Last Chance: $179 Complete Checkup through
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Why People Love San Marcos Dental and Braces

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We Are Your Trusted Emergency Dental Team in San Marcos

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Understanding Dental Emergencies and Injuries

Dental emergencies can occur at any moment, whether from an accident, sports injury, or sudden dental pain. Recognizing what constitutes a dental emergency is the first step toward getting the right care:

  • Severe toothache
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Partially dislodged (extruded) tooth
  • Objects caught between teeth
  • Lost filling or crown
  • Abscess or severe infection

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In the event of a dental emergency, taking immediate action can significantly impact the outcome:

  1. For a knocked-out tooth: Preserve the tooth in a glass of milk or a saline solution and bring it with you to your emergency appointment.
  2. For a severe toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the sore area.
  3. For a chipped or broken tooth: Save any pieces of the tooth, rinse your mouth and the pieces with warm water, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
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Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:

  • Wear a mouthguard during sports and recreational activities.
  • Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, and other hard objects.
  • Never use your teeth to cut things or open packaging.
  • Maintain a regular dental care routine, including professional cleanings and checkups.

Why Visit San Marcos Dental and Braces Instead of the Emergency Room

For dental emergencies, visiting San Marcos Dental and Braces is often the best choice. Our specialized dental team has the expertise and equipment to treat a wide range of dental issues directly. Emergency rooms may not have a dentist on team, which means your dental care could be delayed. By coming to us, you'll receive immediate, expert attention that's specifically tailored to dental emergencies.

Your Trusted Partner in Dental Emergencies

At San Marcos Dental and Braces, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. That's why we're committed to providing immediate, effective care to relieve your pain and address the issue at its source. Our team is here to support you with emergency services designed to preserve your oral health and keep your smile intact.

Common Emergency Dental Conditions and Treatments

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can indicate various problems, such as infection or decay. After evaluating your situation, we may recommend treatment options ranging from fillings to root canal therapy to address the underlying cause effectively.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is of the essence with a knocked-out tooth. If you can get to us quickly, there's a chance the tooth can be reinserted and preserved. Follow the initial steps outlined above and see us immediately.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

For minor chips, a simple bonding procedure may suffice. More severe breaks may require more extensive treatments like dental crowns or veneers to restore the tooth's function and appearance.

Abscess or Severe Infection

Dental abscesses require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. We may need to perform an emergency root canal or prescribe antibiotics to manage the infection.

Meet Our Dedicated Smile Expert

It’s time for families across San Marcos to enjoy going to the dentist! Become a member of our dental family and how we do dentistry differently.

Gentle Dental Care in a Judgment-free Zone

Every smile is welcome here, whether you’re 9 or 90! We foster an environment of openness and support, where sharing your dental needs is welcomed. No judgment, no pressure – just healthy, happy smiles.

Your One-stop Shop Dentists in San Marcos

Get the care your family needs in one convenient location. Our team is certified and trained to provide comprehensive dental care, from preventive services and kids’ dentistry to orthodontics and implants.

Your One-Stop Shop for Your Dental Needs

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Flexible Scheduling Options

Affordable & Accessible Care

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Modern Dental Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that involves severe pain, bleeding, or trauma to the teeth or gums that requires immediate attention. Common emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, abscesses, and lost fillings or crowns.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

If you knock out a tooth, handle it by the crown (the part that's visible in the mouth), not the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but don't scrub. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place. If you can't reinsert it, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or a saline solution and seek immediate dental care.

How can I manage pain until I get to the dentist?

For dental pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the recommended dosage. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. However, avoid applying heat or taking aspirin directly on the gums or aching tooth, as this can worsen the pain.

Can a lost filling or crown be an emergency?

Yes, a lost filling or crown can be considered a dental emergency, especially if there's significant pain or the risk of further damage to the exposed tooth. Cover the tooth with dental cement, available at most pharmacies, to protect it until you can see a dentist.

What should I do if I have a severe toothache?

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently use dental floss to remove any food particles trapped between your teeth. If the pain persists, contact San Marcos Dental and Braces immediately for advice and to schedule an emergency visit.

Should I go to the emergency room for dental emergencies?

