Dental emergencies can be scary. Whether it happens to you or a loved one, you still experience a great deal of stress and worry. But knowing what to do in a dental emergency will help you be prepared so you can stay calm and act quickly. 

In case of a dental emergency, call 254-778-4400 to reach our Temple office or 254-776-1500 to reach our Waco office. During regular office hours we will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. If you reach us after hours, please follow the instructions on our voicemail to leave a message and someone will contact you shortly. For a life threatening emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department. 

What is a Dental Emergency? 

A dental emergency is any situation that is urgent enough to require immediate treatment. This may include a severe toothache, a cracked or broken tooth, or a knocked out tooth. When it can’t wait, even until the next day, it is an emergency. 

What To Do For Dental Emergencies 

Here’s how to handle specific dental emergencies: 

• Toothache. In case of a severe toothache, start by taking an over the counter pain reliever and contact us. We will make plans to see you as soon as possible to provide treatment and relieve your discomfort. 
• Cracked tooth. In case of a cracked tooth, contact us as soon as possible. A cracked tooth is highly susceptible to infection and the crack is likely to worsen the longer it goes without treatment. If you are experiencing pain, take an over the counter pain reliever until you can be treated. 
• Fractured tooth. If a tooth is broken, contact us right away. Save the broken piece(s) in milk and bring them with you to your appointment. 
• Tooth knocked loose. If a tooth is knocked loose but remains in the socket, leave it in place and contact us. The tooth may need to be secured with a splint until the support structures can heal around it. 
• Knocked out tooth. In case of a knocked out tooth, pick it up carefully by the crown and avoid touching the roots. Rinse it off carefully (in a cup or plug the drain) and attempt to put it back in the socket. If you can get it back in place, bite down on some gauze and contact us. If not, place it in a cup of milk and contact us. Either way, you should seek immediate treatment. The sooner the tooth is placed back in the socket, the higher the chance that it can be saved. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Can you put a baby tooth back in the socket? 

If a baby tooth is knocked out do not attempt to put it back in the socket. Doing so could damage the permanent tooth underneath it. In most cases a baby tooth can remain out of the mouth and a space maintainer can be placed to hold the space open for the permanent tooth. 

How long can a tooth be out of the mouth and still be saved? 

Typically the longest a tooth can be out of your mouth and still have a chance of being saved is 30 minutes. When stored in milk or using a tooth preservation kit, the tooth may still be salvageable for up to an hour. 

Why Call an Endodontist for a Dental Emergency? 

A tooth that is infected or has experienced trauma is likely to need a root canal. Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and other endodontic procedures that are designed to save teeth and restore their health. Heart of Texas Endodontics provides emergency treatment during and after hours.

In case of a dental emergency, call 254-778-4400 to reach our Temple office or 254-776-1500 to reach our Waco office. For all non-emergencies, contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment.

On April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse visible from a large portion of the United States. The cities of Temple and Waco, Texas are prime locations to view the eclipse from within the visibility strip across central Texas.

Don’t miss this rare and amazing event. Learn everything you need to know from this guide to the Solar Eclipse of 2024. 

What is a Total Solar Eclipse? 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the sun and moon are in precise alignment so that the moon blocks the view of the sun from the Earth. Partial eclipses happen on a regular basis, but a total solar eclipse is a rare event that occurs maybe once every 3-4 years. 

What Time Will the Eclipse Occur? 

An eclipse is a gradual process that takes place over the course of a few hours. In Temple and Waco, Texas the eclipse should begin around 12:19 PM and reach its maximum point around 1:39 PM. The eclipse will then gradually lessen, ending around 2:59 PM. 

What Does a Total Eclipse Look Like? 

A total eclipse can darken the sun enough that it looks like twilight in the middle of the afternoon. The ambience is often described as unusual to the point of being eerie. As you look at the eclipse you will see what looks like a black disc moving in front of the sun, which is the moon in shadow. It is important that you wear special eclipse glasses to prevent damage to your eyes from looking directly at the sun. 

Where Can I Get Eclipse Glasses? 

