Emergency Dentistry in Plano

Prompt, Compassionate Care When You Need It Most

Dental pain doesn’t follow a schedule—and when it hits, waiting days for an appointment just isn’t realistic. That’s why we offer emergency dental services right here in Plano. Our team is ready to act fast, using experience, technology, and a calm, caring approach to help you through unexpected dental problems.

We use advanced 3D cone beam imaging to get a clear view of what’s going on, especially when an infection may be the cause. From the moment you call, we focus on getting you relief as quickly as possible.

Why Patients Choose Stonebriar Smile Design in Plano for Emergencies

Same-day availability for urgent dental issues

Comfort-focused care, including sedation if needed

Payment options and financing to reduce the stress

What to Do in a Dental Emergency in Plano

Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a crown that just popped off, here’s how to handle it:

Call us right away: We’ll work to get you in that same day. If needed, we’ll also guide you through any immediate care or pain management at home.

Come in for an urgent exam: Once you arrive, we’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible and perform a full evaluation—often with X-rays—to identify the issue.

Understand your options: After diagnosing the problem, we’ll walk you through your treatment plan so you know exactly what’s happening and why.

Get the care you need: When you’re ready, we’ll start treatment right away to stabilize your situation and get you back to feeling better. If you’re nervous, we may suggest sedation to help you stay calm and relaxed.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

If you’re in pain, have a dental injury, or something just doesn’t feel right—call us. Not all emergencies are easy to identify, but we’re here to help you figure it out.

Here are some of the more frequent issues we see:

Toothaches

Toothaches can be a result of something as simple as a popcorn kernel stuck between your teeth or as serious as an infected tooth. If your toothache in Frisco doesn’t go away within 24 hours, or you notice swelling or a pimple-like bump on your gums near your affected tooth, contact our office immediately for an emergency examination.

To ease your pain, you can take an over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen, or you can place a cold compress on the outside of your face for 10 minutes on 10 minutes off. We also recommend rinsing your mouth with salt water to sanitize the area and help with inflammation.

If your toothache is a result of something stuck between your teeth, we can gently dislodge the debris without causing any harm to your gums. Otherwise, if it’s the result of a tooth infection, we may recommend root canal therapy and a dental crown to preserve your natural tooth and cure your pain.

Sensitivity to Hot & Cold

If your dental sensitivity is mild or occurs whenever you eat something that’s hot or cold or brush your teeth, it could be a sign that you need to use a special toothpaste, like Sensodyne. However, if your sensitivity is severe, lasts several days, or only impacts one or two of your teeth, it could mean that they’re damaged, decayed, or even cracked. In these cases, it’s crucial to call us immediately to schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Frisco.

While there’s not much you can do at home to help ease your sensitivity, we do recommend swishing with lukewarm salt water to kill any bacteria. Also, avoid eating any foods that are acidic, sweet, or spicy that could make your sensitivity worse.

If your sensitivity is a result of enamel erosion, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to remineralize this layer of your teeth. If it’s caused by a cavity or gum disease, we may suggest gum disease therapy, a tooth-colored filling, or root canal therapy.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Even though the damage may be minor, it’s always a good idea to get an emergency examination for a chipped tooth in Frisco. Leaving the tooth damaged can result in harmful oral bacteria gaining access to the inner chamber, leading to a tooth infection. Because of this, timely treatment is important.

If the damaged tooth is jagged and rubbing or irritating the inside of your cheeks or lips, you can place a piece of orthodontic wax over the area to smooth it out. Try to find the broken-off portion of your tooth as well and bring it to your visit with you.

We’ll likely fix your chipped tooth with dental bonding, which is a cost-effective and fast treatment option that can be completed in a single visit, depending on the extent of your dental damage.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Yes, and time is of the essence! Immediately contact our office for a lost tooth in Frisco, and we’ll schedule a visit for as soon as possible. The sooner you arrive, the higher our chances are for trying to re-plant it back in its original socket.

