Emergency Dentist — Tomball, TX

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

• Contact us right away. The sooner you give us a call, the better chance we have of restoring your smile. We’ll work quickly to get you seen that very same day. Over the phone, an experienced team member will provide first-aid instructions to help you manage your situation in the meantime.
• Have an emergency exam. When you get to our office, Dr. Geer will conduct a detailed examination to identify the cause of your emergency.
• Review your options. Geer will review his findings with you and explain your treatment options. He will work with you to create a custom treatment plan to get your oral health back on the right track.
• Get the care you need. During your appointment, we may be able to relieve any serious pain you’re in. Our team will work quickly to repair your grin and prioritize your health, safety, and comfort.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

There are two major kinds of emergencies: those that are caused by poor oral hygiene (infected teeth and gums) and those that are a result of some kind of physical injury (damaged or knocked-out teeth). Either way, it’s important to know what to do in these situations to mitigate the damage before you can get to our office.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

Every emergency is different, so naturally different treatments will incur different costs. Don’t worry; we’ll give you a reliable estimate of the final price and will do everything we can to make sure that you get the most out of your insurance benefits.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Good oral hygiene is the key to avoiding infected teeth. Brush at least twice a day, or after every meal if possible; fluoride-based toothpaste is the most effective at fighting cavities. You should also floss at least once every day to clean the areas that a toothbrush simply can’t reach. Be wary of eating too many sugary or starchy foods that could encourage decay.

Do not bite down on ice or other overly hard foods, and never use your teeth to open packages; these practices could potentially crack your teeth. If you play any sports (especially contact-heavy sports like football), always wear a mouthguard.

Dental Emergency FAQs 

No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them, but it’s actually quite common. Whether a toothache wakes you up at night or you knock out a tooth, you need to act fast! Unfortunately, if you’re like many people, you probably don’t know what to do, and you likely have several questions. Don’t worry, your emergency dentist is here for you. We can walk you through first aid over the phone, and we’ll address your concerns during your appointment. While you wait, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear.

Should I go to the emergency room?

You might believe the emergency room is the best place to go when needing immediate dental care; however, there isn’t much the hospital can do. Unless you suspect you have a broken jaw or you have a medical emergency, you should go to your dentist. Most emergency rooms aren’t equipped to handle dental emergencies, so they can’t treat the underlying issue. The best course of action is to perform first aid at home and call our office.

Can I wait to see my dentist?

No one has time in their day for an unplanned trip to their dentist. Although your life is busy, don’t wait for a more convenient time to schedule an appointment. If you wait too long, you might lose your tooth. Instead, it’s best to contact our office right away. We use the latest innovations in dentistry to reduce your time in the chair, so you can get back to your day.

Should I have my tooth extracted?

Extracting a tooth will eliminate the problem at the source; however, it opens the door to a new list of complications. Losing even a single tooth can have devastating consequences for your oral health because you’ll lose density in your jawbone. This increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Not to mention, your self-esteem will also suffer. To maintain a complete smile, you’ll need to invest in a dental prosthetic, which can be expensive.

You can avoid these issues by saving your tooth. Sadly, there are times when a tooth can’t be restored. If Dr. Geer can’t rehabilitate your tooth, he’ll discuss your replacement options, like a dental implant. This replaces the entire structure of your tooth to keep your jawbone strong and healthy. It can also last for a lifetime with the right care, so you’ll never need to worry about paying to have it replaced.

How much will it cost?

There isn’t a set fee for emergency care because the price is based on your individual treatment plan. Many dental insurances cover emergency dentistry. We’ll file the necessary claims to maximize your benefits to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. If there’s a remaining balance, our office accepts several payment options, like third-party financing with CareCredit. We will help you find the solutions you need to keep your care affordable, so you can reinstate a healthy, beautiful smile.