⚡ Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
Emergency Dentist in Plano, TX
Toothache that won't quit. A crown that popped off at dinner. A kid's tooth knocked out at soccer practice. Whatever the emergency, you need a dentist who can see you today — not next Thursday. We match you with Plano practices that reserve same-day slots for exactly this situation.
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What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue needs same-day care. But some absolutely do. Here's how to tell the difference:
🚨 Needs Immediate Care
- Knocked-out tooth — Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes. Keep the tooth in milk.
- Severe toothache — Pain that doesn't respond to OTC meds. Could indicate infection.
- Facial swelling — May signal an abscess. Can become dangerous if it spreads.
- Uncontrolled bleeding — After extraction or trauma. Apply pressure and get help.
- Broken tooth with exposed nerve — Extreme pain, sensitivity to air and temperature.
- Jaw injury — Possible fracture. Go to the ER if you suspect a break.
⏰ Urgent but Can Wait 1–3 Days
- Chipped tooth (no pain) — Cosmetic issue. Avoid hard foods on that side.
- Lost filling — Cover with sugar-free gum or dental cement from the pharmacy.
- Crown came loose — Re-seat with denture adhesive temporarily.
- Mild, intermittent pain — Sensitivity to hot/cold that comes and goes.
- Sore gums — Unless accompanied by swelling or fever.
- Broken orthodontic wire — Cover the sharp end with wax. See your orthodontist soon.
Emergency Dental Costs in Plano
Emergency dental visits cost more than scheduled appointments — but far less than an ER visit for the same problem. Most Plano emergency dentists charge a standard exam fee plus the cost of whatever treatment you need:
| Service | Cost Range (Plano) |
|---|---|
| Emergency Exam + X-rays | $75–$200 |
| Emergency Filling | $150–$300 |
| Tooth Extraction (simple) | $150–$400 |
| Tooth Extraction (surgical) | $225–$600 |
| Root Canal (front tooth) | $700–$900 |
| Root Canal (molar) | $900–$1,200 |
| Abscess Drainage | $100–$250 |
| Crown (emergency temp) | $200–$400 |
| Re-cement Loose Crown | $75–$200 |
| After-Hours Surcharge | $50–$150 |
ER vs. Dentist: Cost Comparison
An ER visit for a dental emergency averages $500–$3,000+ and usually results in a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers — no actual dental treatment. A Plano emergency dentist visit costs $75–$200 for the exam and actually fixes the problem. The ER makes sense only for jaw fractures, uncontrolled bleeding or swelling that affects your airway.
First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is everything. Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part), never the root. Rinse gently with milk if dirty — don't scrub it and don't use tap water. Try to re-insert it into the socket and bite down on a cloth. If you can't, keep it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
Severe Toothache
Take 400–600mg ibuprofen AND 500mg acetaminophen together (this combo is more effective than either alone). Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Don't put aspirin directly on the gum. Avoid hot and cold foods. If pain persists more than 2 hours after medication, you likely need same-day dental care.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. Take ibuprofen for pain. If the break exposed the nerve (you'll know — the pain is intense), you need same-day care. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek.
Abscess / Facial Swelling
Don't ignore facial swelling. An untreated dental abscess can spread to your throat and affect breathing — this is a life-threatening emergency. Rinse with warm salt water (half teaspoon in 8 oz). Take ibuprofen for pain and swelling. Seek same-day dental care. If swelling is near your eye, throat or neck — go to the ER immediately.
After-Hours Dental Emergencies in Plano
Dental emergencies don't keep office hours. Here's what to do when your emergency happens at 10pm on a Saturday:
Call your dentist's emergency line. Most established practices have an after-hours number that routes to the dentist or an answering service. If you're not yet a patient, this won't be available.
Use our matching service. Fill out the form above and we'll connect you with providers who have the earliest available emergency slots — including weekend availability.
ER as last resort. Medical City Plano (3901 W 15th St) and Texas Health Presbyterian Plano (6200 W Parker Rd) both have 24/7 emergency departments. They'll manage pain and infection but won't perform dental procedures.
Emergency Dentist Questions — Plano, TX
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
You can, but most ERs can only prescribe antibiotics and painkillers — they don't do dental procedures. Medical City Plano and Texas Health Plano will stabilize you (stop bleeding, treat infections, manage pain) but you'll still need to see a dentist for the actual fix. An ER visit costs $500–$3,000+. A dental emergency visit costs $75–$200. Go to the ER only for uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling affecting breathing or jaw fractures.
What if my dental emergency happens on a weekend?
Some Plano dental offices have Saturday hours. For Sunday emergencies, your options are limited to after-hours emergency lines (if you're an established patient), urgent care dental clinics in the DFW metro or the emergency room for severe cases. Our matching service can help you find the fastest available provider — fill out the form and we'll connect you immediately.
How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?
Seek same-day care if: pain is severe and unresponsive to ibuprofen + acetaminophen together, you see facial swelling, you have a fever with tooth pain, there's pus or a bad taste in your mouth, or the pain wakes you up at night. Mild, intermittent tooth sensitivity can usually wait for a regular appointment.
Does insurance cover emergency dental visits?
Most PPO dental plans cover emergency exams and X-rays. Treatment coverage follows your plan's standard breakdown — preventive at 80–100%, basic at 60–80%, major at 50%. If you go to an ER, your medical insurance handles it (subject to copay and deductible). Having both dental and medical insurance gives you the most flexibility in a true emergency.
My crown fell off — is that an emergency?
It's urgent but usually not a true emergency. Save the crown. You can use denture adhesive or even a tiny dot of toothpaste to temporarily re-seat it. Avoid chewing on that side. See your dentist within 1–3 days. The re-cementation costs $75–$200. If the underlying tooth is painful or sharp, seek same-day care.
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