The first thing you should do is call us. Then, try to retrieve your tooth, being sure to only handle it by the biting surface (avoiding the roots). Gently rinse it under cool water and try to place it back in its socket. If you can’t do this, you can store it in a sealable container filled with milk or saltwater to keep it viable.

If we’re able to, we’ll re-plant your tooth back in its socket; however, this isn’t always successful. In cases where this won’t work, we can restore your missing tooth with an implant-retained dental crown.

Cracks or Fractures

Even if the crack in your tooth is small, it’s important to have it examined so you don’t risk your tooth becoming infected. Because cracks aren’t always easy to spot, if you have any sensitivity or experienced dental trauma, still visit us so we can thoroughly examine your mouth to make sure your teeth aren’t damaged.

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area. If your tooth hurts, you can place a cold compress on your face or use an over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything until you can reach our office.

There are a few different ways our emergency dentist in Frisco can address a cracked tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. If it’s minor, we may be able to fill the crack and restore and protect the tooth with a customized dental crown. If the damage is severe and has progressed to affect the inner chamber of the tooth, we may recommend extracting it.

Broken Dentures

While broken dentures may seem more like an inconvenience than an emergency, we encourage you to call us immediately anyway. A broken denture can make it difficult to eat and speak comfortably, and over time, it can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, jaw issues, and other serious problems. No matter what part of your denture is damaged, give us a call right away.

Don’t wear a broken denture. Keep it in water or a cleaning solution until you can see us. NEVER try to repair it yourself with household items like superglue, as these items aren’t biocompatible and can make you sick if put in your mouth.

How we fix your dentures will depend on the damage. Sometimes, small chips or cracks can be repaired with cosmetic bonding, or we may be able to adjust them back into position. However, your broken denture may need to be replaced entirely, either with a traditional denture or implant denture.

Injuries to the Lips, Gums, or Tongue

It can be easy to injure your gums, lips, or tongue, especially if you play sports. Since these wounds tend to bleed a lot, it’s important to treat them right away. In most cases, this can be done at home.

First, rinse your mouth out with water to clean the injury. Then, press a paper towel, piece of gauze, or a clean washcloth over the wound to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has subsided, you can use a cold compress or OTC pain relievers to manage discomfort and swelling.

If an injury or damage to your teeth has also occurred, make sure to call us to schedule an appointment. Should your injury be the result of a sports accident, then we may recommend a custom-made athletic mouthguard.

However, if the bleeding in your mouth doesn’t stop within 10-15 minutes, you should go directly to your local ER for assistance.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

The average lifespan of dental restoration is around seven years, so we regularly deal with missing fillings or lost dental crowns in Frisco at our practice. It’s important to address this issue in a timely manner to keep it from progressing into something more serious, like a dental infection. That’s why we recommend calling our office as soon as you notice your restoration is lost.

If you’re able to find your missing filling or crown, you can rinse it off and secure it back onto your tooth using a dab of denture adhesive or toothpaste. If your restoration is lost, you can purchase a filling replacement kit at your local pharmacy and fill the area in until you’re able to see us, preventing any bacteria from entering the tooth.

If your restoration can be repaired, we’ll do that. If it’s too damaged to salvage, we’ll permanently replace the crown or filling.

Loose Permanent Teeth

When a tooth has been knocked loose but hasn’t been completely dislodged, it is extruded. Other times, a tooth may gradually become loose due to a serious underlying condition like periodontal disease. If you want to save the tooth from being lost permanently, it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

After calling our emergency dental office and setting up an appointment, take Ibuprofen or another OTC pain reliever if needed. You can also hold a cold compress to the outside of your mouth for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Do not chew or bite down on anything until after you receive emergency dentistry treatment in our dental office.

