Emergency Dentist – Bedford, TX
Prompt Relief with Emergency Dentistry Services at Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates
Are you experiencing a sudden, severe toothache or dental injury? Don’t let dental emergencies disrupt your life — Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates is here to help with emergency dental care. Our team, led by Bedford, TX, emergency dentist Dr. Maegan Elam, is dedicated to providing urgent, compassionate treatment for dental emergencies, to alleviate discomfort and restore your smile.
Learn how we can help you deal with your dental emergency by calling our northeast Tarrant County dental practice at (817) 283-2871.
What Are Emergency Dentistry Services?
Emergency dentistry services focus on addressing urgent dental issues that require immediate attention, or dental emergencies. These dental emergencies can range from severe toothaches to traumatic injuries such as a knocked-out tooth and damage to the gum tissue. Dental emergencies often occur unexpectedly, causing significant pain and discomfort.
Benefits of Emergency Dentistry Services
Some of the many benefits of seeking emergency dental care when necessary include the following:
- Immediate Pain Relief: Emergency dental care addresses severe pain and discomfort, providing immediate relief to patients experiencing dental emergencies such as toothaches, abscesses, or dental trauma.
- Prevention of Complications: Timely intervention helps prevent further damage or complications from untreated dental emergencies, such as infections spreading to surrounding gum tissue or tooth loss.
- Preservation of Oral Structures: By addressing emergencies urgently, emergency dental care aims to preserve natural teeth and oral structures, minimizing the need for extensive treatments like extractions or implants in the future.
- Restoration of Function and Aesthetics: Emergency dental services restore compromised oral function and aesthetics, allowing patients to chew, speak, and smile comfortably and confidently after treatment.
- Timely Diagnosis of Underlying Issues: Emergency dental visits often lead to the early detection of underlying oral health issues that may not have been apparent before. This early diagnosis allows for early treatment, preventing the progression of conditions such as gum disease or dental decay.
- Accessibility to Specialized Equipment: Emergency dental clinics are equipped with specialized tools and equipment necessary for handling urgent situations, ensuring efficient and effective treatment. This accessibility to advanced technology can lead to better outcomes for patients in emergency situations.
- Education and Prevention: Emergency dental visits provide education and guidance on preventive measures to avoid future emergencies. Dr. Elam can offer advice on oral hygiene practices, lifestyle habits, and protective gear to minimize the risk of dental injuries or emergencies.
- Support for Dental Trauma Recovery: In cases of dental trauma, such as sports injuries or accidents, emergency dental care provides crucial support for recovery. Dr. Elam can offer guidance on post-treatment care, rehabilitation exercises, and long-term management to optimize healing and restore oral health.
- Convenience and Flexibility: Emergency dental clinics often offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients with busy schedules or urgent needs. This flexibility ensures you receive timely care without disrupting your daily routines or waiting for regular office hours.
Common Dental Emergencies and How To Handle Them
Broken or Lost Dental Restorations
If you’ve lost a filling or crown, try to find the restoration and store it in a safe place. Apply a temporary dental cement or a piece of sugarless gum over the exposed area to protect it until you can see a dentist.
Dislodged or Knocked-Out Teeth
For a dislodged tooth, gently try to reposition it in the socket and bite down on clean gauze or cloth to hold it in place. If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it by the crown (top part), rinse it with milk or saliva, and store it in a container with milk or saliva until you can see a dentist.
Broken Teeth
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold, as this may cause further discomfort.
Cracked or Broken Dentures
Avoid using cracked or broken dentures, as they can cause further damage to your gums and remaining teeth. Secure any loose pieces and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Infected or Abscessed Teeth
If you notice swelling, redness, or a pimple-like bump on your gums, it could be an infection or abscess. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain medication until you can see a dentist for proper treatment.
Toothaches
Severe toothaches can signal an underlying dental issue, such as decay, infection, or trauma. Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the affected area, and take pain medication as needed until you can visit the dentist.
Broken Jaw
If you suspect a broken jaw, seek immediate medical attention. Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and avoid moving the jaw until it has been evaluated and treated by a professional.
Broken Orthodontics
For broken braces or wires, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges that may be causing irritation to your teeth or the soft tissues in your mouth. Avoid cutting or removing any part of your orthodontic appliance until you see your orthodontist.
Why Choose Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates to Treat Your Dental Emergency?
At Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates, we understand the importance of prompt and effective care for dental emergencies. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and minimizing your discomfort. Here are some of the emergency services we offer:
- Tooth-Colored Fillings – Tooth-colored fillings can address cracks, chips, and holes in the teeth.
- Root Canal Therapy – Emergency root canal therapy can save teeth from extraction by removing the infection.
- Dental Crowns – Broken dental crowns can be replaced with new crowns to protect damaged teeth and restore function to your smile.
- Tooth Extractions – For teeth that can’t be saved, gentle tooth extractions can help alleviate pain and prevent the spread of infection.
- Same-Day Dental Implants – All-on-4 implants can be quickly planned and placed to fill the missing spaces in your smile.
- Bridges and Dentures – Dental bridges and full or partial dentures can replace multiple missing teeth.
Our state-of-the-art facility and experienced Bedford dentist, Dr. Elam, ensure you receive the highest quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
How To Prevent Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can sometimes be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a good brushing and flossing routine to keep your enamel healthy and strong.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste because it can remineralize your teeth and prevent decay.
- Visit our Bedford dental office at least twice a year for preventive checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid using your teeth for anything other than speaking and eating.
- Watch out for especially hard or sticky foods.
- Avoid poor lifestyle habits like smoking and tobacco use, as well as heavy drinking.
The Cost Of Treating Dental Emergencies
Insurance
If you have dental insurance, our team will work with your provider to ensure you receive the maximum coverage for your dental emergency treatment. We accept most major insurance plans.
Financing
For those without insurance or for treatments not covered by insurance, we offer flexible financing options through third-party providers to help make your treatment for dental emergencies more affordable.
Credit Cards
We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, for your convenience and to help you afford your emergency dentistry services as soon as you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are emergency dentistry services covered by insurance?
Whether emergency dental services are covered by insurance depends on the specific insurance plan and the nature of the dental emergency. Review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to understand what emergency dental services are covered under your plan.
Additionally, many dental clinics offer payment plans or financing options to help patients manage the costs of emergency treatments if they aren’t covered by insurance.
How soon should I seek treatment for a dental emergency?
In general, you should seek immediate treatment during a dental emergency to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. Delaying treatment could exacerbate the problem and lead to more extensive and costly procedures. If you’re unsure about the urgency of your dental issue, it’s best to contact a dentist.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency while traveling?
In case of a dental emergency, first try to locate a local dentist or dental clinic for immediate assistance. If you can’t find a dentist, consider visiting a hospital emergency room, especially if you’re experiencing severe pain or bleeding.
In the meantime, you can alleviate discomfort by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain medication as directed. It’s also a good idea to contact your regular dentist for guidance and to inform them of the dental emergency you’re experiencing.
Can I receive emergency dental care without an appointment?
Many dental clinics offer emergency walk-in appointments for dental emergencies such as severe pain, swelling, or dental trauma. However, it’s recommended to call ahead if possible to ensure that the clinic can accommodate your emergency and provide timely care.
Get Relief Today with Emergency Dentistry Services at Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates!
Don’t let dental emergencies disrupt your life any longer. Call Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates at (817) 283-2871 to schedule your emergency appointment, and our compassionate team will provide the exceptional care you deserve during dental emergencies. We provide prompt treatment for dental emergencies to patients from Bedford, Hurst, Colleyville, Euless, TX, and the surrounding areas.
