Understanding Dental Emergencies and Knowing What to Do If You Have One
A dental emergency occurs when you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a cracked tooth. If you experience pain that keeps you up at night or is spontaneous, it may also be considered an emergency. Many patients ask when to make an emergency dental appointment, when to visit the ER, or when to just come for a routine checkup at the dentist.
When would you make an emergency dental appointment?
An emergency visit is necessary when you've lost a crown, experience pain, or have swelling. However, if the swelling becomes severe and starts moving towards the throat, you should go to the ER instead, as it can be a very serious and life-threatening situation. For other issues, such as sensitivity or slight discomfort, a routine checkup is more appropriate. We can then take a look and treat it promptly.
What to do if you have swelling or an abscess?
If you notice an abscess or swelling forming, definitely give us a call and make an emergency dental appointment. That way, we can evaluate and treat the issue. Often, antibiotics may be necessary. However, if the swelling is severe, extends down your throat, or you experience trouble breathing or have a fever, it is best to go to the ER.
What to do if you lose a filling or crown?
If you lose a crown, try to retain it. Avoid chewing in that area until you can visit the office. You might consider going to Walgreens or CVS for temporary filling material to cover the area and protect the tooth until we can see you.
What can be done if you don't have insurance?
We see patients without insurance and offer flexible payment and financial options to assist you. The most important aspect is to alleviate your pain and address the issue.
Can you walk in for an emergency appointment and get same day treatment?
I recommend calling ahead before walking into the office so we can prepare for you. However, if you're nearby, you can walk in, and we'll likely be able to accommodate you for an emergency visit. We strive for same-day treatment, but in some cases, we may need to refer you to a specialist for situations we can't treat here, or we may provide a temporary solution with a permanent one scheduled for another day. We'll certainly try to see you the same day.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is anything that prevents you from going about your daily business or keeps you from sleeping at night. It could be pain, a throbbing sensation, a broken tooth, or swelling in your gums. There are many things that can constitute an emergency, and if something is really bothering you, you should come in and see us as soon as possible because most of these issues may not resolve on their own.
What should I do if I lose a tooth?
If you lose a tooth, the most important thing is to get to your dentist as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the less chance we have of saving it, if it is even possible. You should keep the tooth clean and remove any debris or dirt. Keeping it in water with saline is best, but even milk can be helpful. Additionally, try to control the bleeding. If you have clean gauze, you can bite on that or apply pressure to the area.
Can a broken tooth be treated in one visit?
Sometimes we can treat a broken tooth in one visit. At the very least, we can perform a root canal, which involves removing the nerve to ensure you're not in pain. We will also make a temporary solution for you, so you're not leaving with nothing. That's always the goal, and sometimes it can be done in one visit.
How can I handle emergencies when it's after hours?
If you have an emergency after hours, always give us a call to see if we're open or if someone is available. If not, and you think it's a true medical emergency, hang up and dial 911. If it seems like more than just a dental emergency, EMS or an urgent care facility should be able to help you.
What can I do to manage pain until my appointment?
If you're experiencing severe pain and we can't get to you—perhaps it's a weekend or after hours—you can try taking Tylenol or Advil. Ice packs or heat, depending on the situation, can also help. Adjust as needed to make yourself comfortable. Over-the-counter care is usually quite effective at managing most dental pain in emergencies.
Seminole, FL's Best Emergency Dentists
A dental emergency can strike at any time. When dental emergencies occur, whether it be a cracked tooth, knocked out tooth, or sudden severe tooth pain, it’s vital to have these emergencies addressed as soon as possible to avoid any long-term complications from them. We welcome walk-in and sudden notice emergency appointments, and our team at Seminole Premier Dental is ready and capable of addressed dental emergencies related to:
- Cracked, chipped, and broken teeth
- Teeth that have been knocked out
- Loosened fillings
- A swollen jaw
- Sudden severe tooth pain
- Abscessed teeth and infections
Trustworthy Emergency Dentists For Extractions, Chipped Teeth & Tooth Pain
Our team can replace fillings as well as address any sudden tooth pain with sedation dentistry as well as with root canals. Our team will always begin emergency appointments by addressing the exact emergency at hand, and then forming and implementing a treatment process that addresses all dental emergencies at hand. Our team is also capable of providing restorative and cosmetic emergency dentistry treatments that address tooth chipping, cracking, and other aesthetic concerns. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, speak with our team at Seminole Premier Dental to book an emergency appoint as soon as possible.