At Goodlettsville Smiles, we treat dental emergencies all the time, and NONE of our urgent patients ever say, “Oh yeah, I totally knew it was going to happen!” Dental emergencies only pop up when you least expect them, and should you ever find yourself in the middle of one, know that Dr. McClain, your trusted emergency dentist in Goodlettsville, TN, and our dental team are ready to help. We do our best to see emergency patients the same day they call us so you can get emergency dental care without the wait! Just give us a call, and we’ll work to see you and get you out of pain as soon as possible.
Why Choose Goodlettsville Smiles for Emergency Dental Care?
Experienced & Compassionate Dental Team Focused on Your Well-Being
Same-Day Appointments Available for Emergency Dental Patients
Dental Insurance Welcome & Flexible Financing Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
The first thing you should do in a dental emergency is give us a call. From there, here’s what you can typically expect:
We’ll schedule a same-day appointment for you: We always go above and beyond to see emergency patients as quickly as possible. We’ll also give you first-aid instructions for handling your emergency until you can reach us.
Get an emergency exam with Dr. McClain: Your Goodlettsville emergency dentist, Dr. McClain, will see you for an examination as soon as you arrive at our office. She’ll take any necessary X-rays and get you out of any severe pain.
Review the findings & make a plan: Next, Dr. McClain will review her findings with you and discuss which treatments she recommends to address the issues you’re facing. Together, you’ll make a treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
Get the care you need: Once you’ve created a treatment plan, we’ll get to work right away by preserving your teeth, repairing any damage, and getting you out of pain.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies tend to happen due to one of two reasons. Either someone has ignored their oral hygiene for a while and has developed a dental infection, or they’ve been in some kind of accident. In either case, both usually involve quite a bit of pain, and the best thing to do is to call our dental office right away. That way, we’ll be able to see you ASAP and take care of your problem! Here are 11 of the most common dental emergencies we treat here at Goodlettsville Smiles.
Is my toothache a dental emergency? A severe, prolonged toothache and dental sensitivity can be indicative of a wide range of oral health concerns, including the need for infection, decay, and damage that accesses the interior part of the tooth. Your toothache qualifies as a dental emergency if it comes with symptoms like:
High levels of pain
Severe or lingering sensitivity to heat and cold
Damage or discoloration
A small bump on the gums
Signs of an infection, such as discharge, swelling, fever, or fatigue
How you should handle a toothache: First, try relieving the pain by flossing and rinsing with warm saltwater. To ease the remaining pain and curb any swelling, you can place a cold compress on your cheek for 10 minutes on and then 10 minutes off for up to an hour. You can also take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen as directed on the label.
How we treat toothaches: Intense toothaches often indicate a serious infection deep within the tooth that requires root canal therapy to treat. However, dental pain can be caused by a wide variety of issues, including cavities, periodontal disease, damaged enamel, and more. We’ll need to evaluate you to determine the cause and therefore the best treatment to move forward with.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Oftentimes, teeth can chip without any pain. However, regardless of whether you are experiencing any pain or not, you should call us right away. You may not need immediate treatment, but your chipped tooth or teeth need to be repaired within a timely manner to prevent the damage from getting worse, which could lead to a dental infection or needing a tooth extraction.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: If you can retrieve the broken-off portion of your tooth, be sure to rinse it off and bring it to your appointment. If not, you can shield the inside tissue of your cheeks and lips from the sharp edge of your tooth by placing a piece of orthodontic wax over the area. Do not eat or chew with your damaged tooth until we can treat you.
How we treat chipped teeth: Fortunately, it is typically very easy and quick to repair chipped teeth. The most cost-effective solution is to do so with direct bonding, which can fill the damaged area. However, if you’ve chipped a front tooth, you may want to consider getting one or more veneers to ensure you get the most beautiful, lifelike, and long-lasting results.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Your enamel protects the inner chamber of your tooth from bacteria, infection, and damage. Unfortunately, it cannot repair itself when it becomes cracked, which leaves your tooth open to serious complications. Cracked or broken teeth need to be treated right away.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: If possible, gather the broken-off pieces of the tooth as best as you can. Place sugarless gum or dental wax over any jagged edges to protect your mouth and mitigate tooth sensitivity. If bleeding occurs, press down on the wound with a piece of gauze until it stops. Do not bite or chew with the damaged tooth; this could worsen the damage to the point where an extraction may be necessary.
