When you have a dental issue, you need timely emergency dental care to alleviate symptoms and protect your health. Even if you take great care of your teeth and see the dentist often, a dental emergency can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of how cautious you are. When a dental emergency strikes, you likely won’t have an appointment already set up.
In these situations, you deserve prompt, compassionate dental care in a convenient location. This is why Dr. Andrew Allouch and our team at Broadway Dental of Pearland offer emergency dental services. Our office utilizes new dental technologies that ensure you are as comfortable as possible while receiving elevated dental care.
When you have an urgent dental need in the Pearland area, we offer same-day appointments. So, if you have a dental emergency or need advice on what to do next, call our office in Pearland for assistance.
We even have appointments available on Saturdays for your weekend dental emergencies.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a broad category referring to any dental concern that requires immediate or urgent dental care. It is often not something you can plan for or anticipate, which makes it extra stressful.
Routine services like dental cleanings aren’t dental emergencies, but things like severe pain, dental trauma, or a knocked-out tooth require same-day dental care.
What Are Examples of Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies need to be addressed quickly. Otherwise, you could be subject to worsening symptoms or long-lasting damage to your mouth.
While there’s not a comprehensive list of all urgent dental issues, some of the most common dental emergencies include:
Severe Toothaches or Tooth Pain
Toothaches and tooth pain are common issues, but you may wonder when they require emergency dental care. A mild toothache or tooth pain caused by sensitivity usually won’t require seeing a dentist right away. However, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment for the next couple of weeks to make sure there isn’t a deeper problem.
If you have consistent or severe toothaches or tooth pain, it’s a good idea to call our office and request emergency dentistry services. Tooth pain can come from cavities, a cracked tooth, or gum disease.
We can offer same-day treatments for relief, such as filling a cavity, and also make a treatment plan to address longer-term needs, like treating gum disease.
Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth is often caused by dental trauma. If you’re playing a sport, trip and fall, or run into something with your face, you may get a cracked tooth. Often, a cracked tooth is quite painful, especially if the fissure is large.
However, even smaller cracks can put your teeth at risk of long-term issues such as infection, so addressing a cracked tooth quickly is important. If the crack is causing your pain, give us a call to request emergency dental services. If the issue is not as severe, we may make an appointment in the next few days.
Knocked Out Teeth
When your tooth is knocked out, it can be rather shocking and upsetting. It can be painful and leave you with a gap in your smile. Knocked-out teeth also occur because of dental trauma. What you should do is keep the tooth moist in a bag and get to our office within an hour. If these conditions are met, we can often save your tooth. If this isn’t possible, we offer replacement options such as dental bridges and implants.
While we do treat knocked-out teeth, if you have severe bleeding from dental trauma, you may need to go to the emergency room instead.
Teeth can also fall out from gum disease or other severe infections. We still recommend visiting us in the hour if that is the case.
Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess is often a serious problem. The infection can spread if left untreated. Dental abscesses also cause pain, swelling, and sometimes bumps filled with liquid on your gums.
If you have a dental abscess, we suggest calling us for emergency dental care, and we will get you on our schedule as quickly as possible. We can drain the abscess and prescribe medication such as antibiotics.
If the infection has spread to the tooth root, we may need to perform a root canal or extract the tooth. Regardless of the treatment plan, we keep you informed through every step of the process and offer comfort with pain relief and sedation dentistry options.
Deep Cuts or Soft Tissue Damage
A cut or tear in your lips, tongue, or cheeks may also require urgent dental assistance. While small cuts and scrapes usually aren’t a big deal and heal on their own, deeper cuts and punctures are painful and may cause bleeding.
When you come to see us with soft tissue damage, we may stitch or bind up the wound and offer medications such as antibiotics.
Jaw Injuries
If you have a jaw injury, we recommend calling our office for more advice. In some cases, we can help you by offering treatment for TMJ pain. In other cases, it’s better to go to a medical doctor for assistance.
Remember that if you have excess bleeding or suspect a broken jaw, you should head straight to the emergency room.
Lost or Damaged Dental Restoration
When you have a lost or broken dental implant, bridge, crown, or filling, getting into our office quickly is a good idea. We can try to save the restoration or replace it. If the damage is causing pain, it’s especially important to contact us.
What Should You Do When You Have a Dental Emergency?
The exact way to respond to a dental emergency depends on the specific issues you have. You can always call our office for help, and our knowledgeable team will give you the next steps to take.
We may suggest going to our office for a same-day appointment or let you know if the issue can wait a few days. We can give you specific instructions on what to do in the immediate aftermath of your dental issue.
We’ve also put together some general guidelines for what to do for each dental emergency.
For a Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Start by washing your mouth with warm water and applying a compress on your face to help reduce the swelling. Do not chew anything on the damaged tooth. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers to lessen the pain.
Lost Dental Restoration
If possible, place the crown or dental restoration back in your mouth using a dental cement that you can find at pharmacies. Make sure not to chew on the affected area. Even if you can place it back in your mouth, contact us so we can permanently attach it.
Dental Abscess
If you have a dental abscess, rinse your mouth with warm water; you can also take pain relievers if you need them. Don’t try to pop the abscess. Because this can be a serious issue, you should call our office for assistance right away.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Because a knocked-out tooth is one of the most pressing dental emergencies, you’ll want to act quickly to try to preserve your tooth. You should pick up the tooth gently by the top, not the roots. Rinse the tooth gently with warm water, but don’t scrub it. Then, place the tooth in a container of milk to keep it from drying out.
