Dental emergencies don’t wait and knowing what to do in the moment can make the difference between saving a tooth or losing it. At InStyle Dental Group in Houston, we treat a wide range of urgent dental situations with same-day appointments, advanced technology, and a compassionate approach.
This guide outlines the most common dental emergencies we treat, what causes them, how to respond immediately, and how we manage them in-office.
Recognizing & Responding to Dental Emergencies
- Toothaches, infections, knocked-out teeth, and broken restorations are common dental emergencies
- Immediate response and care can reduce pain, prevent complications, and save your smile
- Same-day emergency care is available at InStyle Dental Group in Houston
- We treat both adults and children for dental injuries, infections, and trauma
Know What to Do Before You Need It
Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful but knowing how to respond quickly can protect your health and give you peace of mind. Here’s what to watch for and how to take action.
Severe Toothaches or Abscesses
- What causes it: Tooth decay, trauma, infection, or nerve damage
- Symptoms: Sharp pain, sensitivity, swelling, bad taste, fever
- What to do: Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relief, and call us immediately.
How we treat it:
- Emergency X-rays
- Pain relief and antibiotics
- Root canal therapy or extraction (if needed)
Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsions)
- What causes it: Sports injuries, falls, accidents
- Symptoms: Complete loss of an adult tooth from the socket
- What to do: Handle tooth by crown (not root), rinse gently, and place in milk or saliva. Get to our office within 30–60 minutes.
How we treat it:
- Reposition and splint the tooth if viable
- Pain control and follow-up care
- Replacement options if the tooth can’t be saved
Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
- What causes it: Biting hard objects, trauma, grinding, old fillings
- Symptoms: Pain when biting, sensitivity, visible fracture
- What to do: Save any tooth fragments and avoid chewing on the injured side.
How we treat it:
- Bonding or composite filling
- Crown for larger breaks
- Extraction if fracture is below gumline
Lost Fillings or Crowns
- What causes it: Wear and tear, decay under restoration, sticky foods
- Symptoms: Sharp tooth edges, discomfort, exposed nerves
- What to do: Keep the crown or filling if possible, avoid chewing on that side.
How we treat it:
- Emergency recementing or replacement
- Temporary filling or crown
- New restoration created, often same-day
Swelling, Infections & Facial Pain
- What causes it: Untreated cavities, gum disease, trauma
- Symptoms: Swelling of gums, cheek, or jaw; fever; difficulty opening mouth
- What to do: Apply cold compress. If fever or difficulty breathing occurs, go to the ER immediately.
How we treat it:
- Emergency drainage of abscess
- Antibiotics and pain control
- Root canal or extraction if needed
Orthodontic Injuries or Poking Wires
- What causes it: Brackets breaking, wires shifting, injuries during sports
- Symptoms: Gum or cheek irritation, poking wire, broken brackets
- What to do: Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges and call us for same-day care.
How we treat it:
- Clip or reposition wire
- Replace or repair bracket
- Adjust aligner fit
Jaw Pain or Injury
- What causes it: Accidents, bruxism, TMJ issues, trauma
- Symptoms: Jaw stiffness, clicking, swelling, trouble chewing or opening
- What to do: Apply cold compress and avoid jaw movement. Call us immediately.
How we treat it:
- Diagnostic imaging
- Bite adjustments or splinting
- Referral for surgery if needed
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
We also provide emergency care for children, including:
- Knocked-out baby teeth (no reimplantation, but evaluation needed)
- Chipped or broken teeth from falls
- Toothaches or abscesses
- Orthodontic emergencies (braces)
Our team offers a gentle, compassionate approach to make emergency care less scary for little ones.
FAQs
Any oral issue involving pain, bleeding, swelling, or trauma.
No. Delays can worsen damage and risk infection.
We provide emergency care with financing and payment plan options.
Yes, we’re trained to handle pediatric dental trauma.
Ideally within 30–60 minutes for the best chance to save it.
Get Same-Day Emergency Help in Houston
Dental emergencies are never convenient but expert care is always available at InStyle Dental Group. We serve patients across Houston, Bellaire, The Heights, River Oaks, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call us at (713) 690-3368 or Book Online your Emergency Appointment
We’re here when you need us most.