Short answer
We see same-day dental emergencies during office hours only: Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. We do not have an after-hours or Sunday line. If a problem starts when we are closed, use the first-aid steps below and call us when we open, but go to the ER or call 911 for facial swelling that is spreading, trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, bleeding you can’t stop or a possible broken jaw.
When is Richmond Dental Care open for emergencies?
We make room for same-day emergency visits during office hours. Call first so we can make room for you and tell you what to bring.
| Day | Same-day emergency visits? |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Yes, 9am–3pm |
| Wednesday | Yes, 9am–3pm |
| Saturday | Yes, 9am–3pm |
| Friday | No. Friday is an admin day (9am–3pm): office staff are working, but there are no patient appointments. Use first aid and call us on our next open day, or go to the ER for the danger signs listed above. |
| Monday, Thursday, Sunday | Closed. Use first aid and call us on our next open day, or go to the ER for the danger signs listed above. |
| Evenings and nights | Closed. No after-hours dental line. |
Our Saturday hours help many families in Richmond and Fort Bend County who can’t get to a dentist during the work week. You can read more on our Saturday dentist page and our emergency dental care page.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Not every dental problem needs same-day care, and a few need a hospital instead of a dentist. This guide can help you decide where to go.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Swelling in the face or neck that is spreading, trouble breathing or swallowing, fever with swelling | Go to the ER or call 911 now |
| Bleeding that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure | Go to the ER |
| Possible broken jaw, or a hard hit to the face or head | Go to the ER |
| Knocked-out adult tooth | Call us right away if we are open. If we are closed, go to an ER or urgent care. Replanting works best within about an hour. |
| Severe toothache, swollen gum or pimple on the gum | Same-day visit during our hours |
| Broken or cracked tooth | Same-day visit during our hours |
| Lost filling or crown, mild sensitivity | Call to be seen soon; usually can wait a day or two |
| Mild, on-and-off sensitivity | Book a regular visit |
For a longer explanation, see when to seek emergency dental care and when it’s safe to wait.
What should I do if a dental problem starts when you’re closed?
These steps can make you more comfortable and protect the tooth until you can be seen. They do not treat the cause, so still call us when we open.
Toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any trapped food.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label, if it is safe for you.
- Hold a cold pack on the outside of your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
- Do not put aspirin directly on the gum. It can burn the tissue.
Swelling or a gum bump
- Use a cold pack on the outside of the face.
- Do not try to pop or drain a bump on your gum. Our post on popping a gum abscess explains why.
- Watch closely. If swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, or you get a fever or trouble swallowing, go to the ER.
Broken tooth or lost filling or crown
- Rinse your mouth and save any pieces.
- Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax from a pharmacy.
- If a crown came off, keep it in a bag and bring it with you. Do not glue it back on with household glue.
- Chew on the other side.
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the top (the crown), not the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Do not scrub it.
- Try to push it gently back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If you can’t, keep it in milk or inside your cheek. Do not store it dry or in tap water.
- Call us right away. Do not put a baby tooth back in.
Can the ER fix a dental problem?
An emergency room can treat dangerous swelling, control bleeding, handle jaw injuries and give medicine for pain or infection. Those are the right reasons to go. Most ERs cannot fill, repair or remove a tooth, so you will still need a dental visit afterward. Call us on our next open day and bring any paperwork from the ER.
What happens at an emergency dental visit?
Our first goal is to find the cause and get you out of pain. We examine the area, take X-rays if needed and explain your options and costs before we start. Depending on what we find, we may:
- Place a temporary filling or smooth a broken edge
- Start or complete root canal treatment on an infected tooth
- Remove a tooth that can’t be saved through a tooth extraction
- Re-cement a crown that came off, if it is still in good shape
- Give you a clear plan for any follow-up care
New patients are welcome for emergencies. Our new patient limited exam with a panoramic X-ray is $49, and you can see other prices on our dental prices page.
How can I avoid a weekend emergency?
Many emergencies start as small problems that were easy to put off. A sensitive tooth, a cracked filling or a gum that bleeds now and then can all turn into pain at a bad time. Regular checkups catch these early. If something feels off midweek, call us on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of hoping it lasts until Monday.
When to call us
Call us the same day if you have a severe toothache, a broken tooth, a swollen gum or a knocked-out tooth. Call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. When we are closed, follow the first-aid steps above and call when we open. Go to the ER or call 911 for spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, high fever, bleeding that won’t stop or a possible broken jaw.
Frequently asked questions
No. We see emergencies only during office hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. Outside those hours, use first aid and call us when we open, or go to the ER for dangerous symptoms.
No. If a problem starts after 3pm on Saturday, our next open day is Tuesday. If you have spreading swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won’t stop, go to the ER instead of waiting.
No. New patients are welcome. Call first so we can fit you in and verify your insurance if you have it.
Antibiotics can calm an infection for a while, but they do not fix the tooth that caused it. The infection usually returns until the tooth is treated, so you still need a dental visit.
Sources
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — the right treatment for you depends on an exam.