Tooth Pain
If the pain is due to stuck food particles, try to gently floss to remove the material. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve tooth pain from various causes. Try to avoid hot or cold temperatures around the tooth.
If you are experiencing any of these dental issues, call our dental office in Pearland today to get treatment.
Charlotte’s Dental Emergency Story
Same-Day Appointments
If you have symptoms like excess bleeding or a suspected broken bone, go straight to an urgent care center or an emergency room. After the immediate problem is addressed, we can help restore the oral and dental issues with same-day care.
We have the flexibility to offer same-day appointments when you need them. So, we can fit you into the schedule right away if you have an urgent dental issue. We realize that dental emergencies are extremely stressful and want you to get the prompt relief you deserve.
While you’re with us, we will do what we can to ensure your comfort. We offer sedation dentistry options for patients with dental anxieties or for those who need extra help relaxing. We understand that going to the dentist can be stressful for some people, so don’t hesitate to ask us for anything you might need.
Not Sure If You Have a Dental Emergency? Contact Our Team!
If you have mild tooth pain, a small cut, or a minor chip or crack in your tooth, you probably don’t need to get immediate care. However, you should still call and make an appointment soon, as these issues can worsen. Our Pearland team can also advise you about what steps to take to relieve any pain or discomfort in non-emergency situations, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
At Broadway Dental of Pearland, we can address all of these emergency issues and more in our comfortable office. We provide sedation dentistry services as well as same-day appointments to restore your teeth and alleviate pain and discomfort.
If you are unsure whether you have a dental emergency, you can always call us to learn more and see what steps to take next.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
We always want to provide clear, straightforward answers to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
At Broadway Dental of Pearland, we aim to create a judgment-free, supportive environment where you feel confident and comfortable exploring all of your treatment options.
What should I do if I experience severe dental pain at night or on a weekend?
If you encounter severe tooth pain outside of normal office hours, call our office immediately. At Broadway Dental of Pearland, we prioritize urgent cases and can often arrange same-day appointments, including Saturday visits.
While waiting for care, you can rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on the affected side, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Avoid applying heat directly to the area, as this can sometimes worsen swelling.
How can I prevent a dental emergency?
While accidents and sudden dental issues can’t always be predicted, practicing good oral hygiene, wearing protective gear during sports, and keeping up with regular dental exams can significantly reduce risk.
Routine checkups with Dr. Allouch and our team allow us to detect small issues like cavities, cracks, or gum disease before they escalate into emergencies. For patients prone to teeth grinding or clenching, custom night guards from our office can also prevent fractures and excessive wear.
Are there emergencies that require a hospital rather than a dental office?
Yes. Situations involving uncontrollable bleeding, severe facial trauma, suspected jaw fractures, or signs of a spreading infection (e.g., swelling of the face, neck, or difficulty breathing) require immediate medical attention at an emergency room.
What can I do for a broken or lost crown, bridge, or filling before my appointment?
If a dental restoration is dislodged, try to keep it clean and, if possible, place it back in your mouth temporarily using over-the-counter dental cement. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and call our office promptly to schedule same-day care.
Our team uses precise digital scanning and restorative technology to ensure that your replacement fits seamlessly and restores function quickly.
What role does sedation dentistry play in emergency care?
Sedation dentistry is available at Broadway Dental of Pearland for patients who are anxious, in pain, or require complex procedures to restore their oral health. Options like oral sedation or nitrous oxide can make urgent dental treatment more comfortable, allowing our team to address the problem effectively without unnecessary stress.
Can dental emergencies lead to long-term oral health issues if not treated promptly?
Absolutely. Untreated emergencies such as abscesses, cracked teeth, or lost restorations can result in infection, bone loss, or further tooth damage. Early intervention not only alleviates pain but also prevents complications, allowing us to preserve natural teeth whenever possible.
Are emergency appointments covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance policies do cover emergency visits or urgent procedures, but some services may be considered out-of-pocket. We provide transparent estimates and work with patients in a judgment-free manner to prioritize care while discussing options and financial considerations.
What should I bring to my emergency appointment?
Bring any dental restorations and a list of medications. This helps our team provide efficient, precise care using our advanced digital tools, including CBCT imaging, iTero scanning, and Medit scanning for both accurate diagnosis and high-quality restoration.
Can emergency dental care improve overall health, not just relieve pain?
Yes. Untreated dental infections can impact heart health, increase systemic inflammation, and worsen chronic conditions. Prompt emergency treatment protects not only your smile but also your overall well-being.
Having a Dental Emergency? Get Urgent Care with Broadway Dental of Pearland
A dental emergency is often stressful and even painful. You don’t want to wait to get dental care to address the issue and alleviate your symptoms. If you have an emergency, we will talk to you about what happened and determine what steps you should take next.
Dr. Allouch and our team in Pearland take a comprehensive approach to all dental problems. In your emergency, we will provide both relief and aesthetically pleasing results. Call Broadway Dental of Pearland to learn more about emergency dentistry services or request an emergency appointment.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Allouch earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. He continues his advanced training at the Kois Center in Seattle, WA, which focuses on research-based education. He is part of the elite 6% of general dentists in the U.S. to earn a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, and he holds an Associate Fellowship with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Allouch specializes in Comprehensive and Implant Dentistry and in enhancing patients’ total health.
