Need Urgent Dental Care? Call Us For A Same-Day Appointment
A toothache that won’t go away, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth—some dental problems just can’t wait. When emergencies happen, knowing what to do before you get to the dentist can make all the difference in protecting your smile.
We offer same-day emergency appointments to relieve your pain and restore your smile quickly. Keep reading to learn how to handle common dental emergencies—then save our number in case you ever need it.
When to Call the Dentist ASAP
When an unexpected dental problem occurs, it can be stressful, painful, and confusing. The best thing to do is remain calm and call us as soon as you can so we can help you determine if you need care right away. While not every dental issue is an emergency, some require immediate attention to prevent further damage, such as:
- Severe toothache: Constant, worsening pain could indicate an infection.
- Broken or chipped tooth: Sharp edges can cut your tongue and gums, and deep fractures expose nerves, causing pain.
- Knocked-out tooth: The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth. Place it in milk and call us immediately.
- Lost fillings or crowns: If you’re in pain or the tooth is exposed, we’ll need to repair it as soon as possible.
What You Can Do Immediately
- For a knocked-out tooth: Handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try placing it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in a container of milk and head to our office immediately.
- For a broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any jagged edges.
- For a severe toothache: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, but don’t put aspirin directly on the tooth.
- For a lost filling or crown: If possible, place the restoration back on the tooth using toothpaste as a temporary adhesive. Otherwise, keep it in a safe place and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies happen unexpectedly, you can avoid many of them with a little extra care. If you play sports or engage in activities where there’s a risk of impact to your mouth, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
Everyday habits also play a role—chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard objects can weaken enamel and lead to cracks over time. Avoid using your teeth as tools—opening packages, cutting string, or biting non-food objects can put unnecessary stress on them, leading to chips or cracks. And perhaps the easiest way to avoid an unexpected dental emergency? Stay up to date with your routine checkups. Catching small issues early—like a weak filling or early decay—can help prevent unexpected pain and costly repairs later on.
Need Emergency Care? We’re Here to Help
When a dental emergency happens, fast action makes all the difference. If you’re in pain or dealing with a broken or lost tooth, contact our dental office located in Houston, TX for a same-day appointment.
