Emergency Dentist Kendall, FL

Emergency Dentist Explained

Some dental injuries like a broken tooth or a tooth that has been knocked out, fractured, or partially dislodged should be treated as soon as possible in our Kendall office. Other problems, such as toothaches, may not seem like emergencies but need to be treated quickly as they may signify a serious underlying problem.

Generally, any dental issue that requires urgent care to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or stop bleeding is an emergency. Life-threatening infections caused by dental issues can also occur and should be addressed right away. Cosmetic dentistry, however, is not considered an emergency. We encourage patients who are unsure of whether they have a dental issue to call our office for assistance. Our team will be happy to make a recommendation.

Most Common Dental Emergencies

At Bliss Dental, we treat all types of dental issues. However, the most common problems we see include

Emergency Toothaches

Unfortunately, toothaches can occur anywhere and at any time. Patients may develop a toothache at home, at work, or even while they are trying to enjoy themselves on vacation. Some of the most common causes of tooth injuries include:

• tooth fracture
• damaged fillings
• tooth decay
• infected gums

Patients with toothaches tend to experience severe tooth pain and discomfort as well as swelling around their teeth. A cold compress and ibuprofen can help with dental pain relief until they can make it to our office.

Partially Dislodged Teeth 

Individuals will sometimes experience a partially dislodged tooth, particularly those who take part in contact sports such as football or who commonly cycle. Thankfully, these teeth can be kept in place if their roots and blood vessels are still intact. Patients should keep the tooth where it is and use over-the-counter painkillers for any discomfort; additionally, if there is external swelling, using a cold compress might alleviate the issue until they have had the chance to come to our office.

Dental Abscess Emergency

In cases where a mouth infection or abscess has become life-threatening, urgent dental care is vital. Swelling around the face or knots on the gums may be detected by those with an abscess. Generally, this type of infection is created when food particles get entrapped between teeth and bacteria create acid that causes pus-filled swelling. To quickly relieve an abscessed tooth, gently rinse the mouth using a saltwater solution to decrease pressure and eliminate the pus from the site of infection.

Knocked Out Teeth Urgency

Just like a dislodged tooth, a knocked-out tooth is often caused by sporting accidents but can usually be repaired or resolved if addressed immediately. After an accident that led to knocked out teeth, patients should keep their mouth moist and clean and place their teeth into a clean container until they visit our office.

Emergency For Broken Or Dislocated Jaw

The most common causes of broken or dislocated jaws are accidents from sports, cars, and work. These constitute a very serious dental issue as they can impair a patient’s ability to eat, talk, and breathe if not treated quickly.

Bleeding Mouth Urgency

If your mouth is bleeding, try rinsing with salt water and applying pressure for around 20 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, be sure to seek urgent dental care. Possible causes of bleeding include poor oral hygiene, sores in the mouth, gum disease, or a low platelet count.

Emergency By Facial Swelling

If a person’s immune system has difficulty handling an infection or allergen, there may be swelling in the cheeks and gums. As the infection has the potential to affect other areas of the face, including the mouth and jaw, it is important to receive dental treatment at once.

Persistent Sinus Pressure Urgency

If you’re suffering from ongoing sinus pressure, we suggest visiting our office for emergency dental care. This will help pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure it’s not related to a dental infection or an impacted wisdom tooth.

Emergency Dentist: What To Do

While Bliss Dental in Kendall will work hard to see you as soon as possible, there are certain steps patients can take to protect their teeth and gums as they wait for their appointment. If a tooth is knocked out, patients should place the tooth back in its socket and gently bite down on it until it’s time for them to come to our office. If they are unable to do so, they should simply clean it and keep it hydrated in a glass of milk or saline solution. We recommend they do their best to avoid touching the roots of the tooth.

In the event an object gets stuck between a patient’s teeth, we suggest they use some dental floss or mouthwash to attempt to remove it. We discourage using sharp objects as they may injure the soft tissues. If a patient experiences sensitivity due to a missing filling, crown, or another restoration, our dental professionals advise using a dental adhesive to temporarily reattach it.

To manage the discomfort of a severe toothache, it’s a good idea for a patient to take some over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen but refrain from placing aspirin on the tooth as this may damage the soft tissue. A cold compress may be used externally.

Emergency Dentist: Procedures we perform

At Bliss Dental in Miami, FL, we strive to ensure our patients are pain-free while they get the emergency dental care they need. We understand how difficult it can be not to have access to the right treatments when you most require them.

That’s why you can count on us to accommodate your schedule and help you get back to your daily routine as soon as possible. You don’t have to worry about not scheduling an appointment far in advance because our staff will work with you to get you in our office for emergency treatment right away.

During emergency visits, we often offer treatment plans such as:

Emergency Tooth Extraction Procedure

Although we make our best efforts at saving the tooth, severe dental damage may require us to remove it. If this is the case, we’ll use anesthesia to ensure the patient is completely comfortable.

Root Canals Emergency Procedure

Removing infected pulp from the inside of a tooth is known as a root canal. Our dental team performs this emergency dental procedure to relieve pain and prevent tooth loss.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

At Bliss Dental, we recommend preventative dental care to our patients in order to protect their teeth and gums from emergency injuries. We believe taking the right preventative measures can help significantly reduce the risk of such issues and improve dental health.

First and foremost, we recommend that patients visit our dental offices on a regular basis for exams and teeth cleanings. By doing so, they can enjoy stronger teeth and will be less likely to suffer from dangerous infections or dental damage. They can also catch problems early on before they turn into emergency situations. Dr. Gaertner suggests that Florida dental patients schedule exams and cleanings every six months.

Patients who play sports often should consider wearing a mouthguard during games and practices as it can protect them from dental injuries such as partially dislodged or knocked-out teeth. Another important tip is to avoid eating food that is too hard or chewing on items that are not edible. Believe it or not, chewing on a pencil can lead to a serious dental injury.

Maintaining a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also reduce the risk of dental issues. Nutritious foods help keep teeth strong and can allow them to naturally fight off decay. Sugary foods or foods that are highly acidic can cause enamel erosion and raise the chances of cavities and other emergencies.

Last but not least, regular brushing and flossing are essential for removing food particles and plaque. Patients who make excellent oral care a priority tend to suffer from fewer dental complications than those who aren’t consistent with their brushing and flossing.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015