Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or a dental infection. Knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can save your tooth and prevent complications.
At Luxadent in Houston, Dr. Triana and Dr. Perez provide same-day emergency dental care for patients in urgent need. This guide will help you understand what qualifies as a dental emergency, what to do in critical situations, and when to seek professional care.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate treatment to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Some of the most common dental emergencies include:
1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
✔ What to Do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root.
- If dirty, rinse it gently with water (do not scrub or use soap).
- Try to place it back in the socket if possible.
- If not, store it in milk or saliva and see a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
2. Severe Toothache or Abscessed Tooth
✔ Symptoms:
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Fever or foul taste in the mouth
✔ What to Do:
- Rinse with warm saltwater to reduce bacteria.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers (do not place aspirin directly on the gums).
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek.
- Call an emergency dentist immediately—an abscess can lead to a serious infection.
3. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
✔ What to Do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- If there’s bleeding, apply gauze for 10 minutes.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on the injured tooth.
- Call a dentist for urgent repair (bonding, veneer, or crown may be needed).
4. Lost or Loose Dental Filling/Crown
✔ What to Do:
- If possible, keep the crown or filling and bring it to your appointment.
- Apply dental cement or toothpaste to temporarily secure it.
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
- Visit a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
5. Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injury
✔ What to Do:
- Rinse with warm saltwater.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
- Use a cold compress to minimize swelling.
- If bleeding persists after 15 minutes, seek immediate dental or medical care.
6. Jaw Injury or Possible Fracture
✔ What to Do:
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take pain relievers as needed.
- Avoid moving your jaw.
- Go to the nearest emergency room if you suspect a fractured jaw.
Do You Need to See an Emergency Dentist?
Some dental issues are urgent, while others can wait for a scheduled appointment.
| Type of Dental Issue | Emergency or Not? |
| Knocked-out tooth | Emergency – see a dentist ASAP |
| Severe toothache or infection | Emergency – call immediately |
| Chipped tooth (no pain) | Can wait a day or two |
| Broken or cracked tooth (with pain) | Emergency – see a dentist ASAP |
| Loose or lost crown/filling | Can wait a day or two |
| Swollen gums or abscess | Emergency – immediate treatment needed |
| Bleeding that won’t stop | Emergency – seek care ASAP |
| Minor tooth sensitivity | Not an emergency – schedule a checkup |
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call Luxadent at 832-462-6484 for guidance.
How Much Does Emergency Dental Care Cost in Houston?
The cost of emergency dental care varies depending on the treatment needed. Below are common emergency procedures and their average price ranges:
- Emergency exam & X-ray: $75 – $150
- Tooth extraction (simple): $150 – $350
- Tooth extraction (surgical): $300 – $600
- Root canal (front tooth): $700 – $1,200
- Root canal (molar): $1,000 – $1,800
- Dental crown: $1,000 – $3,000
- Filling replacement: $150 – $400
At Luxadent, we accept most insurance plans and offer affordable payment plans to help with unexpected dental costs.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While accidents happen, you can reduce your risk of a dental emergency by:
- Avoiding hard foods like ice, hard candy, and unpopped popcorn kernels
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
- Not using your teeth as tools (to open bottles, packages, etc.)
- Maintaining regular dental checkups to catch small issues before they worsen
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
A: The ER can provide pain relief and antibiotics, but they do not perform dental treatments like fillings, root canals, or extractions. It’s best to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Q: What if I have a dental emergency at night or on the weekend?
A: Luxadent provides emergency care, and we offer after-hours guidance for urgent cases. Call 832-462-6484 for assistance.
Q: Will insurance cover emergency dental treatment?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost for exams, extractions, or root canals. Our team will help you maximize your coverage.
Q: What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
A: If it’s a baby tooth, do not reinsert it—see a dentist for evaluation. If it’s a permanent tooth, try placing it back in the socket or store it in milk and see a dentist within 30 minutes.
Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Houston – Call Luxadent Now!
If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait—seek treatment as soon as possible to relieve pain and prevent further damage. Dr. Triana and Dr. Perez at Luxadent provide same-day emergency dental care to help you recover quickly.Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your day—call Luxadent now for immediate care!