Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether from sports injuries, accidents, or other mishaps. Any dental issue that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or alleviate severe pain is considered a dental emergency. Severe infections or abscesses can be life-threatening and need to be addressed immediately. At our Dental Office in Crystal River, we are here to provide urgent care when you need it most.
- A toothache that prevents you from eating or sleeping.
- A tooth knocked out.
- Broken or loose braces (call your orthodontist immediately).
- Chipped or broken teeth (especially if the tooth is cracked or in pieces).
- A lost filling or crown.
- An abscess or ‘pimple’ on the gumline.
Call us if you have:
Dental First Aid – What to Do
Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but staying calm and following first aid steps can help. Here are some helpful tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the painful area. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help, but always follow the instructions on the bottle. Be sure to make a note of the medication, dosage, and time taken, so you can share this information with us when you come in.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Time is critical when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into its socket. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk and call us immediately. A tooth is most likely to be saved if treated within an hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any small fragments. If you’re bleeding, apply sterile gauze until the bleeding stops. Use a cold compress to ease pain and swelling. Call us right away to restore your tooth and relieve pain.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection around the tooth root or between the teeth and gums. It can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. Rinse with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) to ease pain until you can see us. An abscess requires immediate attention from a dentist.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the dental first aid tips above can help, the best first step is always to give us a call! We will provide guidance over the phone to alleviate your pain, save your tooth, and get you into our office as quickly as possible.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and read the medication label carefully before taking any pain relievers. If it’s safe for you, you may take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin for temporary relief. However, dental pain is often nerve-related, and only professional treatment will provide lasting relief. Be sure to note what medication you took, how much, and when, and share this with us when you visit.
Yes, you can go to the ER for dental emergencies, but they will treat the immediate health issue and then bill your health insurance. However, the ER is unlikely to provide long-term solutions for dental problems and may only offer temporary pain relief until you can see a dentist.
If untreated, a broken tooth can collect bacteria, leading to infection or abscess. It also increases the risk of nerve damage and may require a root canal.
If an abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease, but treatment is still needed. If the infection doesn’t drain, it can spread to your jaw and other areas of your head and neck. In severe cases, this can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body.
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