Emergency Dentist in Amarillo, TX

Dental emergencies are stressful and often painful. At Austin & Tatum Dental, Dr. Delton Tatum and Dr. Steven Austin provide same-day emergency care in Amarillo, TX whenever possible – for both new and existing patients. We understand you need relief quickly, and we’ll do our best to see you promptly. Whether you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or another urgent concern, we’re here to help with calm, effective care.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Amarillo, TX

We understand that emergencies happen without warning. That’s why we keep time open in our schedule for urgent situations. Both existing patients and new patients are welcome when we have availability. The sooner you call, the better chance we have of seeing you the same day.

Our existing patients receive priority scheduling for emergencies whenever possible. We keep daily time blocks open specifically for unexpected urgent needs – broken teeth, severe pain, lost crowns, and other problems that can’t wait for a regular appointment. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us right away.

Even if you’re not currently a patient, we’ll do our best to accommodate you when dental emergencies strike. We understand you need help now, not next week. Call as soon as possible – the earlier in the day you reach us, the better chance we have of fitting you into the schedule. We’ll work to get you seen quickly and out of pain.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat in Amarillo, TX

Dental emergencies range from severe pain and infection to trauma and damaged restorations. Whatever the cause, prompt treatment prevents complications and relieves discomfort. We handle most urgent dental situations in our office without referring you elsewhere.

Severe Toothaches and Abscesses

Sudden, intense tooth pain usually signals infection, deep decay, or nerve damage. Abscesses are particularly serious – they’re infections that need prompt professional treatment. We provide same-day evaluation to identify the cause and offer relief through treatment or medication. Tooth infections can worsen quickly, so it’s important to call us as soon as symptoms appear.

Broken or Cracked Teeth

Teeth can break from accidents, biting hard foods, or weakened enamel. A broken tooth needs prompt attention to prevent infection and further damage. We stabilize the tooth with bonding or a crown, protecting the nerve and restoring function. The sooner you’re seen, the better chance we have of saving the tooth and avoiding more extensive treatment later.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

When fillings or crowns come loose or fall out, the exposed tooth becomes vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and breakage. We provide temporary repair if needed and schedule prompt replacement to restore your comfort and protection. Bring the crown with you if you still have it – sometimes we can re-cement it the same day.

Knocked-Out or Dislodged Teeth

A knocked-out tooth requires quick action for the best chance of saving it. Handle the tooth by the crown only (not the root), rinse it gently if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist in milk or saliva. Call us right away – treatment within 30-60 minutes of the injury gives the best chance of successful re-implantation.

Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries

Cuts, tears, or punctures inside your mouth can bleed heavily and risk infection. Rinse gently with warm water and apply light pressure with clean gauze. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, call us right away. We’ll evaluate the injury, clean it properly, and provide care to promote healing while preventing infection.

Pain Relief and Comfort Options

Emergency treatment doesn’t mean rushed treatment. We take time to diagnose the problem correctly and address your pain properly. Our goal is lasting relief, not just temporary comfort until you can get “real” care somewhere else.

We quickly identify what’s causing your pain – whether it’s infection, nerve inflammation, decay, or trauma – and address it directly. Depending on the situation, we may prescribe antibiotics for infection, provide medication for pain management, or perform immediate treatment like drainage, extraction, or root canal therapy. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what happened and what comes next.

Emergency situations are already stressful. If you’re anxious or sensitive to pain, we offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation to help you stay calm during treatment. Even in urgent situations, we maintain our gentle, compassionate approach. You’re not just a problem to fix – you’re a person who needs care and reassurance.

What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist in Amarillo

While you're arranging to come see us, here's what you can do to manage common emergencies at home. These tips provide temporary relief but are not substitutes for professional care.

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food. You can take over-the-counter pain medication as directed, but don’t place aspirin directly on your gums – it can burn the tissue. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods. Call us as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Handle the tooth only by the crown (the white part you normally see). Rinse it gently if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist by placing it in milk, your saliva, or a tooth preservation solution. Don’t let it dry out. Call us right away – treatment within 30-60 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

Broken Crown or Filling

Avoid chewing on the affected side and keep the area as clean as possible by rinsing with warm water. If you still have the crown, bring it with you – we may be able to re-cement it. If the area is sensitive, you can temporarily cover it with dental wax or sugar-free gum until you reach our office. Don’t use super glue or other adhesives.

Swelling or Abscess

Don’t attempt to pop, drain, or puncture a swollen area or abscess – this can spread infection. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling and call us as soon as possible. Abscesses are serious infections that require professional treatment.

When to Visit an Emergency Dentist vs. the ER in Amarillo, TX

Most dental emergencies should be treated by a dentist, not a hospital emergency room. ERs typically can’t provide definitive dental treatment – they can only offer pain medication and antibiotics, then refer you to a dentist anyway. Come directly to us for faster, more effective care.

Visit our dental office for tooth pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, or any other dental concern. We’re equipped to handle these problems and provide same-day appointments when available. Dental problems rarely improve on their own – early treatment prevents complications.

Go to the emergency room if you experience facial fractures, jaw injuries with suspected broken bones, uncontrolled bleeding that won’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that’s closing your airway. These are medical emergencies that require hospital-level care. We can collaborate with local emergency rooms when necessary for comprehensive treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry in Amarillo, TX

Any situation causing severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or risk of losing a tooth should be treated as an emergency. This includes intense toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth with sharp edges or exposed nerves, abscesses, lost crowns or fillings causing pain, and injuries to your gums or soft tissues. When in doubt, call us – we’d rather evaluate your concern and provide peace of mind than have you wait and risk complications.

We strongly recommend calling first rather than walking in. When you call, we can assess your situation, provide immediate guidance, and work you into the schedule as quickly as possible. Same-day care depends on availability, but calling ahead gives us time to prepare and ensures you’re seen as soon as we have an opening.

Yes – most patients receive immediate treatment or medication for pain relief at their emergency appointment. Our goal is to address both your discomfort and the underlying problem during your visit, not just send you home to wait. We’ll explain what’s wrong, what we can do about it, and what to expect moving forward.

Treatment cost varies depending on what’s needed – a simple filling costs less than a root canal or extraction. We provide upfront estimates before beginning work and explain your options clearly. We accept CareCredit financing and file insurance claims on your behalf. Emergency care is an investment in preventing bigger problems and more expensive treatment later.

Yes. We provide gentle, compassionate emergency care for children and help them feel comfortable and safe during treatment. Kids experience dental emergencies too – knocked-out baby teeth, broken permanent teeth, toothaches – and they deserve prompt, skilled attention. We’ll work at their pace and explain what we’re doing in age-appropriate language.

Schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment in Amarillo, TX

If you’re experiencing dental pain or another urgent concern, call Austin & Tatum Dental in Amarillo, TX as soon as possible. We offer same-day appointments whenever we have availability for toothaches, broken teeth, and other dental emergencies. We’ll provide relief and address the problem with the same care and attention we give every patient.