There are many unforeseen incidents that could call for urgent dental care. These include toothaches, swelling of the gums or cheeks, and any injuries to the teeth such as a knocked out tooth or broken filling.
In such cases, patients should use an online dental referral service such as ASAP Dental Care to find Emergency Dentist in Jacksonville FL. These dentists will often have evening and weekend hours, as well as walk-in appointments.
Toothaches
Toothaches are often a sign of a dental emergency. Whether from food entrapment, a fractured or knocked out tooth, occlusion problems such as lateral luxation, odontogenic tumors, or pericoronitis, these emergencies require immediate attention. While not all dental accidents are preventable, you can lower your risk by scheduling regular teeth cleanings every six months and eating a healthy diet year-round.
If you’re experiencing severe pain or uncontrolled bleeding, visit a dentist near you who offers evening or weekend appointments. Using an online dental referral service like ASAP Dental Care is helpful in finding a dentist that works at odd hours.
Broken Teeth
Although dental accidents can’t be completely prevented, you can lower your risk for injury by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, avoiding brittle foods, and scheduling regular exams. You can also minimize pain with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and using toothpaste and mouthrinses that are made for sensitive teeth.
Serious tooth breaks often hurt and may expose the nerve. A crack that extends from the chewing surface of the tooth to the root can cause the most pain. Other types of cracks include a fractured cusp and an oblique root crack.
Broken Fillings
Over time, a tooth filling can wear down or break. Eating, clenching, and other factors can cause this. If the filling breaks, it exposes the tooth to bacteria and may lead to further decay.
The best thing to do is rinse the mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain medication until an emergency dental appointment can be scheduled. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist will choose a suitable filling material to restore it. They may recommend a crown, too. A broken filling is a dental emergency, but it can usually be treated quickly.
Broken Crowns
Crowns are a common dental restoration. They are placed on a damaged tooth to protect it, but they may get dislodged due to an accident or if the wear and tear becomes too much. A broken crown may cause pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and other problems that need to be addressed right away.
Although a broken crown is not always an emergency, it should be treated immediately to reduce the risk of further tooth damage. You can use dental cement or a temporary material from a local drugstore to cover the affected tooth until you make it to the dentist.
Broken Bridges
A broken bridge can cause a lot of pain and can even be life-threatening. This type of dental injury requires immediate attention from an Emergency Dentist in Jacksonville FL.
Not every dental accident can be prevented, but there are ways to minimize your risk for emergencies. These include maintaining proper oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, and using your teeth for the right purposes.
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Tooth Infections
Tooth infections are a common and painful condition caused by bacteria in the inner part of the tooth called the pulp. These infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated. They can spread to other parts of the jaw and head including the neck and face, which can cause sepsis, a life-threatening infection.
The most effective way to prevent dental infections is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an interdental cleaner daily. Additionally, you should eat healthy foods and avoid sugary drinks.
Tooth Extraction
When a tooth can’t be repaired, an Emergency Dentist in Jacksonville FL may recommend that it be removed. Prior to this, the dentist will review the patient’s medical and dental history as well as take X-rays. It is important to disclose any medications the patient is taking, including any blood thinners.
The dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic before removing the tooth. They will likely ask the patient to bite down on dry gauze to limit bleeding and help clot formation in the socket. The patient should also avoid vigorous activity, smoking and rinsing the mouth for 24 hours.