The Most Common Dental Emergencies and How We Fix Them

Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Whether it’s a cracked tooth during your morning coffee, a sudden toothache that wakes you up at 2 a.m., or a dental injury after a backyard football game, the pain and anxiety can stop everything. If you’re searching for an emergency dentist in League City, the team at Touchstone Dentistry is ready to help you feel better, fast.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Not all dental issues require immediate care, but when you’re in severe pain, bleeding, or at risk of losing a tooth, it’s time to act. A dental emergency is anything that needs urgent treatment to stop pain, save a tooth, or prevent infection from spreading. At Touchstone Dentistry, we’re prepared to treat a wide range of urgent needs with compassion and speed.

Common Dental Emergencies We See in League City

Severe Toothache or Infection

A sudden toothache can mean decay, an abscess, or something more serious brewing under the surface. We’ll perform digital X-rays and an exam to determine the cause and the best course of action, whether that’s a filling, root canal, or extraction.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Not just a cosmetic issue, a chipped or fractured tooth can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. We can smooth sharp edges, bond the area, or create a custom dental crown, sometimes all in the same visit, thanks to our in-house technology.

Knocked-Out Teeth

If a tooth has been knocked out, time is of the essence. Call us immediately. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saliva if possible) and avoid touching the root. In many cases, we can replant the tooth if treatment is fast enough.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

If a filling or crown falls out, the exposed tooth can be sensitive or even painful. We’ll replace or re-cement the restoration and protect the area from further damage, often in a single visit with our same-day crown capability.

Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to your gums, cheeks, or lips from falls, sports, or biting accidents can be alarming. We’ll assess the injury, control any bleeding, and help prevent infection while ensuring the tissue heals cleanly and correctly.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Stay calm, act quickly, and call us at (281) 940-1300. We can advise you on whether what you’re experiencing is a true emergency or can wait a couple of days. In the meantime, here are some tips you can use at home to get some relief and potentially improve your outcome:

• Knocked-out tooth: Keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call immediately.
• Toothache: Rinse with warm water and take over-the-counter pain relief.
• Swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
• Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with gauze and avoid vigorous rinsing.
• Cracked tooth: Avoid chewing on it and stick to soft foods until seen.

When to Call Us vs. When to Go to the ER

Knowing when to see a dentist and when to head to the emergency room can make a major difference in your outcome. If you’re dealing with a dental issue like a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, swelling, or intense pain, we can usually help you right here at Touchstone Dentistry. But there are exceptions. If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma, or swelling that affects your breathing, head to the ER or call 911 immediately.

If you’re unsure, call us first, we’ll help you make the right call and coordinate care if you do need to go elsewhere.

How We Treat Emergencies at Touchstone Dentistry

When a dental emergency strikes, your comfort and recovery become our top priority. From the moment you call, our experienced team springs into action, walking you through what to do, scheduling you quickly, and preparing for your arrival. 

Once you’re in the chair, we rely on high-resolution digital imaging, careful diagnosis, and clear communication to determine the best next steps. Whether that means a same-day crown, root canal therapy, or temporary relief with follow-up care, you’ll be in capable, compassionate hands. We want to get you out of pain and back to smiling as soon as possible.

Why Choose Touchstone Dentistry in a Dental Emergency?

Immediate Relief Without the Lecture

Dental emergencies are already stressful; you don’t need guilt or judgment layered on top. Dr. Kunjumon and the team treat every emergency with urgency and empathy. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we’re just glad you came in.

Technology That Speeds Up Care

We’re equipped with advanced tools like digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and same-day CEREC crowns, so you can get answers and treatment quickly, often within a single visit. That means less waiting, less discomfort, and a faster return to normal life.

Extended Hours and Flexible Scheduling

Emergencies don’t follow business hours. That’s why we offer early morning and evening appointments on select days of the week. Whether your dental emergency happens before work or after dinner, we do our best to get you seen quickly and conveniently.

Finances and Affordability That Make Emergencies Less Stressful

We understand that a dental emergency often comes with unexpected financial stress. That’s why we’re committed to making urgent dental care affordable and accessible for everyone in League City. At Touchstone Dentistry, we accept most PPO dental insurance plans and offer flexible third-party financing options like CareCredit for qualified patients.

For those without insurance, our in-house Dental Savings Plan offers real value, with no deductibles, no annual maximums, and no waiting periods. It includes preventive services and significant discounts on other treatments, which can be a major relief when dealing with an emergency or unexpected dental work.

Get Fast, Gentle Emergency Dental Care in League City

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call Touchstone Dentistry now at (281) 940-1300. We’ll guide you on what to do next and work to get you in as soon as possible. Relief, understanding, and expert care are just a phone call away.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.