Emergency Dentist

A dental emergency can strike at any time. Our team at Gables Exceptional Dentistry will try to accommodate any last-minute appointment requests so you do not have to continue struggling with oral pain. If you have a toothache or a major dental emergency, call (305) 614-2438 right away.

Is it a dental emergency?

Call us if:

  • A toothache does not go away after you brush, rinse, and floss
  • A tooth is knocked out
  • You injured your gums, tongue, or cheek, and it will not stop bleeding
  • You have a big chip in a tooth or a tooth is cracked or in pieces
  • You lose a filling or crown
  • A tooth is loose
  • You have an abscess

Reasons for an Emergency Dental Visit

According to the American Dental Association, the number one cause of adult tooth damage every year is playing sports of all kinds, which creates the need for emergency dental appointments in Coral Gables, FL. Even a backyard game of basketball can lead to someone damaging a tooth or knocking one out. The same is true for kids who play sports. While there are ways to protect teeth, like wearing a mouthguard, a dental emergency can still happen. When an emergency strikes, call (305) 614-2438.

Car accidents are another leading cause of tooth injury. While the enamel on your teeth is strong, it may not be strong enough to prevent your tooth from breaking when colliding with the steering wheel. With millions of accidents a year, teeth are a common casualty. We recommend that patients of Gables Exceptional Dentistry get examined at a local emergency room after being in a car accident to make sure they have not sustained any physical injuries. Afterward, call us for a dental appointment. The emergency room does not treat tooth damage, so you will need to see us.

Coral Gables, Florida Emergency Dentist

Severe and sudden toothaches are another reason you may end up needing an emergency dentist. We can examine your teeth and determine what is causing the pain. It may be a cavity that grew and now requires a root canal. Another possibility is gum disease, which can cause the gums to recede, exposing the tooth and roots. Both can lead to intense pain and require emergency treatment. We do not want patients of Gables Exceptional Dentistry to experience oral pain and will do our best to treat you right away so that you can remain comfortable.

If a tooth infection is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to a dental abscess. This is extremely painful. An abscess is a major tooth infection that can settle into your jawbone and the floor of your mouth. If that happens, oral surgery may be necessary to remove the infection. We can let you know if we see an abscess during your dental exam with Dr. Mirtha Amador.

99% of dental-related emergency room trips could have been handled by an emergency dental office for a fraction of the cost.
AHRQ, November 2012

How can I relieve dental pain while waiting for an emergency dental appointment?

If you visit Gables Exceptional Dentistry experiencing pain, we will identify the cause and explain the treatment options available. Often, we will also prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort. You may also want to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area to reduce swelling.

Treatment Options

When a tooth has been knocked out…

First, try to find your tooth. Once you locate it, rinse the tooth under warm water without scrubbing it. Next, place it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your dental appointment. We will try to save the tooth, if possible. If not, we will discuss options for replacing it, such as a dental implant or bridge.

When a tooth is broken…

It is common to crack or chip a tooth while playing sports or in a car accident. As long as the tooth structure remains in place, we can typically restore the tooth with a dental veneer, bonding, or a crown. All are excellent options and can fully restore your tooth for a natural look and feel.

As an emergency dental facility, we can provide you with information on what your options are and the best way to restore your tooth while achieving the goals you have for your smile. To schedule an appointment, call (305) 614-2438.

When a tooth is infected…

As an emergency dentist, we will assess the situation and tell you where the infection is and the best way to quickly treat it. Our job is to keep you healthy and free from pain. Patients trust us to remove infections and keep their teeth and gums in excellent oral health.

Whether fixing a cavity or treating a dental abscess, we can resolve the issue in a way that keeps you comfortable during any necessary procedures.

How can an emergency dentist help me?

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we strive to keep our patients comfortable and free from injury or pain. If your tooth has been damaged or you are in pain, call (305) 614-2438 right away so that we can schedule an appointment and treat the issue quickly.

Our friendly staff will do their best to accommodate your schedule and ensure that you can get back to life as normal. While many dentists require you to schedule appointments far in advance, our staff will work with you in each situation to get you the necessary treatment right away. You can also avoid dental emergencies by visiting Gables Exceptional Dentistry for a professional teeth cleaning twice a year and maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits.

There is a much higher rate of emergency dental visits in families with annual incomes less than $35k. Don’t let the cost of care get in the way of your oral health. Call us for financing options.

Emergency Dentist FAQ

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. Do not scrub or clean it with soap — use only water! If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva, or water. Get to your Coral Gables emergency dentist immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact our emergency dental office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for damage to the developing permanent tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Rinse your mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip was also injured. Contact Gables Exceptional Dentistry immediately. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.

What if I’ve sustained a blow to the head or a jaw fracture?

If you have been hit in the head or suspect your jaw is broken, seek emergency medical attention immediately. A severe head injury can be life threatening.

What if my child has a toothache?

Call our Coral Gables office immediately. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease their symptoms until we can treat them. You can also apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

88% of all emergency dental visits could have been prevented by routine care.

Dental Emergency Terminology

Abscess

A pocket of pus that forms in the tooth root from a bacterial infection.

Facial Cellulitis

A condition in which an infection from an abscess or plaque causes pain and spreads throughout the face.

Impacted Tooth

A tooth that does not erupt from the gums properly, often causing pain and becoming infected, unless extracted.

Irreversible Pulpitis

When the pain in the tooth occurs spontaneously or continues to hurt after the patient removes the hot/cold substance that was causing pain. Normally, a tooth will stop hurting immediately after removing what is causing the pain.

Lateral Luxation

The displacement of a tooth that moves it in the wrong direction while it is still attached to the gums.

Pericoronitis

The painful inflammation of soft tissues surrounding a tooth that does not fully erupt from the gums.

Tooth Avulsion

When a tooth is completely displaced from the socket due to an accident or other health issues.

Tooth Fracture

A break in a tooth.