We Offer Emergency Dental Visits!
A dental emergency can strike at the most unexpected time, leaving you feeling uncertain about what to do next. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown, knowing how to handle these situations can make all the difference in preserving your oral health. Understanding what constitutes a true dental emergency and how to respond appropriately helps you stay calm and take the right steps toward relief and treatment. Read on to learn more.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Knowing when to call us for emergency dental care helps you respond appropriately to urgent situations. Contact our office immediately for these warning signs:
- Tooth, jaw, or mouth pain that doesn’t go away after a day or two
- Significant bleeding that continues for more than a few minutes
- Trauma to your teeth or jaw from an accident or injury
- Unexplained or sudden swelling in your face, gums, or neck
- A lost, loose, or knocked-out permanent tooth
Immediate Actions for Common Emergencies
Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can help you find relief quickly and may even save your smile. Here are a few of the most common dental emergencies we see and advice on how to handle those first critical moments before calling our office:
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear away any debris, food, or blood. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food particles. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling from trauma or injury. If the cause of the pain is not immediately clear, look for signs of infection, including swollen gum tissue, a raised area at the base of the tooth, pain when you bite, or a foul-tasting discharge. You can apply a warm compress or take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you suspect an infection.
- Broken or chipped teeth: Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, being careful not to swallow any tooth fragments. If you find pieces of tooth or dental work, you can save them in a small container of milk or saliva to bring to your appointment. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
- Knocked-out tooth: If you can find the tooth, gently pick it up by the crown (the top part of the tooth), and avoid touching the root. Then, rinse off dirt and debris with water. Try to place the tooth back in the socket. If that’s not possible, you can save it in a small container of milk or saliva until you can visit our office. To stem any bleeding, you can bite down on sterile gauze or a clean cloth. In this case, time is critical, so contact us right away to increase the chances of reimplantation.
What to Expect During An Emergency Visit
Walking into an emergency dental appointment can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety. Our top priorities are to relieve your pain, address any urgent concerns, and stabilize you. If you’re feeling nervous or scared, sharing your concerns allows us to provide additional support and reassurance.
Your visit will start with questions to determine the severity of the issue and understand what actions you’ve already taken. We will then carefully examine your mouth and likely take X-rays to see the extent of the damage or infection. Once we gather enough information, we’ll explain your treatment options and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
Emergency Dental Treatments
Every emergency is different, so we approach emergency dental care the same way we approach all your dental care, with a personalized plan that will ensure the best possible outcome for your needs. When you visit our office for an emergency treatment, we will address the immediate concern first and then explain any additional care you might need to get your smile back to normal.
Our team is here to help you navigate any dental emergency that may arise, providing prompt, compassionate care to relieve your pain and protect your smile. So, don’t hesitate to reach out when you need us most! If you have any other questions, feel free to schedule a consultation with us at our office located in Coral Gables, FL.
