“We usually see [emergency patients] the same day, and we can provide some sort of treatment,” owner Dr. John McEntire said. “We're always happy to take a look. If [the problem] is something we can't handle, we can absolutely refer the patient to the specialists that we work with.”
Rapid response to dental emergencies
Emergencies can happen at any time, and the practice works diligently to fit patients into the schedule as quickly as possible.
“If [the patient] calls early in the day, we work very hard to see them that same day,” Dr. McEntire said. “Every day is different, but we can hopefully see them before lunch.”
One of the most common emergencies the team treats is broken teeth, particularly in older patients who have had large fillings.
“We saw a patient last week who came in with a broken tooth,” Dr. McEntire said. “We make [same-day] crowns in the office, so she left two hours later with a fixed tooth, a brand new crown and no more pain.”
Encouraging early intervention
Patients are urged to not wait until their situation worsens before seeking help. Even minor sensitivity or discomfort can escalate into more severe pain or infection if left untreated.
“If a patient has pain from chewing occasionally, a week later they may have throbbing pain because the tooth is cracked,” Dr. McEntire said. “Awareness is huge. Be aware of your body, know when something doesn't feel right and get it checked out.”
Swelling, throbbing pain or fever can indicate serious infections that require immediate attention. If symptoms appear after hours, the office has a registered dental assistant on call to offer guidance, though patients with severe swelling may be advised to visit the emergency room.
Providing comfort and financial flexibility
Beyond clinical expertise, the practice prioritizes patient comfort, offering a welcoming atmosphere and sedation options when necessary. For those concerned about costs, various payment options are available, including an in-house payment plan and partnerships with third party providers like CareCredit.
“We have an in-house [payment] option where patients can pay for treatment over three months,” Dr. McEntire said. “Since it’s in house, it helps make things simple for the patient.”
A commitment to long-term dental health
While the primary goal of emergency care is immediate pain relief, the team also encourages patients to establish long-term dental care habits.
“If a patient has never been to our office, we focus on taking care of their pain first,” Dr. McEntire said. “Once we put that fire out, we want to form a long-term relationship. We want them to come back for a comprehensive exam, where we're going to take X-rays, check every tooth, check the health of their gums, do a cancer screening and do a cleaning with one of our hygienists. Hopefully then we can avoid those emergencies down the road.”
At the end of the day, the most rewarding part of the job is simple: getting people out of pain.
“I always hate to hear when patients have been hurting for two or three weeks. It doesn't have to be that way. Give us a call. Let us help you,” Dr. McEntire said.
Contact Hutto Premier Dentistry today at 512-846-2646 to inquire about emergency care, and visit their website to learn more about their services.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
