What Do We Consider a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is unpredictable. That’s why it’s so important to have a place to turn should one arise.

Our dedicated team at Smile Bright Dental in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida, offers same-day visits for dental emergencies. We also treat patients for a variety of non-emergency issues, including fillings, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry.

What are common dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies may occur anytime and usually require prompt attention. These include:

Cracked tooth

Should you crack your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply gauze to the area to control any bleeding. You may also want to place a cold compress on your cheek to reduce pain and swelling.

Knocked-out tooth

Whether this happens during sports or another activity, it’s important to get quick attention. Rinse your tooth gently with water and avoid touching the roots. 

If possible, reinsert it into its socket or place it in a small container of milk or salt water. See your dentist promptly to determine if your tooth can be saved and the best next steps.

Painful abscess

A tooth abscess due to a bacterial infection causes nearby gums to appear red and swollen. A pimple or boil may also appear. Since the condition can easily spread to your other teeth, it’s crucial to visit your dentist right away.

Lost or broken dental restoration

Visit us promptly to address a loose crown or a missing filling. If you’re out of town, apply over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive to hold your restoration in place.

Our knowledgeable team treats you promptly, whatever your dental emergency.

What can you do in the meantime?

While you wait for treatment, there are ways to control some issues, especially if your problem isn’t urgent. 

Minor soft tissue injury

Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash or saltwater. Use a small piece of gauze to stop any bleeding.

Mild toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to ease pain and inflammation. Floss to remove anything that may be lodged between your teeth, causing pain. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, should help until your next appointment.

Tiny crack or chip

Apply over-the-counter orthodontic wax to smooth any sharp edges that might irritate your cheeks or tongue. Try not to chew on the side with the cracked or chipped tooth. 

Contact our office to address your dental issues.

How we treat dental emergencies

Dental emergencies should be handled as soon as possible to alleviate any pain and worry. We ensure you receive timely treatment to help:

• Relieve your discomfort
• Stop any bleeding
• Prevent further harm to your teeth and tissues
• Address and/or prevent infection

Our team addresses all your questions to ease any concerns you may have.

How to reduce your risks

You should never ignore a dental problem, whether it constitutes an emergency or not. Swift treatment lowers your odds of more extensive and costly problems down the road. 

There are ways to lessen dental emergencies in the first place, such as:

Avoid sports injuries

We recommend wearing mouth guards, helmets, and face protection, as appropriate for your particular sport.

Improve your dental hygiene

One of the most common dental emergencies involves severe toothaches. Maintain good dental habits at home by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. 

Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to reduce infections, gum disease, and cavities that can lead to tooth pain.

Watch what you eat and how you use your teeth

Reduce sugary foods and drinks to help prevent tooth decay. Take care when biting on hard foods, such as popcorn, nuts, or ice. And never use your teeth on string or other non-dental materials.

Avoid the grind

If grinding your teeth while you sleep is a problem, wear a nightguard to protect them from harm.

When to seek help

Symptoms such as swelling, ongoing pain, or fever could signal an infection that may endanger not only your teeth and gums, but also your overall health.

Smile Bright Dental offers same-day treatment for dental emergencies. We also provide extensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

To see us regarding a dental emergency, or to schedule a regular visit, give us a call today or request an appointment online at any time.