While the ER can provide relief for pain and infections, most emergency rooms lack the specialized equipment and expertise to address many dental emergencies fully. For the most appropriate care, it's best to visit a dental professional like those at San Marcos Dental and Braces.

How can I avoid dental emergencies?

Preventing dental emergencies starts with maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding hard foods that can crack or break your teeth, and never using your teeth to cut things or open packages can also help prevent emergencies.

How quickly should I seek treatment for a dental emergency?

For most dental emergencies, especially a knocked-out tooth or severe pain, seeking immediate treatment is crucial. Quick action can increase the chances of saving a tooth and prevent further complications.

Does San Marcos Dental and Braces offer same-day appointments for emergencies?

Yes, San Marcos Dental and Braces prioritizes dental emergencies by offering same-day appointments to address urgent care needs promptly. Our goal is to alleviate your pain and address the emergency as quickly as possible.

New Patient Specials

ADULT COMPLETE CHECKUP

$179
New patients only. Includes exam, X-ray, and cleaning. Must mention or present this coupon at time of booking.
Limited Time Offer. For New Patients Only.
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Do You Take My Insurance?

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United Healthcare
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)
United Healthcare Global (Inside U.S.)
United Healthcare Community Plan
United Concordia - Tricare Dental Plan
United Concordia - Federal Employees Program
UFT Welfare Fund
United Concordia (Encounters)
United Concordia - Dental Plus - PA Blue Shield
UniCare
United Concordia Companies, Inc.
Trigon - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia
Trigon - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colorado
Tricare Retiree Dental Program
Tricare Active Reservists
Standard Insurance Co. of New York
Sun Life Financial (United Concordia)
Skygen USA
Standard Insurance
SelectHealth
Securian/Patriot Dental
Securian Dental
Reliance Standard Life
Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon (out of State Providers)
Public Employee Health Program (PEHP)
Principal
PrimeWest
PrimeCare, Wisconsin State and Federal Employees and Medicaid
Physicians Mutual (Dental)
Oklahoma DRS Doc
Phoenix Health Plans (DentaQuest)
Medicaid of Wisconsin - DentaQuest
Molina
North Dakota Dental Service
Minnesota Blue Cross Dental (UCCI)
MetLife
Medicaid of Wisconsin, PrimeCare
Medicaid of Wisconsin, Humana / TDC
Medicaid of Washington
Medicaid of Virginia, HealthKeepers Plus
Medicaid of Texas - DentaQuest
Medicaid of Utah
Medicaid of Texas - MCNA
Medicaid of Tennessee, BlueCare
Medicaid of New York
Medicaid of Minnesota
Medicaid of Indiana
Medicaid of Michigan
Medicaid of Connecticut
Medicaid of Alabama
HealthScope Benefits
Level
Managed DentalGuard
Managed Care of North America, Inc. (MCNA)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 38 Health & Welfare Fund
Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund
Humana Specialty Benefits State of Florida Dental
Humana Specialty Benefits Florida Healthy Kids Dental
Humana
Humana CompBenefits Federal Plan Dental
Hershey Healthsmile
Healthsource Provident
HealthScope Benefits (Tribute Health Plan)
HealthScope Benefits/ Morris Associates
HealthScope Benefits / EHC Repricing
HealthScope Benefits/ACPMO
HealthChoice Oklahoma
Healthcare Highways
HDS Medicaid
Hawaii Dental Service
Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America
Golden West Dental
Florida Combined Life (Dental)
First Reliance Standard
Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Direct Dental Administrators, Inc.
Dental Guard Preferred
Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators
DentaQuest - Government
DeltaCare USA - Encounters
Delta Dental - Tricare Retiree
Delta Dental of West Virginia
Delta Dental of Washington DC
Delta Dental of Virginia
Delta Dental of Washington
Delta Dental of Rhode Island
Delta Dental of Tennessee
Delta Dental of South Carolina
Delta Dental of Puerto Rico
Delta Dental of Pennsylvania
Delta Dental of Oklahoma
Delta Dental of Ohio
Delta Dental of North Dakota
Delta Dental of North Carolina
Delta Dental of Minnesota
Delta Dental of New York
Delta Dental of New Jersey
Delta Dental of New Mexico
Delta Dental of Nebraska
Delta Dental of Missouri
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