Emergency Dentist in Arlington

Why See a Dentist?

person with dental pain Typically, most dental practices only consider things like a severe toothache or breaking a tooth to be emergencies. At Arlington Dental, we believe that whatever you think is an emergency is one, and we treat it as such. With 30 years’ experience, Joseph Reed, DMD, MAGD has the knowledge and expertise to address your urgent dental needs.

NEW PATIENTS

Many patients go to an urgent care or ER when they have a terrible toothache—but those practices do not have dentists on staff, and their only recourse is to prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers.

Studies have shown that the only effective way of treating an infected tooth (which is the primary cause of a severe toothache) is with root canal therapy or extraction. Antibiotics on their own can’t take care of the problem, because the source of the infection is still there.

Common Dental Emergencies

There are a variety of conditions that patients may need urgent dental care for, such as

Losing a crown: For many people, the fear of others seeing them with a missing tooth is crippling. We can replace crowns in one visit.
Toothache: This is typically caused by a cavity, which may cause pain and swelling in the face. Depending on the severity of the infection, we will recommend either a root canal or an extraction. We can complete either of these on the same day.
Chipped, cracked, broken or knocked-out tooth: Each of these requires a different restoration, which we can complete in-house, typically in one visit. If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, bring it with you—sometimes, it can be reattached.

What to Expect

Call us as soon as you realize you are having an urgent situation with your teeth. We will get you in on the same day. Dr. Reed will do an examination of the affected area, including necessary X-rays or other imaging. He’ll explain the cause of your issue and how we can treat it, including any sedation options that may be available to you. Please note that you must have had a checkup with your medical doctor within the previous 12 months to receive sedation.

We are very accustomed to treating patients urgently, and we will get you taken care of at this initial visit in the vast majority of cases.

The Importance of Preventative Care

Typically, a dental emergency is a wake-up call for patients, and Dr. Reed uses this opportunity to stress the importance of proper oral hygiene and regular preventive dentistry to avoid further problems and the potential loss of teeth. He tells patients, “If you don’t want to remove your face and put it in a cup at night, you need to take care of your teeth.”

Most of our patients have seen their grandparents or other relatives with dentures, and they don’t want to lose their teeth as well. Many times, an urgent problem turns out to be the catalyst for patients becoming much more diligent about their oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any urgent, unexpected situation that may or may not include pain and requires immediate attention from a qualified dentist. This can include broken or knocked-out teeth, severe toothache, an infection that causes facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth, damaged fillings or crowns, and trauma to the face or jaw. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get help right away.

Do emergency dental appointments cost more?

Emergency exams are normally less expensive because they are problem-focused, looking at one tooth or specific area versus the whole mouth.

Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?

This depends on the symptoms with which it presents; pain and swelling are almost always an emergency because they can escalate quickly, even if they are very small to start.

Is a cavity a dental emergency?

A cavity is not necessarily a dental emergency, but if you start to have pain or swelling, the cavity can become an emergency quickly.

Is a dental bridge falling out an emergency?

It should be addressed quickly because teeth can move, sometimes very quickly. If the teeth move only a very small amount, the bridge/crown can be reused; if we wait a long time, it might not fit again. With pain or swelling, it’s an emergency that can quickly get worse.

Could getting preventative care help me avoid a dental emergency?

Yes, by practicing preventive oral health care, such as regular brushing and flossing, and seeing your dentist for routine exams and cleanings, you can help reduce the chances of a dental emergency.

Does insurance cover emergency dental care?

Most insurance policies do as a dental emergency is a fairly common occurrence. But we cannot be sure until we verify your coverage.

Schedule Today

Contact us today if you’re having a dental problem. There is no separate fee for this service—you are simply charged at our normal rates. Insurance often covers this type of care.
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