Emergency visits
A broken or knocked-out tooth, a swelling or a toothache that won't ease. Call us and tell us what is happening. We will say whether to come in, and when to go to an emergency room instead.
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
What counts, and what to do first
Call us first for a tooth. For swelling that spreads or trouble breathing, call 911.
- 01
Step 1: Knocked-out tooth
Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently, and keep it moist in milk if you can. Call us right away.
- 02
Step 2: Broken tooth
Rinse your mouth and save any pieces. Call us. A cold pack on your cheek can help.
- 03
Step 3: Toothache
Rinse with warm water and floss gently around the tooth. Call us. Swelling that spreads is an emergency.
- 04
Step 4: Swelling or trouble breathing
Go to an emergency room or call 911. Don't wait for an appointment.
How an urgent visit works
When we can see you
We hold time for urgent visits when we can, and we can't promise a same-day visit. Call as early as you can. The office is not open round the clock.
What we do
Dr. Urbina looks at the tooth, takes an X-ray if she needs one, and treats the problem or tells you what comes next. We refer you for care we don't provide.
How it's billed
An urgent exam is billed to your plan first. Without insurance you get the fee in writing before treatment.
How fees work
Questions about emergencies
Do I need to be a patient?
No. Call us and tell us what's happening.
What if you're closed?
For trouble breathing or swallowing, spreading swelling or bleeding that won't stop, go to an emergency room or call 911. Otherwise call us when we open.
Will I know what it costs first?
Yes. You'll have the estimate in writing before treatment.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Luz Urbina, DDS, general dentist, licensed in Texas.