Dental Emergency in Houston? Here's What to Do Right Now.
Toothache, swelling, broken tooth, lost crown, knocked-out tooth — we do our best to see you the same day when we're open. Scroll down to the situation that matches yours, or pick up the phone.
832-779-5522Tell us what's happening — that's all it takes to get started.
What's Happening Right Now?
Pick the situation that matches yours. Each page walks you through exactly what to do while you get to us.
Knocked-Out Tooth
An adult tooth has come out. The next 30–60 minutes matter.
Read first aid steps →Broken or Chipped Tooth
Cracked, fractured, or chipped — with or without pain.
See what to do →Severe Tooth Pain
Throbbing, sharp, or constant pain. Also covers wisdom tooth pain.
Find what's causing it →Swelling or Abscess
Facial swelling, a bump on the gum, or a dental infection.
Understand when to call vs. ER →Go to the ER or Call 911 Immediately If You Have:
- Fever with facial swelling
- Swelling spreading to your neck or eye
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Severe uncontrolled bleeding
- Facial trauma with possible fracture
These are signs a dental infection may be spreading — a medical emergency. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
If We're Closed — Here's What to Do
Our clinical team is in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (9am–6pm) plus Saturday by appointment. If your emergency happens on Thursday, Sunday, or outside office hours, please follow this guidance:
Life-threatening symptoms
Go to the ER or call 911 immediately: fever with facial swelling, swelling spreading to your neck or eye, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or severe uncontrolled bleeding.
Knocked-out adult tooth
This is time-critical (30–60 minutes matters for re-implantation). Go to the nearest 24-hour emergency dental clinic or the ER if a dental office isn't available. Our knocked-out tooth guide covers the first-aid steps while you travel.
Severe pain you can't manage
Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen (as directed on the label) can help bridge the gap. A cold compress on the cheek reduces swelling. If pain is severe and sustained, the ER can provide pain management and antibiotics if infection is suspected.
Non-critical issues
Lost crown without pain, a small chip without nerve exposure, mild toothache — leave us a voicemail at 832-779-5522. We return calls the next business day and prioritize emergencies.
What We Treat Same-Day
During our clinical hours (Tue · Wed · Fri, plus Saturday by appointment), we prioritize these situations.
See Us Same-Day
- Severe toothache that OTC meds don't control
- Dental abscess — swelling on gum or jaw
- Broken tooth with pain or nerve exposure
- Knocked-out adult tooth (time critical)
- Lost filling with sharp sensitivity
- Dental trauma from accident or fall
Urgent — Call to Schedule Soon
- Lost crown — tooth unprotected, sensitive
- Broken tooth without pain
- Lost filling without pain
- Soft tissue injury — bitten lip or cheek
- Persistent gum soreness
Not sure which category? Call us and describe what's happening — we'll tell you honestly whether you need to come in today, this week, or go to the ER.
Frequently Asked Questions
General information only. When in doubt about the severity of your situation, err on the side of caution and call us or go to the ER.
Relief Is a Phone Call Away
Same-day slots are limited. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.
Call 832-779-5522You're in Experienced, Caring Hands
Every patient sees the same doctor — Dr. Maddipati. No rotating associates.
A dentist who chose public health first
Dr. Maddipati earned her Master of Public Health before her dental degree — an unusual path that shapes how she practices. Accessible, honest, kind. She accepts Medicaid because she means it.
Patients often tell her she's the first dentist who made them feel truly at ease. That's not an accident — it's the whole point.
Insurance, Medicaid & Payment Options
We verify your coverage before your visit. You'll know what to expect before you arrive.
Medicaid, CHIP & Medicare Advantage
We accept Texas Medicaid (STAR) for adults and CHIP for children¹. Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) dental plans are also welcome. Call us with your plan and we'll look it up before you come in.
PPO / Private Dental Insurance
Emergency exams and X-rays are typically covered by PPO plans at the same benefit rate as routine visits, subject to your deductible. Problem-focused visits are usually a separate benefit category from preventive² — using benefits for an emergency visit generally won't affect your remaining preventive allowance. We check your specific plan before every appointment.
Plans accepted: Aetna · Delta Dental · Cigna · MetLife · Guardian · Humana · United Healthcare · Texas Medicaid · CHIP · Medicare Advantage · CareCredit · Sunbit financing³
Coverage varies by plan. We verify your individual benefits before your appointment. CareCredit and Sunbit financing subject to lender approval.
¹ Texas Health and Human Services — Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits: hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip
² ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs — problem-focused vs. preventive benefit categories: ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance
³ CareCredit and Sunbit are third-party financing providers subject to credit approval.
Last reviewed: 2026