EMERGENCY DENTIST - WESTCHASE DISTRICT • WEST HOUSTON, TX
We Offer Same-Day Care For Dental Emergencies
Waking up with a searing pain in the back of the mouth, cracking a tooth while playing basketball – these scenarios can happen when we least expect them, and our busy schedules are blown to pieces as a result. At MDRN Dental, we understand how frustrating it can be when you call your chosen dental office for help and are told that there are no open appointment times for days or weeks. Thankfully, Dr. Stapleton goes out of his way to make emergency cases a priority here in West Houston, TX. In most cases, our team can accommodate same-day appointments and provide immediate relief from pain for new and returning patients alike. Just contact us today!
WHY CHOOSE MDRN DENTAL FOR EMERGENCY DENTISTRY?
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Most dental emergencies can be slotted into two major categories. On one hand, there are the sudden, panic-inducing injuries, from chipping a tooth to knocking one out entirely. On the other, there are gradual infections (also known as “toothaches”) that start out lightly uncomfortable and can dramatically worsen without fair warning. Dr. Stapleton has plenty of experience with all of these different scenarios, and he’s ready to help you get your smile back on the right track. Before you reach our dental office, here are some tips for how to manage your condition in the interim:
Toothaches
Toothaches usually signal the need for root canal therapy, although they may also be caused by a piece of stray food/debris that’s trapped between the tooth and gum tissue. To rule out the latter possibility, try flossing and rinsing your mouth with warm water. If the discomfort persists, contact our dental office and then take an OTC painkiller.
Chipped/
Broken Tooth
If any large pieces of the tooth are loose, gather them up and plan to bring them with you. A cold compress can help reduce facial swelling, placing some dental wax or sugarless gum over the injured tooth will prevent any jagged edges from further injuring your mouth.
Knocked-Out
Tooth
Do you still have the tooth? If so, it may be possible to re-implant it – but time is of the essence. Contact MDRN Dental immediately, and if possible, gently place the tooth back into its original socket. If this can’t be accomplished safely, a good alternative is to carry the tooth in a container of milk so that it stays moist.
Lost Filling
or Crown
If you still have the crown, you can always try reattaching it temporarily with the help of some denture adhesive or dental cement, both of which are often available at local pharmacies. This may help prevent any painful sensitivity that could occur. Upon arrival, Dr. Stapleton can properly replace or restore the crown/filling.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While there’s no way to avoid emergency situations with 100% certainty, we have some tips that can help you and your loved ones reduce your day-to-day risk:
- Be careful when eating any foods that are overly sticky or hard. Also, skip chewing on the ice in your cold drinks.
- Use scissors to open packaging instead of your teeth, no matter how frustrating it is.
- Wear the proper oral appliance (preferably a custom-made model) as directed if you regularly play sports and/or knowingly suffer from teeth grinding.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Remember to schedule regular checkups and cleanings at MDRN Dental! By inspecting your smile on a regular basis, Dr. Stapleton can catch small dental problems before they become tomorrow’s emergencies.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Every emergency situation is different, and there’s no way to predict the overall cost of yours without first attending an appointment. Some injuries are mild enough that only a prescription for pain medication is needed, while others could require extensive restorative care or even tooth replacements. Before any treatment begins, our team will be sure to provide a comprehensive financial estimate of recommended services. MDRN Dental is happy to accept a wide variety of dental insurances, and we even offer an in-house membership plan for patients and families without current coverage in order to help make their care more affordable.
