Emergency DentistHouston, TX

Reasons for Needing an Emergency Dental Visit

The American Dental Association reported that the number one cause of adult tooth damage every year is playing sports. This spans all types of athletics and creates the need for emergency appointments throughout Houston, TX. Children involved in sports face equal risk of damaging their teeth. Even a backyard game of basketball can lead to a tooth being damaged or knocked out. By having your child wear a mouth guard, you can help to protect your child's teeth. However, when an emergency strikes, call (281) 822-6600.

Car accidents are another cause of tooth injury. While the enamel on your child's teeth is strong, it may not be strong enough to prevent a tooth from breaking when colliding with the back of a seat or part of the car. With millions of accidents a year, teeth are more common of a victim than people realize. We recommend that patients of Memorial Pediatric Dentistry, get examined at a local emergency room after being in a car accident, just to make sure that they have not sustained any physical injuries. Afterwards, patients in the Houston, TX, area should call for a dentist appointment. The emergency room does not treat tooth damage, so you will need to see both types of medical providers.

Houston, Texas Emergency Dentist

Severe and sudden toothaches are another reason people in Texas end up needing an emergency dentist. David Tang, DDS, can examine children's teeth, and determine what is causing the pain. It may be a little cavity that grew into a big one, now requiring a root canal. Another possibility is gum disease, which can cause the gums to recede, leaving the tooth and root exposed. Both can lead to intense pain and require emergency treatment. We do our best to make sure that patients of Memorial Pediatric Dentistry, are treated right away and kept comfortable during the procedure. We will also make sure that our patients return home with the necessary steps and medications to feel comfortable after the procedure.

If a tooth infection is left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to a dental abscess. An abscess is a major tooth infection that can settle into the jawbone and the floor of the mouth. If it does, oral surgery may be necessary to remove the infection. We can let you know if we see an abscess during your child's dental exam with David Tang, DDS.

How can I relieve dental pain while waiting for an emergency dental appointment?

We help children, throughout Houston and the surrounding area, stay comfortable and live a pain-free life. If your child comes into our Memorial Pediatric Dentistry, offices experiencing pain, we will identify what is creating the issue and recommend the treatment options available for dealing with it. Often, we will also prescribe medication to help with the pain. This can prevent your child from feeling discomfort during the procedure and afterward. You may also want to apply a cold compress/ice pack to the area in order to reduce or prevent swelling.

Treatment options

When a tooth has fallen out…
If your child's tooth has been knocked out, try to find it. Once located, rinse the tooth under lukewarm water without scrubbing it. Next, place it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your child's dental appointment. We will try to save the tooth, if possible. If not, David Tang, DDS, will discuss options for replacing the tooth.

When a tooth is broken…
It is common for children to damage a tooth while playing sports or eating. It is likely the damage will result in the tooth becoming cracked or chipped. As long as the tooth structure remains in place, it can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. There are multiple ways to restore teeth in Texas. Some of which include dental bonding or a dental crown. Both are excellent options that can restore your child's tooth to full functionality and maintain a natural appearance. As an emergency dental facility, we can provide you with information on what your options are and the best way to restore your child's tooth. We can also help your child achieve the goals for his or her smile. To schedule an appointment, call 281-822-6600.

When a tooth is infected…
As an emergency dentist, we will assess the situation, inform you of what is infected, and offer the best way to treat it quickly. Our job is to keep your child comfortable, healthy and pain-free. Our patients in Houston, TX, trust us to remove infections, while also keeping their teeth and gums in excellent oral health. If we are fixing a general cavity or treating a dental abscess, we will free the patient from infection and pain. David Tang, DDS, is an expert at resolving the issue in a way that keeps patients comfortable during any necessary procedures.

How can an emergency dentist help my child?

At Memorial Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to keep our patients comfortable and free from pain. As such, we are cognizant of the fact that most dental emergencies are unplanned and may not happen during normal business hours. If your child's tooth has been damaged or your child is in pain, call (281) 822-6600 right away. As soon as we receive your call, we will schedule an appointment and quickly treat the issue. Our friendly staff will accommodate your schedule and ensure that your child can get back to a better life after the procedure. While many dentists require you to schedule appointments far in advance, our staff will work with you in each situation to treat your child as soon as possible. You can also help to avoid dental emergencies by having your child's teeth cleaned twice a year and help your child maintain a healthy diet year-round.