Emergency Dentistry in Gonzales, TX

When Your Child Needs Urgent Care

Not all dental pain means the same thing. A throbbing tooth might signal deep decay near the nerve. Sharp sensitivity could indicate a crack you can’t see. Constant aching sometimes means an abscess forming. We diagnose the actual cause so treatment addresses the real problem, not just symptoms.

Kids injure teeth frequently during normal activities. Trampoline accidents, scooter crashes, playground collisions—active childhoods come with risks. How teeth break matters for treatment. A small chip needs different care than a tooth knocked sideways or one that’s been loosened in its socket.

Facial puffiness around teeth deserves immediate attention. Swollen gums or cheeks typically indicate infection spreading. Bacteria don’t stop multiplying on their own. Getting treatment started quickly contains the problem before it grows more serious.

Sometimes old dental work fails. A filling might crack after years of chewing forces. A crown could separate from the tooth underneath. These failures leave vulnerable tooth structure exposed to new damage or decay. Quick repairs prevent deterioration.

Our Emergency Appointment Process

Contact us as soon as you realize there’s a problem. We maintain flexible scheduling that accommodates urgent needs because we know dental issues don’t respect business hours. You’ll get an appointment quickly.

Initial examination involves conversation first. Dr. Bennion asks your child what happened and where it hurts while visually inspecting the area. Digital x-rays reveal problems hiding from view—decay between teeth, cracks extending into roots, or bone involvement from trauma. Understanding the full situation guides effective treatment planning.

Age-appropriate explanation matters tremendously. Young children need simple language and gentle reassurance. Older kids want to understand what’s happening and why we’re taking specific actions. Everyone leaves knowing what we discovered and what steps we took.

Comfort takes priority initially. Relieving pain helps your child relax enough to cooperate with necessary treatment. Then we fix the underlying cause—whether that involves cleaning out infection, repairing broken teeth, or addressing other specific issues.

Steps Parents Should Take

Reach out to us immediately, regardless of when problems develop. Weekend pain or evening injuries both warrant prompt calls. Our staff walks you through immediate actions while traveling to the office. Pre-appointment steps sometimes significantly affect outcomes.

Your emotional state influences your child’s response. Anxiety is contagious. Take deep breaths, use steady tones, and project confidence that help is available. Reassurance from calm parents helps children manage their own worry.

Document what happened before arriving. How did injury occur? When did symptoms begin? What worsens discomfort or provides relief? This information accelerates our diagnostic process once you’re here.

Broken tooth fragments should come with you. Put pieces in a container with milk to keep them moist. Don’t scrub debris off or let them dry. We may need this material for treatment decisions.

Beyond Emergency Services

Preventive visits reduce emergency frequency. Regular check-ups identify developing problems when they’re still minor. Professional cleanings remove accumulation that brushing at home misses. Sealants create protective barriers on teeth most vulnerable to cavities.

Anxious children sometimes benefit from sedation approaches that reduce stress without eliminating consciousness. Kids remain awake and responsive but feel substantially calmer throughout appointments.

Restorative procedures repair damage from decay or trauma using materials suited to pediatric needs. Baby teeth require different handling than adult teeth given their temporary nature, though they still warrant protection until natural loss occurs.

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