If your tooth was knocked loose as part of an accident or injury, we will likely try to splint it to another tooth to hold it in place as it heals naturally. However, if your tooth is loose due to the advanced stages of gum disease, we will first treat the infection with periodontal therapy. If the tooth can’t be saved, we may need to extract it and replace it with a dental bridge or implant.

Jaw Pain or Clenching

Jaw pain can be debilitating and may get worse if left untreated. While you will likely not need an emergency appointment, we will want to see you right away to help you overcome your jaw pain. You may suffer from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or TMJ disorder, both of which can wreak havoc on your teeth and jaw joints. We have treatments to address these issues before they cause a dental emergency.

Before you’re properly diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ disorder, avoid any habits that could make your symptoms worse. Eat soft foods and avoid extreme or unnecessary jaw movements as much as possible. Take anti-inflammatory pain medication along the lines of Ibuprofen if you think you need it. Try to avoid resting your chin on your hand.

First, we’ll determine what may be causing your pain. If signs indicate bruxism, a custom-made nightguard for bruxism may be the solution. We also offer TMJ therapy services to help you pinpoint and make a treatment plan for this jaw problem.

If your jaw is broken or dislocated, go to your local ER immediately.

Something Stuck Between Teeth

If you have a bit of food or another type of object that is stubbornly lodged between your teeth, tie a knot in some waxed dental floss. Insert the floss between your teeth and move it back and forth, trying to dislodge the food or other object with the knot. It might help to rinse with warm saltwater beforehand to soothe your sore mouth and perhaps loosen the offending item. If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, do not resort to using a toothpick, tweezers, knife, or other sharp object to try to poke it out. In doing so, you could inadvertently harm your teeth or gums. Instead, visit us for professional help.

What Emergency Dental Care Costs

Emergency visits vary widely in cost depending on the issue and what treatment is needed. After your exam, we’ll go over all costs with you before proceeding. The earlier you address the problem, the less extensive—and less expensive—it’s likely to be.

Some issues can be resolved with minor treatment, like a filling. Others might require a crown, root canal, or even tooth replacement. Whatever the situation, we’ll explain your options clearly so you can make informed decisions.

No Two Dental Emergencies Are Alike

Emergency dental care in Plano can vary in cost depending on your specific situation. Once you’re here, we’ll examine your teeth and gums to determine what’s going on and what kind of treatment is needed. Sometimes, a simple fix—like a filling or medicated rinse—is all it takes. Other times, the solution might involve something more advanced, such as a root canal, crown, or even an extraction followed by a replacement option.

If there’s more than one path forward, we’ll talk through your options in detail—including what each one involves and how much it may cost—so you can make the decision that’s best for you.

Will Insurance Help Cover Emergency Dental Care?

Most dental insurance plans include coverage for emergency visits, and many offer one emergency exam per year. Depending on the procedure, your plan might cover 40% to 80% of treatment costs. We’re happy to work with most major PPO providers and will handle claim filing for you to help maximize your benefits.

Making Care Affordable Without Insurance

No insurance? Or facing a cost that isn’t fully covered? We also offer CareCredit® financing. This lets you break up treatment costs into monthly payments—with little or no interest for many plans. You can even use it for cosmetic repairs, like a veneer to fix a chipped tooth.

Preventing Dental Emergencies in the First Place

Accidents happen—but many dental emergencies can be avoided with a few simple habits:

  • Keep up with regular cleanings and exams
  • Brush and floss daily
  • Eat a tooth-friendly diet (less sugar, fewer acidic foods)
  • Use a nightguard if you clench or grind
  • Never use your teeth as tools (seriously—don’t open bottles with them)

Dental insurance typically covers preventive visits in full, so don’t skip them. Catching small problems early keeps them from becoming big, painful ones later.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Not all dental emergencies are avoidable, but there are steps you can take to greatly reduce your risk. While this definitely includes routine checkups with our team, it’s far from the only way to prevent dental emergencies in Frisco. We invite you to take a moment to read through these five simple precautions that will minimize the risk of sudden harm to your smile.

