How Do I Know If I Need Urgent Care?
Understanding the difference between a dental emergency and urgent care can help you get the right treatment at the right time.
True Emergency
Call immediately and/or go to the ER
- Severe, unrelenting pain that's not helped by over-the-counter medication
- Swelling that makes it hard to swallow or breathe
- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes
- Bleeding that won't stop after 20 minutes of gentle pressure
- Injury to your jaw or face
- A tooth that has been knocked out
Take Action Now:
Call (281) 492-6064If we don't answer immediately, go to the nearest emergency room
Urgent Care
Call for next available appointment
- Moderate to severe toothache
- Lost filling or crown
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Broken dental restoration
- Soft tissue injury (cut lip, tongue, or cheek)
- Lost temporary crown
- Food stuck between teeth causing pain
- Mild facial swelling
Weekend Temporary Solutions
Quick fixes until we can see you
If you experience an urgent dental issue outside of business hours, here are some temporary measures to help manage your situation:
- Lost Crown: Clean it gently, apply toothpaste or Vaseline inside, and try to place it back on the tooth
- Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed
- Chipped Tooth: Save any pieces, rinse mouth with warm water, apply cold compress to reduce swelling
- Lost Filling: Try not to bite on that side of the mouth, keep the area clean, and call us to schedule an appointment
Important Reminder:
Note: These are temporary measures only. Please call us on the next business day to schedule proper treatment.
Call (281) 492-6064Why Choose Our Dental Office Over the ER?
Emergency rooms can provide pain relief, but they cannot perform dental procedures. Here's why our dental office is your best choice for dental emergencies.
Bethke Dental Office
Actual dental treatment cost
What You Get:
- ✓ Complete dental treatment
- ✓ Permanent solutions
- ✓ Specialized dental equipment
- ✓ Experienced dental team
- ✓ Follow-up care included
Hospital Emergency Room
For pain medication only
What You Get:
- ✗ Pain medication only
- ✗ No dental treatment
- ✗ Temporary relief only
- ✗ Still need dental care later
- ✗ Much higher cost
Save money and get proper treatment by calling us first!
Call (281) 492-6064 NowHow to Avoid Dental Emergencies
Prevention is always better than treatment. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of dental emergencies.
Regular Dental Checkups
Visit us every 6 months for cleanings and exams to catch problems early before they become emergencies.
Wear a Mouthguard
Protect your teeth during sports or if you grind your teeth at night with a custom-fitted mouthguard.
Avoid Hard Foods
Don't chew on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or use your teeth as tools to open packages.
Good Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use fluoride toothpaste to prevent decay and gum disease.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking and chewing tobacco increase your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Address Problems Early
Don't ignore tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms. Early treatment prevents emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dental emergencies
Time is critical! Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva. Call us immediately at (281) 492-6064. The best chance for saving the tooth is if you see us within 30 minutes.
Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the package, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks. Call us as soon as possible for proper treatment.
Yes! We have a 24/7 emergency line that connects you directly to one of our doctors. Even on weekends and holidays, you'll speak with a real person who can provide immediate guidance and arrange emergency treatment if needed.
Clean the crown gently and try to place it back on the tooth using a small amount of toothpaste or Vaseline as temporary cement. Avoid chewing on that side and call us first thing Monday morning. This is typically not a true emergency unless there's severe pain.
Yes, we accept most dental insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits. We also offer payment plans and financing options for emergency treatments. Don't let cost prevent you from getting the care you need.
Emergency care involves life-threatening situations like severe bleeding, facial swelling affecting breathing, or trauma. Urgent care includes severe pain, lost fillings, or broken teeth that need prompt attention but aren't life-threatening. Both require professional treatment, but emergencies need immediate care.
It depends on the severity. Mild discomfort might be manageable with over-the-counter pain medication, but severe pain, swelling, or fever requires immediate attention. When in doubt, call us - we're available 24/7 to help you determine the best course of action.
Don't Wait - Get the Help You Need
Dental emergencies don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with prompt, effective treatment when you need it most.
Available 24/7 • Even weekends and holidays