Call Us When You Need
Emergency Dental Care
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Call us right away! We will offer you help even before you reach our office. Our dental team will guide you over the phone on how to relieve pain and save your oral health.
At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they often require prompt attention. Whether it is a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or an unexpected dental injury, we’re here to help. Our team offers quick emergency appointments to ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
We understand not all dental cases can wait for the scheduled appointment time. We will find a time to treat your emergencies. But what counts as a true dental emergency?
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe Toothaches: Persistent or intense pain that may be caused by cavities, infection, or abscesses.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Accidents or trauma that cause cracks, chips, or fractures in your teeth.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: When a tooth is dislodged due to an accident or injury, fast action is crucial to possibly save the tooth.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown comes loose, it can leave your tooth vulnerable to further damage or infection.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: Gums that are swollen, painful, or bleeding can be signs of infection or gum disease.
- Jaw Pain: This can be a sign of infection, TMJ disorders, or other serious issues that need attention.
If you are experiencing any of these issues or have another dental concern that feels urgent, it is important to seek help right away. The sooner you act, the better the chances of preventing long-term damage.
Same-Day Appointments for Urgent Care
We understand that dental emergencies can cause a lot of stress, which is why we prioritize same-day emergency appointments. Our goal is to provide fast, efficient care to alleviate your discomfort and address the issue as soon as possible. You do not have to wait days for relief, if you need urgent care, we will do our best to make room for you in our schedule and treat you promptly.

What to Do Before You Reach Our Office
Knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can make a big difference.
- If a tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it and try placing it back in the socket—or store it in milk and bring it with you.
- For broken teeth, rinse your mouth and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may ease discomfort, but avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding.
- If you’ve lost a filling or crown, dental wax or sugar-free gum can help protect the area temporarily.
Call us right away—we’ll walk you through the steps and prepare for your arrival.
Comprehensive Emergency Care
When you come in for an emergency appointment, our team will assess the situation thoroughly and provide immediate care. We offer treatments such as:
- Pain relief and medication
- Tooth repair or restoration
- Tooth extraction if necessary
- Infection control and antibiotics
- Cosmetic solutions to chips and cracks
We also provide follow-up instructions to ensure a smooth recovery after your procedure
While dental emergencies can be painful and anxiety-provoking, your comfort is our priority. We offer sedation dentistry options for a relaxing dental experience. We also offer warm towels and a calm atmosphere in our office. So, when faced with a dental emergency, do not postpone treatment because of dental fear. We have solutions to calm your nerves as we help you with your emergency.

Dental Sedation in Emergency Situations
To help with your comfort, we offer several different kinds of sedation options. Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, can be used with no notice—making it ideal for same-day emergency visits. It’s fast-acting, wears off quickly, and allows you to drive yourself home afterward in most cases.
For patients with higher anxiety or more complex procedures, we also offer oral sedation, which involves taking a prescription medication prior to your visit. This option requires a little planning—usually about 24 hours’ notice—since it’s filled through a pharmacy and may require someone to accompany you to and from the appointment.
Whether you’re feeling nervous about treatment or simply want to feel more relaxed during a painful situation, sedation can help ease fear, reduce discomfort, and make the entire process more manageable. Our team will discuss your options during your call or upon arrival to ensure your emergency care is both effective and as stress-free as possible.
Contact Us for Immediate Care
Do not let a dental emergency ruin your day. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and get the urgent care you need. We’re here to help you feel better fast.
A dental emergency can strike at any time. It can be during weekends, after business hours, or on vacation. Truth be told, no one expects dental emergencies, and in most cases, they are hard to avoid. However, a little planning can make light of your situation.
One way you can get ahead of dental emergencies is by adding Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry’s contact, (210) 880-4120, to your phone. When emergencies strike in Garden Ridge, all you need to do is call our office and our dentists, Dr. Larry Dougherty will handle the rest.