Emergency Dental Care in Houston TX (Seen Same Day)
Dental emergencies can be scary. What do you do? Who do you see? Should you go to the emergency room? Can it wait until morning? Juan Carlos Barbosa DDS can answer all of those questions.
Juan Carlos Barbosa DDS offers same-day appointments to handle emergencies even if you have no established family dentist. Our emergency dentist in Houston TX can make room in the daily schedule to assess and treat tooth pain or trauma. Call (713) 524-6900 and ask for an emergency appointment.
Of course, not all injuries happen during business hours. Patients should call our number even after hours to be connected with an on-call dentist for advice and possibly an emergent visit.
Even toothaches can be considered an emergency especially if accompanied by swelling. The source of the pain could be an abscess that needs immediate attention to prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body. Any question about tooth pain should be directed to the office or the on-call dentist. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Some dental injuries may still require an emergency room visit, but most of the time, the ER doctor can only provide some pain relief and the recommendation to see a dentist as soon as possible. The deductibles and co-pays for an ER visit tend to be extreme, as well as the long wait to be seen.
Information About Emergency Dental for Patients in Houston TX
Although prompt care from a dentist is essential, there are simple steps you can take to manage discomfort and protect your oral health in the meantime. Below you will find information about the most common dental emergencies we see, and how to handle each situation.
Toothaches
If you’re experiencing a toothache, start by gently cleaning the area around the affected tooth. Rinsing with warm salt water can help remove debris and reduce irritation. For pain relief, avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause irritation and increase bleeding.
Instead, consider using acetaminophen for temporary relief, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. If the pain continues beyond a day, it’s important to schedule a dental appointment.
Bleeding After Loss Of Baby Tooth
If a child loses a baby tooth and bleeding continues, place a small piece of folded gauze over the area and have them bite down gently. Maintaining steady pressure for about 15 minutes usually helps the bleeding stop. If it doesn’t, seek professional dental care.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Quick action is critical if a permanent tooth is knocked out. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part), avoiding contact with the root. Lightly rinse off any dirt, but do not scrub or remove any tissue.
If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in position using clean gauze. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a container of water and get to a dentist immediately. Acting quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. Applying a cold compress can help manage swelling and discomfort. If you can locate any broken pieces of the tooth, bring them with you to your dental appointment for evaluation.
Suspected Broken Jaw
If you suspect a broken jaw, limit movement as much as possible. You can stabilize the jaw by gently supporting it with a cloth or bandage. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention, so visit a hospital emergency room rather than a dental office.
Stay Calm and Act Quickly in Houston TX
In any dental emergency, staying calm is one of the most important steps. Acting quickly and carefully can help prevent further damage and improve outcomes.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Houston TX, contact Juan Carlos Barbosa DDS right away. Our team is here to provide guidance and care when you need it most.