Dental emergency? Call us first.
We hold time every day for urgent dental concerns. Whether it's severe pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or swelling — you don't need to wait, and you don't need to be a current patient. Call now and we'll help you figure out the next step.
Call SoftDental now281-807-6111- Rapidly spreading swelling of the face, jaw, or neck
- Trouble breathing or trouble swallowing
- A high fever along with a dental infection
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop after 15–20 minutes of pressure
- A serious injury to the head or face
These can be life-threatening and need medical care before dental care.
A dental emergency is scary, but most of them are fixable— especially when you act fast. Find what's happening below for clear, calm guidance on what to do right now, and what to do until you can get to our office.
What's happening?
Pick the situation closest to yours. Each card tells you what to do until you reach us.
Severe tooth pain
Do now: Rinse gently with warm salt water. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever you normally tolerate (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
Don't: Place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — it can burn the tissue.
Tooth pain that won't quit usually means an infection or an exposed nerve. The sooner we see you, the sooner we can stop the pain.
Knocked-out tooth
Act in 30–60 minDo now: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part) — not the root. Gently rinse it under water if it's dirty. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite down on a clean gauze. If not, keep it in milk or your own saliva, and call us immediately.
Don't: Scrub the tooth, dry it, or store it in tap water — that can kill the cells that help it reattach.
A knocked-out adult tooth can often be re-implanted if you act within the first hour. Call us on your way.
Broken or chipped tooth
Do now: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Save any tooth pieces you can find. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. If the edge is sharp, you can cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax until your visit.
Don't: Chew on that side, and avoid very hot or cold drinks.
Most chips are easy to fix. Even larger breaks usually can be — call us and we'll plan the gentlest treatment for your tooth.
Swelling, abscess, or "pimple" on the gum
Do now: Rinse with warm salt water several times a day. Keep your head elevated when resting. Call us — an abscess almost always needs prompt treatment so the infection doesn't spread.
Don't: Try to pop the bump or apply heat to your face.
A dental abscess is an infection. Most are treated easily, but they shouldn't be left alone. If your face is rapidly swelling, you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever — go to the ER first.
Lost crown or filling
Do now: Save the crown if you have it — bring it with you. Keep the area clean by brushing gently. If the exposed tooth is sensitive, drugstore temporary dental cement can protect it until we see you.
Don't: Try to glue it back yourself with household adhesives.
An exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay and fracture. Call us to be re-cemented or replaced as soon as possible.
Bleeding from gums, lip, or tongue
Do now: Rinse gently with cool water. Press a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag firmly on the area for 15–20 minutes. Apply a cold compress outside the cheek.
Don't: Keep checking it every minute — leave the pressure on so a clot can form.
Most minor mouth bleeding stops on its own with steady pressure. If bleeding doesn't slow within 15–20 minutes, call us or go to the ER.
Concern after a recent visit
Do now: Re-read your post-op instructions. If pain, swelling, or bleeding is more than expected — or if a temporary or stitch has come loose — call us. We follow our patients closely after surgery.
Don't: Wait it out hoping it'll pass if something feels off — a quick check is much easier than a delayed problem.
Most post-op concerns are easy to fix when we hear about them early. We'd rather you call than wonder.
When you come in
What to bring
Any tooth pieces (in milk or saliva), a dislodged crown, a list of medications you take, and the name of someone who can drive you home if you may need sedation.
What we'll do
Examine you, take any imaging needed, explain what's going on in plain language, and discuss your options — including what we can do today to get you out of pain.
Be honest with us
If you're scared, embarrassed, or it's been a long time since your last visit — tell us. No judgment. Our only job right now is to take care of you.
Helpful links
Common questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
When should I go to the ER instead?
Can you see me today?
Do I need to be a current SoftDental patient?
What if it's after hours or on a weekend?
You don't have to wait this out
Pain, swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth — call us. We'll get you in and figure out what's going on, gently and without judgment.
281-807-6111This page is for general guidance and is not medical advice. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room first. SoftDental protects your health information in line with HIPAA.