Regardless of whether your dental condition strikes on a Saturday morning or Tuesday evening, our dentists can provide you with the assistance you need to find relief.
Emergency dental visits at our office can address tooth 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, restorations, and more. Keep reading to learn more about when to go with a general dentistry provider and when you should go to a dentist in Kendall, FL, and what may be involved in an emergency appointment.
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.
Call today to schedule your consultation
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentists
To determine whether or not need emergency dentistry, ask yourself whether your issue threatens your life. If so, you are definitely facing a dental issue. Also, consider whether your problem threatens the immediate health of your teeth and gums. If the answer is yes, it also qualifies as a dental issue that needs urgent care. If you believe you can’t wait until a normally scheduled appointment, call us immediately to schedule your emergency visit.
Yes! In fact, Dr. Gaertner is very experienced in treating dental injuries 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 their child receives the very best emergency medical care.
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 saltwater. Do your best to avoid washing away attached gum tissue.
Yes. If you experience any pain or dental swelling, take an over-the-counter pain reliever before you come to our dental office. Doing so should help minimize your discomfort.
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.
Even if you do not visit our offices regularly for dental work, you can count on our emergency 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 medical attention you need.
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 emergency appointment instead.
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.
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.
If you live near Kendall, FL, Bliss Dental offers Emergency Dentist among its services, and is conveniently located at 8501 SW 124th Ave Ste 104 Kendall, FL 33183
Why Choose Dr. Gaertner of Bliss Dental
As the son of a dentist, Dr. Gaertner‘s passion for dentistry began at an early age. Following high school, Dr. Gaertner attended Nova Southeastern University in Florida where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, then graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D) degree. Dr. Gaertner has practiced dentistry in both the United States and his home country of Belgium and now calls the Miami area home.
He practices a variety of dentistry, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Smile Makeovers, Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, Root Canal Treatments, Invisalign, and so on. Dr. Gaertner has also integrated the use of Dental Lasers and Botox injections into his practice.
Bliss Dental is a full-service facility, offering top-notch patient care and providing dental services that range from routine dental care to endodontics to cosmetic and restorative dentistry services that enhance patients’ smiles.
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
Contact Bliss Dental to Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today
The next time you or a loved one faces an emergency, rest assured that Bliss Dental’s 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 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