Emergency Dentistry

Emergencies happen when you least expect them. Our team at Cinco Ranch Smiles & Braces is here to help with emergency dental care, 24/7.

If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, call our Katy, TX, dental practice at (832) 913-5542. We will give you further instructions and schedule a time for you to come in.

Here, we’ll explore some of the most common dental emergencies and explain how to handle them. Arming yourself with this knowledge can help you have a less stressful experience should an urgent situation arise.

Common Dental Emergencies

There are a number of scenarios that qualify as a dental emergency. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common.

Explore Emergency Dentistry options during a consultation at our practice. Feel free to give us a call at (832) 913-5542 or schedule an appointment online.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A tooth may become cracked or fractured for several reasons. Perhaps you were involved in a sports-related accident. Or, maybe you bit down on something hard. Regardless of the reason, a cracked or fractured tooth should be treated as soon as possible. Bacteria can enter the pulp if a fracture is deep enough. This can lead to a host of other issues.

If you have a cracked or fractured tooth, call our office right away for further instructions. If a piece of your tooth has broken off, locate it if possible and bring it to your appointment with you. To reduce the risk of infection, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. If you have swelling, a cold compress can be applied to the jaw.

Abscessed Tooth

If a tooth becomes infected, warning signs may include a swollen jaw, tender gums, or a severe toothache. This type of infection can spread easily to neighboring teeth, so it’s important to see your dentist right away for treatment.

The only two options for a dental abscess are root canal therapy or an extraction. The sooner you see your dentist, the better the chance of saving the tooth. If you are experiencing discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers until you can make it to our office.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is the most time-sensitive dental emergency. Should this occur, locate the tooth and rinse it off under water. (Hold it by the crown, not by the root.) If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket and immediately drive to our office. If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, place it in a cup of milk or saltwater and bring it with you.

If a tooth becomes partially or completely dislodged from the socket, there is a chance your dentist can replant the tooth successfully. Typically, treatment must be performed within the first 30 minutes. Your dentist can place a stint to hold the tooth in place. If the tooth wasn’t fractured, it can often reattach in about three or four weeks.

Severe Toothache

If you develop a toothache that doesn’t improve with pain medication, call our office right away. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. If there is anything stuck between the teeth, use dental floss to see if you can carefully remove it. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as this can cause irritation.

Soft Tissue Injuries

If an injury has occurred to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or other oral soft tissues, gently clean the area with water, then apply a cold compress. Call your dentist for further instructions. If the bleeding doesn’t slow, you’ll need to see us immediately.

Contact our office anytime.

If you find yourself in a dental emergency, call Cinco Ranch Smiles & Braces. We offer 24/7 emergency care, and we treat you on the same day whenever possible. Contact us online or call us at (832) 913-5542.