

How we treat cracked teeth:

The treatment used for cracked teeth depends on how badly the tooth is damaged. Minor cracks can sometimes be resolved with dental bonding, but more serious ones may require a tooth extraction. A lot of the time, a cracked tooth can be treated by concealing it with a dental crown.

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

 Sensitive teeth tend to cause pain whenever they come into contact with hot or cold temperatures as well as other types of stimuli. By itself, sensitivity isn’t a problem, but severely sensitive teeth could be a sign of a larger dental issue. Call us if sensitivity causes significant pain, lasts for several days in a row, or only affects one or two specific teeth.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth:

Our advice for handling sensitivity will depend on what your current symptoms are. One common tip we often give is to stay away from especially hot or cold foods, as well as anything spicy, acidic, or sweet that might irritate a sensitive tooth. You can take over-the-counter painkillers if you need to.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth:

Possible treatments for sensitive teeth include fluoride applications to strengthen eroded enamel, tooth-colored fillings to repair any damage, root canal therapy to address a serious tooth infection, or nightguards to protect the teeth from further damage as a result of bruxism.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Losing a permanent tooth is always a serious oral health issue, and it needs to be addressed right away. There’s a very short window of time to try and save the tooth, so your first act should be to call our office to schedule an appointment. Ideally, you should get to our practice in less than an hour; any longer than that and the cells on the roots of the teeth will likely start dying, which can make reimplantation impossible. In short, the faster you’re treated after losing a tooth, the more likely you are to be able to keep all of your natural teeth.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth:

Find the tooth quickly. When you pick it up, only touch the crown (the part used for chewing). Rinse off any debris, but do not scrub the roots or remove any tissue attached. To keep the tooth alive as long as possible, you can either try to put it back in its socket or store it in a container filled with milk, saliva, or saline solution.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth:

It depends on what state the tooth is in when you get to our office. If it’s still viable, we’ll move ahead with the process of reimplanting it. On the other hand, if the tooth can no longer be saved or has been badly damaged, we will likely recommend replacing it with a dental bridge or another type of restoration.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

Crowns and fillings are made to be long-lasting, but they are expected to break down or fall out at some point. This isn’t necessarily an emergency, but you should call our office right away if it happens. Leaving the tooth exposed for too long could put it at risk of an infection, and that could lead to a true emergency.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown:

Find the restoration and put it somewhere safe so that you can bring it with you to your appointment. You shouldn’t try to fix a restoration by yourself, but you can temporarily reseat a crown with a small amount of dental cement to give your tooth some protection until you get to our office.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns:

 We’ll check on the state of your restoration if you still have it. As long as it’s not too badly damaged, we can likely put it back on the tooth. In any situation where using the original restoration is not possible, we can simply recommend a new crown or filling to restore and protect your smile.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency?

Damaged dentures may not be life-threatening, but they can harm the gums, soft tissues, jaw, and remaining teeth. This issue should be treated like a dental emergency, so give us a call as soon as you can to schedule an urgent visit.

How to handle a broken denture:

You shouldn’t wear a denture that is broken. If you continue to wear it, you could accidentally injure your smile or make the damage worse. Never try to repair a broken denture on your own with super glue or another household item. They are not biocompatible and can make you sick.

How we treat broken dentures:

The treatment for your dentures will depend on how severe the damage is. Sometimes, we can use composite resin to fill in a small chip or crack. In other cases, the denture will need to be readjusted, repaired, or replaced. This is also a good opportunity to consider other tooth replacement options, like dental implants.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency?

Teeth can become loose over time or as a result of a sudden injury. If a tooth is loose, then it is at risk of falling out, even if you aren’t in any pain. This is an urgent dental emergency and should be brought to our attention as soon as possible.

How you should handle a loose permanent tooth:

Give our office a call right away. Avoid touching or moving your tooth, and don’t eat anything particularly hard or sticky. Don’t brush or floss at this time either. Instead, clean your mouth by swishing warm water around.

How we treat loose permanent teeth:

We will do everything in our power to save your loose tooth with a dental splint or another treatment. If we can’t, we may need to extract it and discuss tooth replacement options, like a dental bridge or implant.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency?

Cuts to the mouth can be alarming, especially because they can bleed a lot. They are most common among those who participate in contact sports. Usually, this type of issue can be resolved on your own at home, but we can also help if necessary.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue:

Start by cleaning the area with water to wash away food debris and bacteria. Apply pressure with a clean washcloth or use a piece of gauze until the bleeding is under control.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue:

If needed, your dentist can help by stitching the wound and taking steps to keep the area clean. If you are unable to control the bleeding, head to your local emergency room for help.

Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency?

Jaw pain isn’t usually a dental emergency, but it can interfere with your everyday life and lead to dental problems over time. This is definitely something that you should bring up so we can take steps to reduce your discomfort.

How you should handle jaw pain:

Until you visit us for an appointment, use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage discomfort. If you think that you may have broken or dislocated your jaw, you should head directly to your local emergency room. We’d be happy to take a look at your smile afterward.

How we treat jaw pain:

Bruxism treatments with a custom nightguard can help prevent jaw pain. If your wisdom teeth are what is causing you pain, we can work with you to have them extracted. If you need to go to the ER first, we’d be happy to help fix any damaged teeth as well as address those that are missing when you have been discharged.

Learn More About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

In most cases, this issue can be resolved on your own at home. Rinse your mouth with water to soften the object. Carefully use floss to attempt to dislodge the debris. Never use a toothpick, tweezers, or any sharp object to get something out from between the teeth. You could end up damaging the gums by pushing the item further up into the soft oral tissues. If you are still struggling to get it out on your own, give us a call so we can help.