Don’t wait to get your eclipse glasses, as they will most likely sell out closer to the date of the event. You can order official NASA approved eclipse glasses here. You can also order glasses from Amazon and other online vendors. Here is a guide to purchasing high quality approved solar eclipse glasses. Look for ISO (International Organization for Standardization) approved glasses to ensure that your eyes will be adequately protected from potentially permanent retinal damage. 

Weather 

It is difficult to predict the weather so far in advance of the eclipse, but typical weather in early April in central Texas is dry and warm, making it an ideal location to view the eclipse. It is important to have clear skies with minimal or no clouds for optimal visibility. If you’re considering traveling to an ideal location to view the eclipse, Temple and Waco Texas are both favorable spots. 

Local Eclipse Events 

If you’re looking for a local event to watch the eclipse, the town of Waco, Texas is hosting an eclipse gathering with Lowell Observatory, Discovery Channel, and Baylor University. Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco is the largest event in the area for viewing the eclipse. General admission tickets are $20 and include eclipse glasses. Astronomers from Baylor University will be on site to answer questions and provide information about the eclipse. There will be telescopes, educational programming, food trucks, and family fun. 

Heart of Texas Endodontics Serves the Communities of Temple and Waco, TX

Heart of Texas Endodontics provides comprehensive endodontic services for families in Temple and Waco, Texas. We are proud to serve our community with specialized dental services that improve oral health and wellness. 
To learn more about our practice, contact us today and schedule an appointment.

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and it's important to take care of it. While we all know the basics of good dental hygiene, many people are unaware of the signs that their tooth might be cracked. Ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to serious dental problems down the line, so it's crucial to be aware of the warning signs.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the five signs that your tooth may be cracked, and what you can do to protect your smile. From avoiding certain foods to visiting your dentist regularly, there are steps you can take to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and strong. So, if you want to keep your smile looking its best, read on to learn more about how to protect your teeth from cracking.

How to Tell if Your Tooth Is Cracked

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swollen or tender gums
• Visible crack or chip in the tooth
• Changes in the bite or tooth alignment

A cracked tooth can be difficult to detect, as the symptoms can be subtle. However, there are a few signs that you can look out for.

The first is pain when biting or chewing. If you experience pain when you bite down on food or chew, it could be a sign that your tooth is cracked. Another sign is sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If you feel a sharp pain or discomfort when you consume hot or cold drinks or food, it could be a sign that your tooth is cracked. You may also experience swelling or inflammation of the gums around the affected tooth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to determine if your tooth is cracked.

There are a few different types of tooth cracks, including craze lines, vertical cracks, and split teeth.

• Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the surface of the tooth and don't require treatment.
• Vertical cracks are more serious and can extend from the chewing surface of the tooth down towards the root.
• Split teeth are the most severe type of tooth crack, and occur when the tooth has split completely in two.

If you suspect that your tooth is cracked, your dentist will be able to determine the type and severity of the crack.

The Dangers of Ignoring a Cracked Tooth

Ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to serious dental problems down the line. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can become infected and lead to an abscess, which can be painful and require root canal treatment.

 In some cases, a cracked tooth may need to be extracted. Ignoring a cracked tooth can also lead to further damage to the tooth or surrounding teeth. It's important to address a cracked tooth as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome.

Causes of Tooth Cracks

There are several causes of tooth cracks, including:

• Biting down on hard objects such as ice or hard candy
• Trauma to the face or mouth
• Bruxism, or teeth grinding
• Large fillings that weaken the tooth structure
• Age-related wear and tear

While some of these causes can be avoided, others are out of our control. However, there are steps you can take to protect your teeth from cracking.

The best way to prevent tooth cracks is to practice good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. It's also important to avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice or hard candy. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you have large fillings that weaken the tooth structure, your dentist may recommend a crown to provide additional support. It's also important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, as they can detect and treat tooth cracks before they become more serious.

Treatment Options for Tooth Cracks

The treatment for a cracked tooth will depend on the type and severity of the crack. If the crack is minor, your dentist may simply smooth out the tooth's surface.

If the crack is more severe, your dentist may recommend a filling or crown for additional support. Sometimes, a root canal may be necessary to remove infected tissue from the tooth. If the crack is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge.