How we treat cracked teeth: In rare cases where the damage goes below the gumline or is otherwise irreparable, we may need to extract the tooth. On the other hand, if the damage is very minor, we may be able to fill it in with direct bonding. However, the most common treatment for a cracked tooth is a custom-made dental crown.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Maybe. Some tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks is normal. Enamel can wear down over time, exposing the more sensitive layers below. However, if you notice that your sensitivity intensifies, especially over a short period of time, don’t ignore this symptom! It could mean that you have a cavity that is reaching the center of your tooth.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: Keep track of your sensitivity and what triggers it. If possible, avoid those things that cause you discomfort, and be sure to tell us about your sensitivity during your regular preventive checkup and cleaning appointment. However, if the issue gets worse or interferes with your ability to eat or function, give us a call for an immediate visit.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: Treatment for this problem depends greatly on the root cause. If your teeth are worn down, we can cover and protect your vulnerable teeth with composite resin or dental crowns to reduce your discomfort. For decayed teeth, we can remove the infected tooth structure and replace it with a dental crown.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? It certainly is! Unlike primary or baby teeth, your permanent teeth are supposed to last for the rest of your life. If one of them is knocked out, you have a limited time for the tooth to be successfully re-implanted and saved. You need to call our Goodlettsville dental office right away for an emergency appointment for the best chances of keeping your natural tooth. In fact, it’s best if you come to our office within an hour of the injury.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: After finding the tooth, pick it up by holding the crown portion, or the part that usually shows. Do not touch the root structure or you could contaminate it and cause an infection later. Gently rinse the tooth and your mouth with clean water and then try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If you can’t do this, you can store the tooth in some milk or salt water.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: If you haven’t already, we’ll position the tooth back into the gums. After that, we’ll place a splint, which is an oral device that holds the tooth steady while the tissues heal and restabilize it. In some cases, we can’t save a knocked-out tooth, and we need to replace it with a bridge or dental implant.
Is a lost filling or dental crown an emergency? Yes, it is. In most cases, restorations are there to protect the remaining natural tooth structure. Without a filling or crown, these teeth are exposed to bacteria and are unable to function for chewing or biting food. As a result, if you lose a restoration, you need to reach out to us to correct the problem immediately.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: If you can, find the restoration and clean it off with clean water. Rinse your mouth with salt water and put a dab of toothpaste on the filling or crown before temporarily putting it back in place. In case you are unable to use the restoration, you may cover the tooth with sugar-free gum until your appointment.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: Most of the time in this situation, we need to replace the restoration with a new one; however, there is a small chance that we may be able to reattach the crown or filling, depending on the damage to the tooth and restoration.
Is my broken denture a dental emergency? You should certainly contact our office if you have a broken denture in Goodlettsville. This type of problem requires emergency assistance, so you won’t accidentally damage your soft oral tissues.
How you should handle a broken denture: You are advised not to wear your broken prosthetic while waiting to see a trusted professional.
How we treat broken dentures: Once we have a chance to examine the damaged prosthetic, we will recommend composite resin to fix minor chips or cracks, or we will need to replace it with a new denture. If you’re interested, we can also evaluate you for dental implants, as they are more stable and offer permanency as opposed to a removable denture.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? A loose tooth in Goodlettsville is a serious problem that requires immediate treatment. Never put off this type of damage, as it can lead to your tooth falling out and your jawbone deteriorating over time.
How you should handle loose permanent teeth: Do not poke or prod the tooth with your tongue or finger, do not chew on that side of your mouth, avoid hard and crunchy foods, and be careful when brushing and flossing around the area. You will also want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever if discomfort is hard to manage.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: Your loose tooth could be the cause of periodontal disease. If so, we will administer periodontal therapy and the potential of a bone graft to stabilize your jawbone and soft oral tissues. If your tooth falls out at any point or cannot be saved, we will extract it and begin discussing ways to replace your missing tooth. This can occur with the help of a dental bridge or dental implant.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Soft tissue injuries often do not require immediate, emergency appointments. These tend to heal by themselves at home when using the correct techniques.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out any debris and place clean gauze over the area. This will help stop bleeding. If it does not cease within 10 minutes, get to your emergency room for help. Otherwise, place a cold compress on the area after the bleeding has stopped.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Stitches may be necessary depending on the severity of the laceration. Once we’ve handled your immediate problem, we will discuss how the injury occurred and suggest a customized sportsguard you can wear to reduce the chances of injuring your cheeks, gums, lips, or tongue in the future.
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Jaw pain is bothersome and can become debilitating if left untreated. Because there are many reasons jaw pain can develop, it’s better to call our office at the first sign of problems.
How you should handle jaw pain: Practice facial stretches and massages, avoid hard, crunchy foods, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold compress to minimize discomfort, and avoid unhealthy habits like eating ice, chewing on inanimate objects, or biting your fingernails.
How we treat jaw pain: If we discover your jaw pain is caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), we’ll recommend a customized nightguard for you to wear while sleeping. If caused by inflammation in the temporomandibular joints, you may need to seek TMJ therapy. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and causing additional, unwanted pressure on nearby teeth and jaw joints, we’ll need to extract your wisdom teeth.
Your emergency dentist in Goodlettsville is unlikely to consider this a dental emergency simply because you can remove a piece of food or a lodged object using dental floss and warm water. However, should you use tweezers, toothpicks, or sharp objects in place of dental floss, you run the risk of damaging your teeth and soft oral tissues, thus, resulting in a trip to the emergency dentist’s office.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Unfortunately, when a dental emergency happens, the cost of treatment can be a major concern for patients. Some even postpone seeing the dentist in hopes of saving a bit of money. However, in these situations, you need to seek help immediately. Putting off treatment only allows the problem to worsen, which likely means it’ll require a more costly procedure to fix. Your best bet is to come into our Goodlettsville office right away. Dr. McClain can address the issue, relieve your pain, and get your smile back on track.
