Here to Ease Your Pain

How to Know When It’s Urgent

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth a call. Pain, swelling, bleeding, or visible damage are all signs that your mouth needs attention. Some of the most common emergencies we see include:

• A knocked-out or loose tooth
• Severe tooth pain or swelling in the gums or jaw
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Lost fillings or dental crowns
• An abscess or infection causing persistent pain
• Soft-tissue injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue
• Ongoing bleeding that doesn’t stop on its own

If you’re unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, reach out anyway. Our team will listen, guide you through what to do next, and help you decide whether you should come in right away.

What is Considered an Emergency?

Dental emergencies can range from mild to severe, but as a general indication, if you’re experiencing pain that disrupts your daily life or has excessive bleeding, you need prompt help. Here are some of the most common scenarios we see at our Plano dental practice:

• Knocked out or dislodged teeth, often due to contact sports or trauma
• Lost fillings or crowns
• An infected tooth or abscess causing severe pain
• A chipped or broken tooth
• Toothache cause by cavities or gum disease
• Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, cheeks or tongue
• Persistent bleeding and aching gums
• Swelling in the mouth or jaw, which could indicate an abscess

If you’re unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, reach out anyway. Our team will listen, guide you through what to do next, and help you decide whether you should come in right away.

The Care You’ll Receive in Our Office

Every emergency looks different, but the goal is always the same, to stop pain, protect your health, and prevent further damage. Dr. Ragnell and our team handle a wide range of urgent dental needs, including:

Tooth Pain or Swelling: Toothaches rarely start loud, but they almost always get worse when ignored. We’ll find what’s causing your discomfort, whether it’s a deep cavity, infection, or gum issue, and treat it right away.

Broken or Chipped Teeth: If you’ve cracked or chipped a tooth, don’t wait. We can smooth rough edges, rebuild the tooth with bonding, or cover it with a crown if needed. Acting quickly can save your tooth and your comfort.

Lost Fillings or Crowns: A missing filling or crown can make eating and drinking painful. If you still have the piece, bring it with you, as we may be able to reattach it. If not, we’ll create a replacement that fits naturally and protects your tooth.

Knocked-Out Teeth: If a tooth has come out completely, time is critical. Handle it gently by the crown, not the root, and place it in milk or saliva to keep it moist. Bring it with you immediately. In some cases, we can reattach it. If not, we’ll walk you through strong, lasting replacement options that look and feel natural.

Managing Pain Before You Arrive

While you’re on your way to see us, you can:

• Rinse gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed
• Avoid chewing on the affected side
• Never apply aspirin directly to your gums or teeth

These small steps can help ease discomfort until you’re in our chair.

The Calm in Your Dental Storm

In a crisis, experience and empathy matter most. Dr. Ragnell and our team approach every emergency with steady hands and clear communication, focusing on what’s best for you, not just what’s quickest. We’ll guide you through each step, keep you comfortable, and do our best to get you seen as soon as possible.

Here to Help You Feel Better, Fast

Don’t wait in pain or try to push through it. Call our office, and our team will guide you through what to do next and do our best to get you seen as soon as possible. You’ll be met with calm, compassionate care and a clear plan to get you feeling better fast.

Frequently Asked Questions