If you suspect that your tooth is cracked, it's important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to determine the type and severity of the crack, and recommend the appropriate treatment. Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's still a good idea to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to detect and treat any potential tooth cracks before they become more serious.

Cracked Teeth Treatment in Temple

By being aware of the signs of a cracked tooth and taking steps to prevent tooth cracks, you can protect your teeth and keep your smile looking its best.If you suspect that your tooth is cracked, don't ignore it. Visit your dentist as soon as possible to determine the type and severity of the crack and ensure the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 254-778-4400.

A cracked tooth may seem rather harmless, especially since it is not a broken tooth. You may even believe that if you leave it alone long enough that it will heal on its own. But, that is simply not the case. 

A cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Instead, treatment by an endodontist must be sought.

A Cracked Tooth: The Causes

There are many different causes of a cracked tooth. It may happen when you are eating something you have had a thousand times over, like pretzels or popcorn. Or it may be the result of a baseball that you didn’t catch as you have so many times before. 

Nobody plans on having a cracked tooth. They just happen. And they may stem from the following situations: 

• Biting down on hard foods, such as ice, hard candy, pretzels, etc.
• Large dental fillings 
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Age
• A misaligned bite

As we go through life, we put our teeth through a lot of work. Because of this, they begin to wear down and get weaker as we get older. Small cracks often form that you are not often able to see. Sometimes it doesn’t take much for a tooth to finally crack. 

A Cracked Tooth: The Signs 

It is assumed that if you want to know whether a tooth is cracked, all you have to do is look at it. However, it is not always that easy. 

So if you cannot see it, how else will you know that you are dealing with a cracked tooth? 

• Pain that is not chronic, but rather intermittent. 
• Sensitivity to temperature, such as hot or cold food or drinks. 
• Infection or inflammation at the gum line is possible. 
• Discomfort or pain when biting or chewing

A cracked tooth doesn’t always come with symptoms. There are times when you may very well have a cracked tooth, but you don’t even know. 

A Cracked Tooth: The Treatment

There are different types of cracks, each requiring a different approach to treatment. For instance, craze lines are just small shallow cracks and they don’t often need any treatment. But for a tooth that is truly cracked, a root canal is often needed. 

Root canal treatment will help to relieve the pain often associated with a cracked tooth. As it heals and all infection is treated, steps can be taken to secure a dental crown. This will cover the tooth and protect it, giving you the chance to save your natural tooth. 

If the crack goes below the gumline, it may not be treatable and may require an extraction. In this situation, a dental implant would likely be recommended. 

Not addressing a cracked tooth will not allow it to heal on its own. Instead, it can lead to an infection that can spread throughout the tooth and into your jawbone.  Have it addressed as soon as possible. 

Treat Your Cracked Tooth 

If you have a cracked tooth, don’t delay getting treatment. Remember, the longer you ignore it - the greater chance you have of causing more damage. 

The specialists at Heart of Texas Endodontics can provide you with the treatment you need to save your natural tooth. 
To learn more or to make an appointment, contact us today at 254-778-4400. Or, request an appointment online.

Maintaining good oral health is important for your teeth and gums, as well as your overall health. For the most part, your dentist plays a significant role in helping you to maintain this. However, there may come a time when a specialist is necessary.

If you are dealing with an infection, disease, or injury that impacts the soft tissues inside the tooth, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. 

What is an Endodontist? 

An endodontist is a dental specialist that has undergone additional training after graduating from dental school. This gives them the skills they need to treat and handle the soft tissues found inside the tooth in order to save it. In fact, the term endodontist itself comes from the Greek words for inside and tooth.

Treatments may be provided by an endodontist for issues such as: 

• Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
• Infected teeth
• Abscesses
• Inflamed pulp

While root canal therapy is one of the most commonly performed procedures, understanding how to approach issues within the tooth - as well as how they happened in the first place - all become part of an endodontist’s skill set.  

Treatments Provided By an Endodontist

The ultimate goal of an endodontist is to save natural teeth. Although there are many different options available for artificial replacements, there is nothing as perfect as a real, natural tooth. So taking every step possible to save it is always the best choice. 

