Emergency Dentist — Tomball, TX
We Can Help If Your Tooth is Damaged
A true dental emergency can be scary, which is why it’s important to get help immediately from an experienced dentist you can trust. Dr. Geer has been practicing dentistry since 1977; he’s knowledgeable in many different treatments and has experience treating all manner of oral health problems. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, or if you’re suffering from a severe toothache that’s been bothering you for a couple of days, contact our office immediately; we’ll get you the care you need as quickly as possible!
Why Choose James Geer, DDS for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Insurance-Friendly Dental Practice
- Advanced Dental Technology
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.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Although dental injuries can vary, they typically are described with the same words: stressful, painful, and inconvenient. As such, you want to avoid experiencing one at all costs. Naturally, accidents sometimes happen, but there are several ways you can help protect your teeth and gums from serious harm. Here are a few best practices we recommend to our patients in Tomball:
Visit Your Dentist Semi-Annually
One reason it’s crucial that you visit us every six months for a checkup and cleaning is because it ensures we catch tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health concerns early on, before they necessitate same-day treatment. Additionally, we can clean the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss may have missed, preventing harmful pockets of bacteria from forming. So, your semi-annual appointments won’t just ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful, they will also help protect you from stressful (and sometimes costly) dental emergencies.
Implement a Good At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
Good oral hygiene is the key to avoiding infected teeth and gums. Therefore, 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. Lastly, make sure to rinse with mouthwash regularly. This will help prevent plaque buildup, eliminate harmful bacteria, and keep your breath minty-fresh. If you ever have any questions about how to keep your smile healthy from home, don’t hesitate to ask our team for product recommendations, refreshers on proper technique, etc.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Since your diet directly impacts your oral health, be wary of eating too many sugary or starchy foods that could encourage decay. Instead, do your best to stick to well-balanced meals that are filled with vitamin-rich foods, like vegetables and fruits. Additionally, do not bite down on ice or other overly hard foods. This can result in a serious crack or fracture that requires same-day treatment with our Tomball emergency dentist.
Wear a Mouthguard
In short, if you play any sports (especially contact-heavy sports like football), always wear a mouthguard. This can protect your teeth from damage and your gums, lips, and tongue from a soft tissue injury. Talk to our team about having a custom mouthguard made so yours is the appropriate size and thickness. And, of course, make sure to wear it during games and practices to reduce your chances of experiencing a dental emergency.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Never use your teeth to open a package or remove a bottle cap; these practices could potentially crack your teeth. Always locate the appropriate tool instead. It may take a few extra minutes, but it’s better than having to drop everything to handle a painful dental injury!
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.