Dental Emergencies in
Land O'Lakes

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry provides immediate care for patients suffering from severe oral pain, toothaches, and dental injuries. The goal is to alleviate pain and get the mouth back to a healthy state again. Since emergencies can happen at any time, dentists provide same-day, after-hours, or weekend appointments. Get the care that can’t wait with emergency dentistry.

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Did you know…

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A tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.

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What to do in a dental emergency

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Keep Calm So They Stay Calm

Even though you may feel like panicking due to the pain and stress of your injury, do your best to remain calm. Almost any dental issue can be treated and resolved by a dentist. You can take comfort in the fact that our team is here to help get you back to a healthy smile as soon as possible.

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Control Bleeding

After you’ve taken a few deep breaths, assess the situation and the extent of your injury. Slow any bleeding by placing a strip of gauze on the afflicted area. Bite down on the gauze to apply gentle pressure, which will slow the blood flow for about an hour.

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Reduce Swelling & Pain

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily reduce swelling and get you out of pain. Be sure to avoid any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, which prevents natural clotting. For additional pain relief, place an ice pack or cold compress on the cheek near the affected area.

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Call Us Right Away 

When a dental emergency strikes, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to give our team a call once you’ve regained control of the situation. We’ll help you assess the severity of your dental injury and get you the care you need immediately. 

The importance of prompt emergency care

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Same-Day Dental Care

Looking for immediate care? Same-day dentistry gets you in our office right away, so you can quickly get back to a healthy oral state. During your visit, your dentist will examine the dental injury and craft an immediate plan to heal and restore your smile that very same day. 

After Hours Appointments

Not all dental emergencies happen during business hours! That’s why we offer after-hours appointments for patients experiencing emergencies that can’t wait to be treated. Call our office to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing a dental emergency beyond our usual hours. Our team will do everything we can to work with your schedule, alleviate your pain, and get your smile back to thriving health.

Weekend Appointments

If a dental emergency occurs over the weekend, there’s no need for you to wait in pain until Monday for an appointment. Our office provides limited weekend availability and appointments by request to ensure you receive the immediate treatment you deserve.

Common Emergency Procedures

While every dental emergency is different, there are a variety of common procedures that can alleviate pain and restore the form and function of your smile. 

At your appointment, the dentist will perform an exam to assess the severity of your unique situation. They’ll also outline all recommended treatment options to nurse your smile back to health. For example, a broken, damaged, or decayed tooth can be restored with a dental crown. If you’re struggling with a severe toothache and an underlying infection is causing your pain, root canal therapy may be recommended by your dentist. 

Another common restorative procedure is tooth splinting, which stabilizes a loose or knocked-out tooth to allow for proper healing. Your dentist will avoid a tooth extraction if possible, but it can be a necessary procedure if you are experiencing a severely damaged tooth that can’t otherwise be fixed.

Did you know…

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Over five million teeth are lost in America every year! 

Does your child need an appointment right away?

Call (813) 535-8935

Have questions about emergency dentistry? Find answers here. 

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What should I do if I’ve knocked out a tooth?

You may be inclined to panic, but the best thing to do is to remain calm. If you can find your tooth, hold it by its top, or crown, to prevent further damage. Gently rinse the tooth with warm water and place the tooth back in its socket if possible, but be careful not to force the tooth back in place. You can also put the tooth in a container of cold milk to keep it from drying out while you are heading to your emergency appointment.

It’s extremely important to call your dentist immediately after experiencing a dental emergency. A knocked-out tooth has only about 1-2 hours in which it can be saved, replaced, and splinted by your dentist. Give us a call right away to schedule an appointment, then head to our office to get the emergency care you need.

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What should I do if my dental work has fallen out?

If your dental crown, filling, bridge, or other appliance happens to fall out, there’s no need to panic. Simply place your dental work in a container or plastic bag so you can bring it to your emergency dental appointment. Then call us to schedule an emergency visit so we can treat your issue right away.

Losing a dental appliance exposes your teeth and gums to bacteria, which can cause an infection, further decay or damage, and lead to even more issues down the line. A loose, broken, or missing dental appliance is considered a dental emergency and warrants a same-day appointment. Contact us as soon as you can to schedule a visit. 

What should I do about a severe toothache?

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A severe toothache that lasts for several days may be caused by a tooth infection, which is a serious dental emergency. Fortunately, root canal therapy can be used to restore your tooth and soothe the pain.Call our office immediately If you’re experiencing a lasting toothache. To alleviate any discomfort before your appointment, take over-the-counter pain relievers, place a cold compress on your cheek, or apply a topical numbing gel to the painful area.

What should I do about a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?

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If a broken or cracked tooth is left untreated, it is at risk for infection and other complications. Don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can help guide you on the next steps, and see if your injury requires immediate treatment.

What should I do about a loose tooth?

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If one or more of your teeth becomes loose due to oral trauma, call our office right away for a same-day appointment. It’s crucial to get emergency dental care soon, as the nerves that run through and support your tooth could die, leaving the tooth unsalvageable. 

After calling our office for your emergency appointment, try to keep the tooth as stable as possible. Avoid touching the loose tooth with your tongue or fingers, as this can lead to further damage and increase the risk of infection. Once you’re at our office, your dentist will apply a splint that stabilizes the tooth, providing support and allowing the tooth to heal and reattach to your gums. 

Did you know…

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If you’ve knocked out your tooth, place it in a container of cold milk to preserve the root while you head to your emergency appointment.

Do you need to see a doctor today?

Call (813) 535-8935