Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, causing significant pain and discomfort that requires immediate attention. At True Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand the urgency of these situations and offer same-day emergency dental care in Houston, Texas, to provide relief and restore your oral health as quickly as possible. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to call our office at 281-666-9912 immediately for prompt treatment.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate care to relieve pain, stop bleeding or prevent further complications. Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent, intense toothaches may indicate an infection, abscess, or other serious dental issues that require urgent treatment.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth has been completely knocked out, acting quickly increases the chances of saving it. Place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and call our team immediately.
- Broken or Cracked Tooth: A fractured tooth can be painful and may expose the sensitive inner layers, leading to infection if left untreated.
- Lost Filling or Crown: A damaged or missing restoration can leave the tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. We can replace or repair it to restore function and protect your tooth.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Lacerations or trauma to the lips, gums, cheeks or tongue may require professional care to stop bleeding and prevent infection.
- Dental Abscess: A swollen, painful lump on the gums or near the root of a tooth may indicate an infection that requires immediate treatment to prevent it from spreading.
If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call our office for guidance. Our experienced dentists will assess your symptoms and provide recommendations on the next steps.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is essential to take the right steps before arriving at our office:
- Severe tooth pain: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use floss to remove any trapped debris. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause irritation.
- Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (top) and avoid touching the root. Keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva and visit our office immediately.
- Broken or chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces, if possible.
- Lost filling or crown: If a crown falls off, try to place it back over the tooth using temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. Avoid chewing on the affected side until you see our emergency dentists.
- Bleeding from soft tissue injuries: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding is severe or does not stop, seek immediate medical attention.
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
We prioritize dental emergencies and strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible. Our goal is to alleviate your discomfort, diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment to restore your oral health. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include dental fillings, crowns, root canal therapy or extractions. Please reach out to our office for more information or to make an emergency appointment with Dr. Olagoke Masha or Dr. Jennifer Ogbuehi.
If your dental emergency is accompanied by head trauma, severe bleeding or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room before visiting our office. Your overall health and safety are our top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
What should I do if I have a severe toothache?
If you have a persistent toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to check for trapped food. If pain persists, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and contact our office immediately. Toothaches may indicate decay, infection, or other issues that require professional treatment.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Yes, but time is critical. If you can reach our office within an hour, the chances of saving the tooth are significantly higher. Handle the tooth carefully, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and visit our office as soon as possible.
What if my dental emergency happens outside office hours?
If you experience a dental emergency after hours, call our office for instructions. If it is a severe emergency involving uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling or difficulty breathing, visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Is emergency dental care covered by insurance?
Coverage for emergency dental care varies by insurance provider. Many plans cover urgent treatments such as extractions, fillings and pain management. Contact your insurance provider or our office for details on your coverage.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, you can reduce your risk of injury, tooth damage or other emergencies through preventive care. Maintain good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, wear a mouth guard during sports, and avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice or pens. Address minor dental concerns early to prevent them from becoming emergencies.
What areas do you serve?
Dr. Masha and Dr. Ogbuehi are your emergency dentists in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including Missouri City, Stafford and Sugar Land, Texas! Call now to receive same-day emergency dental care and get your oral health and smile back on track.
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