Dental emergencies are a common occurrence. While they can be frustrating, painful, and even scary, you can rest assured that Dr. Gaertner and his staff at Bliss Dental emergency dental office are here to help patients in the Miami, FL area who need immediate dental treatment. Regardless of whether your dental emergency strikes on a Saturday morning or Tuesday evening, our emergency dentists can provide you with the assistance you need to find relief.
Emergency dental visits at our office can address emergency extractions, treatment of serious dental infections, relief from toothaches caused by decay or injury, tooth repair for a broken tooth and cracked or chipped teeth, replacements for lost crowns, fillings, and restorations, and more. Keep reading to learn more about when you should go to an emergency dentist in Kendall, FL and what may be involved in an emergency dental appointment.
Dental Emergencies Explained
Some dental emergencies like a broken tooth or a tooth that has been knocked out, fractured, or partially dislodged are obvious dental emergencies and 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 immediate treatment to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or stop bleeding is considered a dental 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 emergency 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 emergencies. However, the most common problems we see include:
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 toothache include:
- tooth fracture
- damaged fillings
- tooth decay
- infected gums
Patients with toothaches tend to experience a great deal of tooth pain and discomfort as well as swelling around their teeth. A cold compress and ibuprofen can help with pain relief until they can make it to our emergency dental office.
Partially Dislodged Teeth
Patients who lead active lifestyles may experience a partially dislodged tooth. This is particularly true for people who play contact sports such as football or ride their bikes often. The good news is that partially dislodged teeth can sometimes be saved if the roots and blood vessels are still attached. Patients are encouraged to leave their tooth in place and take an over-the-counter painkiller for pain relief before they head over to our office. If there is external swelling, a cold compress can also help relieve discomfort.
Abscess
An abscess or serious infection in the mouth may be life-threatening, making emergency dental care essential. Patients with abscess may notice swelling or knots on their gums or swelling around their face. In most cases, this infection occurs when food particles get trapped between the teeth and bacteria produces acid that leads to pus-filled swelling. A quick way to relieve an abscess is to rinse the mouth with a mild saltwater solution to relieve pressure while removing the pus from the affected area.
Knocked Out Teeth
Just like dislodged teeth, knocked out teeth are 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.
Broken or Dislocated Jaw
Sporting accidents, car accidents, and on-the-job accidents are the most common causes of dislocated or broken jaws. They are considered very serious dental emergencies as they can hinder the way a patient eats, speaks, or breathes if treatment is not immediately administered.
Bleeding Mouth
Bleeding of the mouth may occur for a number of reasons including poor oral hygiene, mouth sores, gum disease, and low platelet count. Patients with a bleeding mouth can rinse their mouth with a mild salt water solution and hold gauze or a tea bag to apply pressure to the bleeding site for about 20 minutes to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding persists, emergency dental care is likely necessary.
Facial Swelling
When a person’s immune system reacts poorly to an infection or allergen, facial swelling may occur in the cheeks and gums. Since the infection may spread to other parts of the face, mouth, or jaw, it’s essential to seek dental care as soon as possible.
Persistent Sinus Pressure
Patients with ongoing sinus pressure problems can have a very difficult time living their regular life. Therefore, it’s a good idea for them to visit our office for emergency dental care to pinpoint the cause of the problem and ensure it’s not a symptom of dental infection or an impacted wisdom tooth.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
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, they should try 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 onto the tooth as this may damage the soft tissue. A cold compress may be used externally.
How Bliss Dental Can Help
At Bliss Dental emergency dental office in Miami, FL, our main goal is to keep our patients comfortable and free from any pain or injury. We know there’s nothing worse than that helpless feeling of not being able to receive the dental work you need immediately.
That’s why you can count 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 treatment right away.
During emergency dental visits, we often perform procedures such as:
Extractions
Although we make our best efforts at saving the tooth, severe 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
Removing infected pulp from the inside of a tooth is known a root canal. We may perform this emergency dental procedure to relieve pain and prevent tooth loss.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, others can be prevented. At Bliss Dental, we are strong advocates of preventative dental care and encourage our patients to take certain actions in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy and avoid dental emergencies.
First and foremost, we recommend that patients visit our dental offices on a regular basis for exams and cleanings. By doing so, they can enjoy stronger teeth and will be less likely to suffer from infection or 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 emergencies 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 emergency.
Maintaining a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also reduce the risk of dental emergencies. 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 dental 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 emergencies than those who aren’t consistent with their brushing and flossing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
How do I know if my issue is considered a dental emergency?
To determine whether or not you have a dental emergency, ask yourself whether your issue threatens your life. If so, you are definitely facing a dental emergency. Also, consider whether your problem threatens the immediate health of your teeth and gums. If the answer yes, it also qualifies as a dental emergency. If you believe you can’t wait until a normally scheduled appointment, call us immediately to schedule your emergency visit.
What should I do if I knocked out my tooth?
If you have knocked out your tooth in a car accident, sporting event, or other accident, hold it by the crown under lukewarm water and place it in a sealed container with milk or salt water. Do your best to avoid washing away attached gum tissue.
Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
While missing teeth can take a toll on your self-confidence, they can also be harmful to your oral health. If you don’t replace missing teeth in a timely manner, you may be at risk for premature wear, grinding your teeth, and chipped or fractured teeth. Also, you may have difficulty chewing or speaking properly.
Should I go to the emergency room for a toothache?
Dr. Gaertner does not recommend that patients go to the emergency room for tooth pain as most ERs do not have an emergency dentist on call. If you do go to the ER, you’ll likely receive a prescription for painkillers or antibiotics and be told to visit a dentist right away. Skip the step of going to the emergency room and contact our office to schedule an appointment instead.
Is emergency dental care expensive?
Unfortunately, many patients avoid emergency dental care because they believe they can’t afford it. At Bliss Dental, we believe dental care is a crucial part of your overall health and well-being and strive to make our emergency services available to everyone. We accept many insurance plans and offer various financing options to make our services as affordable as possible. Don’t let money get in the way of your health.
Do you treat pediatric dental emergencies?
Yes! In fact, Dr. Gaertner is very experienced in treating dental emergencies in children of all ages at our dental offices. He understands how difficult it can be for parents to watch their children experience tooth pain and works hard to ensure your child receives the very best dental care.
Is there anything I can do to relieve pain or swelling?
Yes. If you experience any pain or swelling, take an over-the-counter pain reliever before you come to our office. Doing so should help minimize your discomfort.
I have a dental emergency but I’m not a regular patient. Can you help me?
Even if you do not visit our dental offices regularly for dental work, you can count on our emergency dental services. Bliss Dental is committed to helping all patients when they need us most. We don’t want you to suffer a moment longer than necessary and can provide you with the emergency dental care you need.
How can I remove an object caught between my teeth?
If you happen to get a piece of food or another small object caught between your teeth, try to use dental floss or mouthwash to remove it. Avoid using a pin or anything sharp around your teeth as you may cut your gums or damage your teeth. If you can’t remove the object safely, we can help.
Contact Bliss Dental to Schedule Your Dental Emergency Today
The next time you or a loved one faces a dental emergency, rest assured that Bliss Dental emergency dental office will provide the highest-quality care in the Miami, FL area. We have your best interests in mind and make your safety, comfort, and oral health our top priorities. Call our Florida dental offices at (305) 274-6500 or fill out our handy online contact form to schedule an appointment with one of our emergency dentists or learn more about our services.
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
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