What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate dental care by a dentist, usually to save a tooth or care for discomfort and pain caused by a dental injury such as a chipped or broken tooth. Other dental emergencies include gum infections and abscesses that can be life-threatening or signs of more serious dental problems.
Dental emergencies are never convenient—and they rarely happen during regular business hours. Whether you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or swelling and infection, Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX is here to help you get the care you need quickly, safely, and with compassion.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Keller TX, we want you to call our Keller TX Dentist office at (817) 431-5514 to schedule a visit with Dr. Tyson Pickett, DDS FAGD at Pickett Family Dental.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, prevent infection, or save a tooth. Common dental emergencies include:
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Severe toothaches or sudden tooth sensitivity
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Knocked-out or loose teeth
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Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
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Swollen gums, face, or jaw
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Dental abscesses or infections
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Broken crowns, bridges, or fillings
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Uncontrolled bleeding following dental treatment or trauma
If you’re not sure your situation qualifies as an emergency, call us anyway. It’s always better to be safe and have our experienced team assess the situation.
Step-By-Step What To Do In A Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can be extremely stressful, which is why we aim to make your response as simple and effective as possible. Here’s what to do:
1. Call Pickett Family Dental Immediately
At Pickett Family Dental, we know that dental emergencies can occurs at the worst times, including during evenings and weekends when every dental office closed. If you are near Keller Town Square and you have a dental issue arise at the worst time, there are options for you.
Please follow our dental emergency plan:
Schedule an Appointment with the Dentist
The first thing you shoulder do when you have a dental emergency is to contact Dr. Tyson Pickett, DDS FAGD. We always have emergency appointments available at our Keller, TX dentist office. Call ahead and let us know you’re coming in, or visit our office during regular business hours for a walk-in appointment.
2. If You’ve Lost a Tooth: Act Fast
Time is critical when a tooth has been knocked out. Gently rinse the tooth with water—don’t scrub it—and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in a small container of cold milk or saliva, and bring it with you. Ideally, a tooth must be reinserted within one to two hours to have the best chance of saving it.
3. Damaged Crown or Filling? Bring It With You
If a dental crown, bridge, or filling comes loose, keep it in a small plastic bag and bring it to your appointment. In many cases, we can reattach or repair it without the need for a full replacement, which can save you both time and cost.
4. Control Bleeding and Manage Pain
Use clean gauze or a cotton cloth to apply gentle pressure to any area that’s bleeding. For pain or swelling, use a cold compress and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin—it can thin the blood and worsen bleeding.
Did You Lose a Tooth? Bring It With You.
When you lose a tooth, the best way to save your tooth or at least help in replacing it is to quickly rinse it with warm water and then place it back in the socket (if it’s intact) or in a container of cold milk. To save a tooth that’s been knocked out, it must be replaced within 2 hours, which means to find the first available dentist.
If it’s not your tooth, but a crown or dental bridge, put it in a small plastic bag to see if we can reattach the tooth when you arrive. If the crown can be replaced, it will save lots of money.
Reduce Your Pain and Receive Treatment
If you’ve experienced an oral injury such as a damaged, cracked, or broken tooth, your mouth is most likely bleeding excessively. Do not worry. Simply clean the area with gauze and stuff it with gauze or cotton balls if that’s all that you have available. This should slow the bleeding.
As for pain, NSAIDs can help if you absolutely need it, because they help with inflammation. However, do not take aspirin, because it’s a blood thinner and can prevent your blood from clotting.
See The Dentist Quickly
We cannot reiterate that going directly to the dentist or scheduling an emergency appointment is extremely important for your oral health, safety, and many times your pocketbook.
Experienced Emergency Dentistry in Keller, Texas
Dr. Pickett has years of experience, the best training, and amazing new equipment to assist with with emergency dentistry. We can help no matter what dental issues you’ve run into. Contact Pickett Family Dental at (817) 431-5514, or walk into our office at 1135 Keller Pkwy, Keller, TX 76248. You can trust us to take great care of you and give you the emergency dental treatment you need to get back to your day-to-day life.