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Emergency Dentist — Temple, TX

Don’t Wait to Get Your Emergency Handled

Front of Pazmino DentistryEmergencies are painful and stressful, but thanks to the dedicated dentists and team at Pazmino Dentistry, they don’t have to be for patients from Temple, Belton, and other nearby areas. We are happy to offer emergency dental care for our patients. Dr. Manuel Pazmino has extensive experience in a number of restorative and cosmetic services that make him an ideal option to help patients restore their smile following any dental emergency. Contact our dental office immediately if you experience a toothache or other dental concerns.

Why Choose Pazmino Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Older woman with a toothache in Temple

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

We trust our patients’ judgement if they believe they’re experiencing a dental emergency, but if you’re unsure whether your situation requires urgent emergency dentistry in Temple, TX, review the list of common dental emergencies below. We’ve also included some brief tips on how to handle each ahead of your emergency visit with us.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

man holding lost tooth

Naturally, emergency dental care comes with a price. It’s important to be aware of the costs involved before you agree to any treatment. Sometimes, only a minor filling will be required, but in other situations, treatments like root canal therapy may be necessary. At Pazmino Dentistry, the cost of emergency dentistry in Temple will be explained to you in advance so you know what to expect when the time comes for payment.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

illustration for emergency dentistry

Believe it or not, visiting your emergency dentist is relatively inexpensive. During your appointment, our team will evaluate the extent of your condition and determine which treatments are necessary to get your smile back on track. Since every case is unique, it’s impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate until you come in for an exam.

However, some common solutions for dental emergencies include root canal therapy, extractions, dental crowns, and TMJ treatment. We will explain our findings and the recommended treatment plan, plus provide a cost estimate in advance so there won’t be any surprises! 

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

woman at dental checkup

Not every dental emergency is entirely avoidable. Although some happen because of accidental injuries, the majority are the result of unchecked infection or damage. Fortunately, you can keep your smile healthy and save thousands of dollars over the years by investing in routine dental checkups.

On top of that, you can avoid breaking the bank by visiting our team as soon as you notice something wrong with your oral health. Taking care of a problem right away will help you avoid needing more expensive and extensive treatment later on.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

dental insurance written with marker

The good news is that most dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for emergency situations. At least one yearly emergency exam is typically fully covered, while common services associated with hurting teeth like root canal therapy, extractions, and dental crowns are eligible for 50-80 percent of coverage. Of course, every policy is unique which is why you should confirm the details with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is more than happy to help with this process if needed!

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

wooden blocks for financing available

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem, you still have access to an emergency dentist in Temple! We offer flexible financing through CareCredit. This third-party financier offers patients low-to-no-interest payment plans. Contact us to learn more!

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Older woman smiling with an emergency dentist in Temple

Have you ever experienced a dental emergency in Temple? They can be frightening, unsettling, and even painful. Although they’re not entirely avoidable, there are several steps you can take to lower your chances of having one. For instance, practicing good oral hygiene and kicking bad habits to the curb can protect your smile from harm. If you want to learn more about what you can do to prevent dental emergencies, continue reading or call our office to speak directly with a member of our team!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

patient getting dental checkup in Temple

A healthy smile requires more than just brushing, flossing, and rinsing. You must also visit Dr. Manuel at Pazmino Dentistry every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Our team can stop dental emergencies in the early stages before they turn into severe complications. During every appointment, we’ll check your mouth for issues like cavities, decay, and infection. By addressing them early on, we can prevent them from worsening and resulting in a painful dental emergency.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home

person brushing their teeth

Believe it or not, most dental emergencies are entirely avoidable. They usually happen because of untreated decay or damage. Luckily, you can easily ward off oral health problems by following a solid at-home dental care routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash are excellent ways to keep your smile in its very best shape.

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

woman eating healthy meal

Did you know that diet has a significant impact on oral health? Overindulging in sugary, starchy, and acidic foods can promote the accumulation of harmful bacteria and cause serious problems for your smile. By sticking to a diet full of nutrient-rich foods (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy products), you can ensure your mouth stays problem-free.

Wear a Mouthguard

dentist holding mouthguard

If you regularly play sports or grind your teeth at night, you should ask Dr. Manuel about a custom-made oral device. An athletic mouthguard can protect against oral injuries while you play. Meanwhile, a nightguard can protect your teeth from the force of teeth grinding. These oral appliances can keep your enamel from wearing down and lower your risk of breaking a tooth or a restoration.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

opening drink with teeth

When you’re struggling to tear open a package or a bottle, you may be tempted to use your teeth as a last-ditch effort. However, using your pearly whites for anything other than chewing food can easily result in a dental emergency. If you ever find yourself in that situation, it’s best to wait until you have the right tool or ask someone to lend you a helping hand.

Dental Emergency FAQs

An emergency dentist in Temple treating a patient

You may want to get emergency dental care nearby. If so, that’s great to hear – professional oral treatment would save you lots of hassle down the line! Still, it’s a good idea to learn core facts about this option first. You won’t know what to expect from your visit otherwise. Luckily, we at Pazmino Dentistry have you covered: listed below are the answers to some oft-asked dental emergency questions. Read them over to learn how an emergency dentist in Temple can help. Should you need further details, please don’t hesitate to call our office.

My chipped tooth doesn’t hurt. Do I still need to visit?

Even if you aren’t in pain, you should always book a dental visit after chipping a tooth. You’d likely face more severe oral problems if you don’t.

You see, there’s still a chance the tooth’s inner area is now exposed. In that case, the pearly white could be at high risk of later bacterial infection. Those odds will further increase if the chipped area breaks further. Either way, you can only confirm things by having your dentist assess the tooth.

That said, a chipped tooth can usually wait a day or two for care. Still, make sure to schedule a visit regardless.

Can the emergency room remove a tooth?

Unfortunately, no – an emergency room (usually) can’t perform a tooth extraction. The procedure is illegal for those lacking the right training and education, even among medical staff.

At best, an emergency room could treat your tooth issue’s symptoms. For example, it might provide you with antibiotics and pain medication. However, ER doctors wouldn’t address the underlying tooth problem.

Given these facts, only a licensed dentist is qualified and allowed to perform an extraction. Still, remember that this procedure is a last resort – you may not even need it. A root canal, perhaps, could be a better alternative. Ultimately, the only way to know is to talk with your dentist.

Is my tooth pain from an infection?

See if you show other relevant signs to settle whether your tooth pain is infection-related. These might include:

  • A sore or throbbing toothache
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Loosening of teeth
  • Red or swollen gums

In case you have several of the symptoms above, you likely have a dental infection. Of course, seeing a dentist is the only way to find out for sure. The latter can capture X-rays and provide a detailed diagnosis.

What is causing my jaw pain?

There are several possible causes of jaw pain, some overlapping one another. One potential source is chronic teeth grinding, a habit that stresses your jaw joints. Another is facial or jaw injuries that don’t heal properly. In some instances, an achy jaw can also stem from underlying arthritis.

In all likelihood, one (or more) of the factors above has caused you to develop a TMJ disorder. This condition occurs when the joints connecting your jaw and skull are misaligned. For added confirmation, though, see your dentist for a proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.

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