A few of the most common treatments they offer include: 

Root canal therapy: For decay that has made its way into the pulp area of the tooth, inflammation and infection can occur. This treatment allows the dentist to remove the pulp and clear out the infection before sealing it so that it may heal. 

Endodontic retreatment: Most teeth treated with root canal therapy are able to be healed without any further issues. Every now and then, pain and infection can reoccur and end up requiring a second root canal-type treatment known as endodontic retreatment. 

Endodontic surgery: Often referred to as apical surgery or an apicoectomy, endodontic surgery is required when the infection reaches down into the tip of the root where it meets the jaw bone. 

Pulpotomy: The pulp is located within the tooth and it can, for one reason or another, become infected. A pulpotomy removes the damaged part of the pulp and allows the healthy part to remain and heal within the sealed tooth.  

Cracked Teeth: Different types of dental trauma can lead to cracked teeth. Some cracks just require treatment for aesthetics whereas others will require more in-depth endodontic treatment - especially if the crack goes beyond the gum line. 

In all, tooth decay and dental trauma that impact the pulp of a tooth can be incredibly painful for patients. Using specialized equipment and treatments, endodontists are able to offer relief from this pain and provide an opportunity for healing. 

Endodontic Treatment in Temple, TX

If you are in need of an endodontic team of specialists, Heart of Texas Endodontics has you covered. With a strong focus on our patients and their overall experience, we use only the most advanced procedures and technologies to save teeth and provide full restorations. 

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at 254-778-4400. Or, request an appointment online. 

Simply put, having root canal therapy can save your tooth. 

Endodontists perform this procedure every single day to help restore teeth that have been taken over by decay. What was once seen as a serious, complex dental treatment years ago has become about as common as an everyday filling today. Yet, even with the latest procedure techniques and advanced technology, root canal treatments require a great amount of precision and skill in the most intricate surroundings in order to be successful. 

A root canal may provide you with a lot of relief, but at what cost? 

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is an endodontic procedure that opens up a tooth and exposes the root canal. Any pulp tissue that is infected within the canal can then be removed. Using varied sizes of files, any infected tissue will be removed and root canals will be enlarged and smoothed so that there is nowhere for the infection to hide. To prevent any further issues, the endodontist will clean and disinfect each of the canals before placing a temporary seal over the tooth. Time will be given to allow the infection to fully heal without allowing any more bacteria in. 

As a more permanent solution, a crown or filling is used to seal off the tooth and restore its integrity once healing has occurred. 

The Cost of a Root Canal in Temple, TX

On average, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $700 to $1,400 for a root canal. To gain a better idea of cost as it pertains to your needs, meet with your endodontist for a consultation. 

You never want to put off getting a root canal due to the cost. Tooth decay will continue to spread and can lead to more serious issues with your oral health and overall health. If you are concerned about affording the procedure, talk to your endodontic team. There are many different payment options available, including dental insurance and financing options. 

 Factors that Impact the Cost of Your Root Canal

All root canals are not created equal as there are many different factors that play a role in the procedure.  

Location of the tooth: Where the tooth is located in the mouth can impact the cost of the root canal. For example, those in the front of the mouth are often less costly than those in the back. Larger teeth have more root canals and can lead to a longer, more in-depth procedure. 

The extent of decay: Just how badly the decay has spread throughout the tooth is a factor in cost. A lot of decay will require a greater amount of time and attention to clear it all out and make sure that it is gone. And this can potentially result in a greater cost. 

Restoration: Once the infection is removed and the tooth has had time to heal, your endodontist will either place a filling or a crown to help restore the tooth in both appearance and functionality. However, the cost of each will differ. Fillings are a more affordable option, but not always the most effective choice. Dental crowns are a bit more costly and can vary greatly in cost depending on their material. 

Finally, you will want to keep in mind that you may encounter charges for your consultation, x-rays, anesthesia/sedation, and so forth.

Root Canal Therapy in Temple, TX

If you are in or around the Temple, TX area and think you may need a root canal, you need a team of highly skilled dental specialists. At Heart of Texas Endodontics, we provide the most comfortable patient experience with individualized treatment goals. And, we use the most advanced procedures and technologies to remove the infection from your ailing tooth and fully restore it. 
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at 254-778-4400. Or, request an appointment online.