Round the clock dental care is rarely necessary, but when something goes wrong with your mouth — say at 2pm on a Sunday, or much too late on a Tuesday night — you’ll be thrilled to know that Dr. Gray and Dr. Newman are the 24/7 emergency dentist Houston can trust. Program our number into your phone or display it prominently in your home and you’ll get the care you or your loved one needs as soon as possible: (832) 416-1717. Keep reading to learn more about dental emergencies and how to respond to some of the most common situations.
Dental Emergency? Keep Calm and Call Mark Gray DDS
The number one thing to remember in any urgent dental situation is this: remain calm. As with any emergency, panicking makes it more difficult to think clearly and respond correctly. Below we’ve listed some of the most common dental emergencies — educate yourself now to increase your preparedness when one happens to you or someone you love.
Missing Tooth
When a tooth goes missing due to impact or other trauma, it’s important for you to collect the lost piece — but make sure you only handle it by its crown, never its root. Rinse away any debris with warm water and store the tooth in its newly empty socket, the cheek or in a cup of milk until you can make it to Dr. Gray’s office.
Broken Tooth
Collect the larger pieces in case reattachment is possible. Call our office as soon as possible and manage pain and swelling with an over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs applied to the affected area in 15 minute intervals.
Severe Lacerations
If you sustain a serious cut to your cheeks, tongue, lips or gums, try to stop or slow the bleeding by applying firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If your mouth is still bleeding heavily after 10 minutes, don’t delay — head straight to the emergency room.
Serious Toothache
When a toothache gets to the point where you can’t go on about your day as usual, it’s past time to call your dentist. You’ve got a dental emergency on your hands, so contact our office immediately. Left unattended, toothaches can morph into serious infections that could jeopardize the rest of your health.
The Golden Rule of Dental Emergencies?
No matter what your situation entails, don’t forget that the number one rule in any emergency is this: stay calm and know that Dr. Gray and the team are on the case! We’ll work to get you in as soon as possible, and we promise to never leave you waiting in pain. Call us as soon as an emergency arises for fast, efficient care!