Cavities, gum infections, and many other oral health problems don’t cause pain or discomfort in the early stages. This means that you might have a dental emergency in the near future without even knowing it! Luckily, an easy way to stop these problems in their tracks is to attend at least two checkups and cleanings per year. Not only can we detect and address these issues early on, but our hygienists can remove built-up plaque and tartar that contribute to dental emergencies.

Of course, keeping your pearly whites clean in between appointments is also essential. Make sure to brush your teeth for two full minutes when you first wake up and again right before bed. You should also floss at least once a day to clean the spaces between your teeth. Lastly, rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash on a regular basis can help disinfect the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss cannot access.

Your diet also impacts your risk of developing a dental emergency. For instance, overconsumption of sugary and starchy items makes it easier for dangerous oral bacteria to produce acid that damages your gums and tooth enamel. These foods and beverages are fine in moderation, but be sure to also incorporate plenty of mouth-healthy foods into your diet. Fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, celery, and carrots are great because their fibrous skins naturally scrub the teeth clean.

Sports-related injuries to the mouth are a common reason why patients have to visit our emergency dental office in Frisco. Wearing a mouthguard is the best way to shield your smile from damage. Similarly, we can provide nightguards to wear while sleeping to protect against long-term damage from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). In both cases, we can provide custom mouthguards that deliver a more comfortable fit and more effective protection than the cheaply made guards from the drugstore.

Teeth are quite strong, but they are far from indestructible. In general, you shouldn’t use your teeth for anything other than chewing food. Chewing on hard, inedible items like pen caps, ice, or fingernails can lead to breakage. Using your teeth to open packaging, pop off a bottle cap, or crack nuts can also chip or crack a tooth. Safeguard your smile by taking the time to select the right tool for the job.

Emergency Dentistry FAQ

When something unexpected happens, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about dental emergencies. Our Plano team is here to walk you through what to do and how to get relief—no matter the situation.

How Do I Treat a Toothache At Home?
A severe toothache can be a sign that you have a serious dental emergency on your hand, which is why the first step you should take is to call our dental office to set up a time when you can come in. Once that’s done, here are some home remedies to help ease your pain until you reach our dental office:

  • Add ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse it around your mouth to reduce inflammation.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen as directed on the packaging.
  • Place a cold compress on the outside of your face for 10-minute intervals.
  • Place a slightly warmed peppermint tea bag on the affected area to numb pain and soothe sensitive gums.

When Should I Visit the ER for a Dental Emergency?

There are some injuries that our dental office isn’t equipped to treat, like ones that require immediate medical attention. In these situations, you’ll need to visit your local emergency room. Once you’ve received the medical help you need, we’ll be more than happy to take care of any of your dental needs. Some examples of when you should visit your ER first include:

  • Broken or fractured jaw
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Bleeding that won’t stop

Are Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Extreme tooth sensitivity can be a sign of several issues, including an infection or receding gums. Both of these are serious concerns that should be dealt with immediately by your emergency dentist in Frisco. If you’re experiencing persistent sensitivity, schedule an appointment. If you believe that your sensitivity could be caused by worn-down enamel, try using sensitive toothpaste. Either way, be sure to contact our dental office for first-aid advice and to determine whether your situation should be handled with urgency.

I’m Scared of the Dentist. Can They Put Me to Sleep During My Emergency Visit?

You’ll want to start by calling our practice to get an appointment scheduled. When you do, a team member can get your visit set up and provide guidance on managing your symptoms. We’ll work hard to get you scheduled to visit the same-day you call. Most hospital ER’s are not equipped to handle dental emergencies, which is why it’s best to call our office directly in most cases instead. However, life-threatening emergencies should trigger a call to 911 immediately. Keep in mind that dental emergencies are typically an indication of a larger problem that needs addressing. Always stay on top of routine checkups so our team has an opportunity to catch problems early.

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