Emergency Dentist in Houston, TX

Every Dental Emergency is Different

An emergency visit to our office is relatively inexpensive, even if it’s scheduled the very same day. During this visit, Dr. Palmer will quickly but thoroughly assess your situation and determine what treatment is needed to relieve your pain. Every dental emergency is different, so the cost of treatment will depend on your unique needs. Common solutions to dental emergencies include:

• Root canal therapy
• Extractions
• Dental crowns
• TMJ treatment
• And more!

Rest assured that Dr. Palmer will explain his findings, the recommended treatment plan, and the estimated costs beforehand so that you know exactly what to expect.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

While every insurance plan is slightly different, most offer some form of coverage for dental emergencies. For instance, at least one emergency exam per year is often fully covered. In addition, many common services associated with dental pain, like root canal therapy and extractions, usually receive partial coverage. Before committing to treatment, it’s always a smart idea to confirm your coverage with your insurance company. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you review the details of your insurance plan and maximize your benefits.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable 

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can still afford emergency dentistry thanks to financing from CareCredit or Wells Fargo Health Advantage Financing. Both of these trusted partners offer budget-friendly payment plans for emergency treatment and other extensive dental procedures, often with little to no interest. By breaking the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments, you can get the urgent dental care you need without busting your budget. Ask our staff for more details on how to sign up!

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

If you like saving money, invest in routine dental care. While some dental emergencies are unavoidable accidents, many happen because of unchecked infection and damage. Practicing excellent oral hygiene at home and visiting a dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long term.

If you do become aware of dental pain or a damaged tooth, however, do not wait to see an emergency dentist in Houston. If you’re concerned about possible costs, remember: these costs will only grow larger the longer you wait. Treating a toothache right away could mean the difference between needing root canal therapy or an extraction and dental implant. 

At Palmer Dental Group in Houston, we are committed to providing urgent dental care at affordable rates. Our team will work to find the best financing option for your budget, so do not hesitate to contact our office in case of a dental emergency.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

With a positive at-home oral hygiene routine, you can reduce plaque buildup and keep your breath smelling fresh. However, even the best brushing and flossing routine can’t prevent as much dental disease when combined with routine dental checkups. Every six months you should visit our office so we can perform a detailed exam, confirm your at-home care is working as intended, and remove any lingering plaque (or tartar, which can only be clean off by a hygienist).

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Every Day

Brushing at least two times each day and flossing daily are the most important steps you can take to prevent dental emergencies. This is because most urgent dental issues appear as a result of poor oral hygiene, triggering major discomfort (usually from a cavity or dental infection). Brush for at least two minutes at a time and find a flossing product that you’ll actually use (whether it’s traditional floss or floss picks). Consider adding an oral rinse to your routine as well for enhanced protection.

Stick to a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Getting a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet is incredibly important not just to your overall health, but your oral health as well. Eating lots of sugar throughout the day only makes it easier for oral bacteria to produce plaque acids that harm the teeth and gums. Furthermore, you should avoid biting on hard foods such as ice, peppermints, and popcorn kernels. These can easily chip or crack a tooth in the process.

Wear a Mouthguard/Nightguard

Are you an active individual? Whether you play football, basketball, baseball or participate in activities with a high risk for sudden impact to the face (i.e. karate, boxing), then you already know the importance of using the right protective gear. The same applies for your smile, and a custom mouthguard will offer the best protection and longevity.

Additionally, if you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can protect them from accidental chipping or fracture wile you sleep. While external factors are usually the cause of unconscious teeth grinding, it’s always better to have some form of protection day-to-day.

Use the Right Tools to Open Packages

Under no circumstances should you use your teeth to perform tasks better suited for a bottle opener, scissors, knife, or another tool. Teeth are strong but they are not indestructible, which means they can easily become damaged when used improperly. Even if you don’t notice any damage to your teeth after using it for inappropriate tasks, you’ll likely notice pain or sensitivity in your tooth afterwards.

My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt. Do I Still Need to Visit a Dentist?

Chipped teeth can potentially leave the inner area of a tooth exposed, which increases the risk of infection. In addition, chipped teeth can also break further without professional attention. For these reasons, you should definitely schedule an appointment with Dr. Palmer if you have chipped your tooth -- even if you are not experiencing any tooth pain. While you may not need to rush straight to our office, do not wait to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment for the near future.

Should I Place My Knocked-Out Tooth in Water?

While you can clean a dislodged tooth by rinsing it with water, avoid placing it in water while you make your way to the dentist’s office. Water can damage the root surface cells of teeth, reducing the chances that your dentist in Houston will be able to reattach it. Instead, try gently placing the tooth back into the open socket. If that doesn’t work, place the tooth in a secure container with either milk or saline solution. Milk contains proteins that stimulate the growth of tooth root cells and prevents the roots from swelling.

Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

Dental emergencies can cause a lot of pain, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should head to the emergency room. In fact, local ER staff often do not have the specialized tools or knowledge to effectively respond to a dental emergency. That is why we recommend patients with a dental infection or injury to contact an experienced emergency dentist in Houston like Dr. Palmer instead. After hearing about your unique situation, Dr. Palmer will let you know if you should book an emergency dental appointment or seek medical attention at the emergency room.

It’s important to note that there are three main exceptions where an ER visit is a better option: jaw fractures and dislocations, serious cuts or lacerations to the face or mouth, and infections or abscesses that swell and cause difficulty breathing.

What Should I Put in My Dental Emergency First Aid Kit?

Preparing a small first aid kit can help you take action quickly in case of a dental emergency. You can store your first aid kit in your car, at the office, or even in your purse or travel bag. Here are the essential items for every dental emergency first aid kit:

• Latex-free gloves
• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen
• Individually wrapped gauze pads
• Small container with a secure lid
• Dental adhesive
• Contact information for an emergency dentist in Houston

Does My Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

While every plan is different, most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for emergencies. For example, if you have a severely damaged or infected tooth, your insurance will likely cover 50% to 80% of the cost of root canal therapy or an extraction. In addition, the emergency visit itself may be fully covered by your insurance. However, because insurance policies can change from year to year, it’s always a good idea to confirm your coverage with your provider before committing to any emergency treatment. If you need assistance, our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you understand the details of your insurance plan and work to maximize your benefits.