8 Signs You Should Visit an Emergency Dentist in Arlington, TX

June 30, 2023

It is important to know when you have a dental emergency on your hands. Here are 8 signs you need to visit an emergency dentist in Arlington, TX.

Did you know that oral issues don't just affect your dental health? Tooth decay and oral infections impact the rest of your body as well.

For instance, gum disease has been linked to a range of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.

Booking routine dental appointments can benefit not just your teeth, but your overall well-being.

But sometimes routine checkups aren't enough. If you have a dental emergency on your hands (or rather, in your mouth), you need to visit a Dentist in Arlington, TX asap.

Not sure if your situation qualifies as a dental emergency? Scroll on to find out 8 reasons why you might need to visit an emergency dentist.

1. You're Experiencing Severe Pain

If you're experiencing severe pain in your mouth, this alone is enough to warrant a trip to an emergency dentist in Arlington, TX.

Severe pain could indicate that you have a serious abscess or infection. Pain can also be triggered by an impacted wisdom tooth, oral trauma or injury, or advanced dental decay.

The more persistent the pain, the higher the chance that your oral health issue warrants emergency services. Is the pain not subsiding with over-the-counter pain medication? If so, you should definitely book an appointment with an emergency dentist.

2. You're Experiencing Bleeding That Doesn't Want to Stop

Uncontrolled bleeding is usually considered a dental emergency and can indicate a serious issue. It can also lead to excessive blood loss.

Uncontrolled bleeding can result from injury or trauma to the mouth. For instance, if you received a strong blow to your face, your tongue, gums, cheeks, or lips could get injured and bleed profusely.

An emergency dentist can evaluate the injury or source of bleeding. They will also be able to control the bleeding and treat the injury to ensure healing.

If you've had a tooth knocked out or broken, your dentist will determine the best way to replace that tooth.

3. You Have a Knocked Out Tooth

Speaking of knocked-out teeth, this also constitutes a dental emergency. Having a tooth knocked out is a significant injury to your mouth.

It can be incredibly painful and trigger profuse bleeding. A knocked-out tooth can also have serious long-term repercussions if left untreated.

In some situations, your dentist might be able to replant the tooth. But, you have to seek prompt treatment.

If you wait to have your tooth implanted, there is less chance that your dentist will be able to save the tooth. This can cause you to need more expensive, intensive dental treatments such as a dental bridge or an implant.

If you don't have the knocked-out tooth treated, this can increase the risk of infection. Failing to replace a knocked-out tooth entirely can result in surrounding bone and tissue loss. A missing tooth can also impact the alignment of your jaw.

This in turn can trigger headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

4. You Have a Loose Tooth

Maybe you haven't lost a tooth entirely, but instead are dealing with a loose tooth? This too can be a dental emergency.

A loose tooth can result from injury, such as an impact to the face. It can also stem from infection.

If you notice that one of your teeth is loose (and you're not at an age where you can expect a visit from the tooth fairy), you should seek dental care as soon as possible.

5. You Have a Cracked Tooth

Hairline cracks in teeth aren't usually an emergency, but deep cracks can be a serious situation that requires immediate dental care.

Cracked or fractured teeth can be incredibly painful, especially if the sensitive inside layers of the tooth are exposed.

Cracked and fractured teeth can also be vulnerable to infection. It's critical that you seek immediate oral health care to prevent further damage and complications.

6. You Have an Abscess

Dental abscesses are severe tooth or gum infections. They present themselves as a pocket of pus, which creates a painful lump on the gum.

The source of the infection is usually at the tip of a tooth's root and is triggered by bacteria entering a tooth through a bad cavity or crack.

Some symptoms of abscesses include:

A throbbing, excruciating toothache that extends into your jaw (or even your neck or ear)
Fever or temperature swings
Severe swelling in your cheek, neck, or face (in some cases, it might even interfere with your breathing)
Sensitive, swollen lymph nodes
A nasty odor in your mouth

Although abscesses can be temporarily controlled with antibiotics, they should never be left untreated.

Not only are abscesses highly painful, but the underlying infection can also spread if not promptly treated. Untreated abscesses can be dangerous and lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

7. You're Experiencing Swelling

Any time you experience severe swelling in combination with a toothache, you should take swift action.

Swelling is usually a sign that there's an infection present. Although a tooth or gum infection can sometimes subside on its own, it can also quickly get worse.

If you're dealing with a tooth infection, it's always better to tackle it in the earlier stages before the infection can spread or do more damage.

8. Your Filling or Dental Crown Has Fallen Out

Having a filling or dental crown fall out isn't the end of the world, but it can become a serious issue if left untreated.

If a filling or crown becomes dislodged, this opens up the potential for infection. Your tooth may be left with an opening through which bacteria can enter.

To avoid this, get dental care right away if your filling or dental crown has fallen out.

Are You Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Arlington, TX?

If you're experiencing severe pain, or swelling, have an abscess, broken, loose, or knocked out tooth, or a fallen out filling or crown, you might need emergency dental care.

Are you in need of an emergency dentist in Arlington, TX and aren't sure which is the best dentist to choose?

We provide both regular dental and emergency services. Your oral health is our top priority. Book an emergency appointment with us to receive prompt dental care.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.