There are many ways to treat a dental emergency, and it all depends on a patient’s particular situation. Minor toothaches, for example, might just require a small filling to be fixed, but more severe ones may call for a root canal and a crown. A cracked tooth may need to undergo root canal therapy or be extracted entirely, depending on how deep the crack goes. We’ll quickly assess your situation and figure out the fastest and most conservative way to solve your problem.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
At Goodlettsville Smiles, we are happy to work with your dental insurance and are in-network with many of the major plans, such as Cigna, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare, and BlueCross BlueShield. Most dental insurance policies include some coverage for dental emergencies. Even if the initial emergency exam isn’t covered in your plan, part of the cost of treatment typically is. Before we treat your dental emergency, we will look closely at your insurance benefits and help you figure out how much you will be obligated to pay out-of-pocket for your treatment.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Even if you have dental insurance, some emergency expenses may be large enough that you won’t want to pay for it all at once. If you require costly care, don’t worry, as low-to-no-interest financing is always available. Cherry is a trusted financier and will break up the cost into easier monthly payments, so you can get the care you need without worrying about how you’re going to afford it. We can walk you through the application process right here in our office, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
The best way to save money on dental healthcare costs is to maintain a healthy smile and prevent dental emergencies as much as possible. You can do this by implementing certain habits into your lifestyle. For example, you should be brushing and flossing your teeth every day to stop plaque buildup and cavities. Instead of using your teeth to open difficult packaging, get scissors or the appropriate tool. If you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, a nightguard can separate your upper and lower teeth, preventing fractures and enamel wear. These simple steps can go a long way to keeping your costs down by reducing your risk of a dental emergency.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Did you know that most dental emergencies are the result of untreated decay, infection, or damage? That means following a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk of harming your smile. By taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you can easily avoid finding yourself in these stressful situations in the first place. To help you out, our team at Goodlettsville Smiles has compiled a list of ways you can keep your pearly whites safe and problem-free!
One of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies in Goodlettsville is by visiting Dr. McClain every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments allow her to monitor your oral health and ensure no problems are developing. By addressing any issues early on, you can avoid experiencing severe complications down the line.
Establish a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
A solid at-home oral hygiene routine can go a long way in keeping your smile healthy. Simple practices like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing regularly with an ADA-approved mouthwash can ward off dental problems and lower your risk of a dental emergency. If you neglect to follow these essential practices every day, harmful bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and accelerate enamel deterioration. As a result, you could find yourself in the waiting room of your emergency dentist’s office.
Maintain a Nutritious Diet
Believe it or not, your diet has a significant impact on your oral health. Eating an excess amount of sugary, starchy, or acidic foods can increase your chances of developing severe decay, periodontal disease, or another oral infection. That’s why it’s best to limit your intake of those items and stick to a diet full of nutrient-rich foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.
Protect Your Teeth Against Oral Injuries
If you regularly play sports or grind your teeth at night, you should ask Dr. McClain about a custom-made oral device. An athletic mouthguard can keep your pearly whites safe should you sustain a blow to the face. Meanwhile, a nightguard can protect your enamel from the force of teeth grinding against each other.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
When you can't open a bottle or package, 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 this situation, it’s best to wait until you have the right tool or ask someone to lend you a helping hand.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Should I Visit the Emergency Room for a Dental Emergency?
Unfortunately, most emergency rooms do not have the equipment or training necessary to effectively treat dental emergencies. At most, they might be able to prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics, but afterward, they’ll often refer you to a dentist anyway. To save time and money, you should contact our office if you have a dental emergency in Goodlettsville.
There are three main exceptions where it’s a better idea to visit the ER:
A fractured or dislocated jaw
Deep lacerations or cuts to the mouth or face
Severe swelling that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow
In these situations, head straight for the nearest emergency room to get the immediate care you need. Then, schedule an appointment with us. That way, we can make sure you don’t need any additional dental treatment.
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
In general, toothaches do NOT go away on their own. They actually tend to worsen the longer you go without treatment because tooth enamel cannot repair itself in the same way that most other body parts can. For that reason, it’s important to give us a call if your tooth is hurting. That way, Dr. McClain can examine the area and determine the reason for your tooth pain. By administering prompt treatment, she can prevent whatever is causing your pain from worsening and save you from requiring more invasive (and pricier) procedures down the road.
My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt. Do I Still Need to Visit?
Yes. While a chipped tooth isn’t as urgent as a knocked-out tooth, you should call us to schedule an appointment within a day or two of the incident. Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, the chip could allow bacteria to infect its inner chambers and cause an intense toothache. Give us a call so we can prevent that from happening.
What If I Can’t Afford Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dental exams are typically not that expensive. However, the services most used to treat hurting or broken teeth cost more than a routine checkup and cleaning. The last thing you want to do is put off the care you need because of worries about cost. If anything, waiting too long could result in the need for more costlier procedures.
Goodlettsville Smiles welcomes most dental insurance plans and can make the claims process nice and easy. If you don’t have insurance, we also provide payment plans through Cherry. Most of these plans have little to no interest rates!
