A toothache rarely picks a convenient moment. It shows up at 9 p.m. on a Sunday, in the middle of a work week, or the morning of a family event — and when it does, the most important decision you can make is not to wait. At Madison Square Dental, we have cared for Arlington families for more than 40 years, and one lesson from those decades stands out: dental emergencies almost never get better on their own. Here is how to recognize a true dental emergency, what to do in the first hour, and what treatment (and cost) to expect when you call an emergency dentist in Arlington, TX.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Some problems can wait a few days for a regular appointment. Others need attention the same day. Call us right away — we reserve time for same-day emergency appointments — if you have any of the following:
- Severe or worsening tooth pain that over-the-counter medication no longer controls, especially pain that wakes you at night.
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums. Swelling can signal an infection (abscess) that may spread if untreated. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room first.
- A knocked-out permanent tooth. Minutes matter. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk while you head to our office.
- A cracked or broken tooth — particularly if the break exposes the nerve or leaves a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek.
- A lost crown or filling with sensitivity or pain in the exposed tooth.
- Bleeding that won’t stop after an extraction or injury.
The first hour: simple steps that protect your tooth
While you are on your way to the office, a few simple measures can reduce pain and improve the odds of saving the tooth. Rinse gently with warm salt water to clean the area. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek in 15-minute intervals to control swelling. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label — but never place aspirin directly against the gum, which can burn the tissue. If a tooth has been knocked out, keeping the root moist is the single most important thing you can do.
What happens at a same-day emergency visit
When you arrive, we start with a focused exam and any x-rays needed to find the source of the problem. Our first priority is getting you out of pain — usually within the first few minutes of treatment. From there, our doctors walk you through your options in plain language, with clear pricing before anything begins. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Root canal therapy ($799) to remove infection and save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Modern root canals are far more comfortable than their reputation suggests — most patients compare them to getting a filling.
- A crown ($899) to restore a cracked or heavily damaged tooth to full strength.
- Extraction (simple $149, surgical $249) when a tooth cannot be saved, followed by a conversation about replacement options so a missing tooth doesn’t cause bigger problems later.
- Treatment for infection, which may include drainage and antibiotics before definitive care.
Whenever possible, we complete treatment the same day. If your situation calls for a staged approach, we make sure you leave comfortable, with a clear written plan for the next step.
Worried about the cost? Ask before you decide.
Fear of the bill keeps many Arlington patients waiting until a small problem becomes a big one. Please don’t let that happen to you. We offer free consultations and free second opinions — if another office has recommended extensive treatment and you want a second set of eyes, we will review your case honestly and tell you what we would do for our own family. We also publish transparent pricing on the treatments above, so there are no surprises when you check out.
How to avoid the next emergency
Most emergencies we see started as something small: a little sensitivity, a tiny chip, a filling that felt “off.” Regular checkups catch these issues while they are still simple and inexpensive to fix. If you are new to the area or overdue for a visit, our $129 new patient special includes a comprehensive exam, x-rays, and a cleaning — a simple way to get a complete picture of your oral health.
In pain right now? Call us.
Madison Square Dental is located at 803 Washington Dr in Arlington, and we have proudly served this community for over four decades. If you’re dealing with tooth pain, swelling, or a broken tooth, call (817) 275-2229 and tell us what’s going on — we will get you seen as quickly as possible, often the very same day.