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Emergency Dentistry – Little Rock, AR

Call Us to Stop Your Dental Pain

You can’t afford to lose any time during a true dental emergency. Our dental office accepts emergency calls after normal business hours, and we try to see you on the same day whenever possible. Get in touch with us as soon as you notice dangerous symptoms, such as a painful toothache or a broken tooth; many of our specialists have over 30 years of experience and can quickly provide lasting relief with emergency dentistry in Little Rock, AR.

Why Choose Little Rock Family Dental Care for Emergency Dentistry?

Tooth Extractions

With every patient we see at Little Rock Family Dental Care, our goal is to preserve their natural teeth for life. Unfortunately, this ideal isn’t possible in situations involving extensive decay or dental trauma. If a tooth needs to go, our team is more than ready to take care of it and ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free. If you or your child have a problem tooth that needs to be looked at, give us a call today to get the care you need.

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How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Woman in need of emergency dentistry holding cheek

There are many different kinds of dental emergencies – such as those caused by an infection or ones that result from a sudden injury – but the first step is always the same: call your dentist as soon as you can. Based on the symptoms you describe, we can give you instructions on what to do for your tooth in the meantime as well as how to prepare for your emergency appointment. You can follow the tips below to take control during common dental emergencies.

Man with toothache holding cold compress to cheek

Toothaches 

Check the area around the tooth and get rid of any trapped food particles using dental floss or warm saltwater. You can take an over the counter medication to manage your tooth pain, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the teeth or gums. Use a cold compress if swelling occurs.

Smile with chipped front tooth

Chipped/Broken Teeth

Stop any bleeding with a piece of gauze, then rinse the area with warm water. Gather any fragments of the tooth that might have broken off. Swelling may or may not occur when a tooth has been injured; like with a toothache, you can apply a cold compress if you need to.

Smile with missing bottom tooth

Knocked-Out Tooth

Only pick up the tooth by the crown-- avoid touching the delicate root. Rinse it off without cleaning it too vigorously, then try to put it back in its socket and hold it in place with clean gauze. If this doesn’t work, carry it in milk instead. You’ll need to see your dentist within the hour so the tooth can be replanted.

Woman with lost dental crown covering her smile

Lost Filling / Crown

A missing restoration should be taken very seriously; after all, fillings and crowns are typically placed to support and protect a tooth that has already suffered from decay or damage. You can try and reattach the crown with dental cement, but this should only be treated as a temporary fix.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Woman at preventive dentistry visit to avoid the need for emergency dental care

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

Dental instruments on stack of cash

If you’re like many people, you’re probably not prepared for an unexpected dental bill, but time is of the utmost importance when experiencing a dental emergency, even when money is tight. Your financial situation should never prevent you from getting the care you need. Various factors affect the cost of emergency dentistry in Little Rock, but we strive to keep our services affordable. Don’t wait to contact our office for the attention you need.

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Every Dental Emergency is Different

Woman in pain at emergency dentist

Dental emergencies come in many forms and severities, which is why there’s no flat fee for urgent services, because every situation is unique. Your emergency dentist in Little Rock will address any pain and examine your mouth to determine the best treatment to save your smile. While every case differs, common emergency treatments can include:

  • Root canal therapy
  • Tooth extraction
  • Dental crown
  • Periodontal therapy
  • TMJ therapy

We will provide you with a personalized estimate, so you will know exactly what you’ll have to pay.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Dental insurance form

Every dental plan is different, but most offer coverage for emergency dentistry. Besides your consultation, your insurance may cover any diagnostic imaging and a portion of common procedures. After meeting your annual deductible, your benefits can cover up to 80% of the expense of restorative treatments. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to lower the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Man looking in wallet for cash

The expense of seeing a dentist should be the last thing on your mind. We will review all your payment options to help you find the solutions you need to keep your treatment affordable, including:

  • Free Second Opinions: We are glad to take a second look after visiting a previous dentist.
  • Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment methods, including cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
  • Monthly Payments: You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. Based on your credit approval, you can enjoy little or no interest installments.
  • Special Offers: Our office regularly offers special promotions.

Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Woman looking in mirror brushing her teeth

It’s a common misconception that dental emergencies only result from trauma; however, untreated oral health issues are among the most common reasons people end up in a dentist’s chair. Skipping routine cleanings and checkups allow minor dental problems to go undetected, like cavities and gum disease. They will continue to worsen with no treatment, eventually causing a dental emergency, like a toothache or an infection.

Although you can’t stop accidents from happening, you can lower your risk of dental emergencies by visiting your dentist every 6 months and don’t delay any treatments. Besides routine appointments, it’s important to care for your mouth at home. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss nightly for healthy teeth and gums. If you play sports, don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard. We also recommend keeping inedible objects out of your mouth and not using your teeth in place of scissors or tools.

Dental Emergency FAQs

illustration of dental emergency in Little Rock

Reading through the above information can give you valuable insight into everything from the common types of dental injuries to emergency response tips. However, to be as prepared as possible, you may still have some questions on your mind. Well, we want to help! Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from patients regarding a dental emergency in Little Rock.

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Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Despite popular belief, toothaches do not heal on their own. In fact, a once-painful toothache that has “disappeared” may actually be an indicator the infection has damaged the nerve of the tooth! Therefore, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. From there, they can determine the root of the problem and put a plan in place to restore the look and function of your smile.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

If your dental emergency has resulted in a potentially life-threatening condition, like difficulty breathing or a broken jaw, then you should head to your local emergency room first. However, ERs typically don’t have dentists on staff, meaning they won’t be able to address dental emergencies effectively. Therefore, with all other smile-related injuries (lost filling, knocked-out tooth, etc.), your first call should be to your emergency dentist in Little Rock.

My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt. Do I Still Need a Dental Visit?

Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Although you may not be in any pain, the inner layers of your tooth could be vulnerable to damage. Plus, your chipped tooth may break further without professional attention, resulting in sensitivity, soreness, and overall discomfort. With that being said, you can most likely afford to wait a day or two until your appointment if needed. Just make sure you don’t put off seeing your dentist for too long.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dental Kit?

From a lost filling to a knocked-out tooth, dental injuries can be anxiety-inducing. To make the entire experience as stress-free as possible, preparation is paramount. You should keep an emergency dental kit accessible with these essentials:

  • A storage container large enough to fit a tooth or restorations
  • Sterile gloves
  • Gauze pads
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental cement (or other temporary filling material)
  • Denture adhesive
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen
  • Orajel
  • Floss
  • An ice pack or cold compress
  • Contact information for your emergency dentist in Little Rock
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