Emergency Dentist
Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room, What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth?, Tooth Extractions, and Reducing Sports Injuries with Mouth Guards
Our team is prepared to care for you in an emergency if something sudden happens. Please call us immediately if you have something happen and need immediate help! If it is a health emergency, Dial 9-1-1.
Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room
What is the difference between going to an emergency dentist in Rockledge, FL, and going to the emergency room? Here is the difference and why it matters.
Almost all dental-related emergency room visits can be performed by an emergency dentist for much less than it costs to go to the emergency room. Additionally, an emergency dentist is highly trained and will always be more experienced in dental emergencies than an emergency room doctor.
Not all dentists handle emergency cases though. That’s why it’s important to find one that does. However, if it’s after hours or your dentist can’t see you immediately, don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room. It’s extremely important to receive treatment immediately if you have an injury that will result in a permanent injury if you wait.
Additionally, if you are in a car accident, it’s recommended you go to the emergency room to be examined for any physical injuries. You will then need to make an appointment with your emergency dentist to make sure you don’t have any potential oral injuries as well.
How to Relieve Your Dental Pain While Waiting for an Emergency Dental Appointment
Your dentist in Rockledge, FL doesn’t want you to be in pain while waiting for your emergency dental appointment. Therefore, let your dentist know you are in pain and based on what you tell them, they will provide you with some DIY tips for easing the pain. And, if the pain is severe enough, they might prescribe you some pain management medication. Additionally, you can always apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area to help reduce the pain and inflammation.
Reduce Sports Injuries with Mouthguards
According to the American Dental Association, the number one cause of tooth damage each year is a sports injury. This is across all types of sports including backyard games. Therefore, it’s good to get into the habit of wearing a mouthguard before participating in any type of sport, even if it’s in your own backyard.
A mouthguard cushions your teeth and distributes the forces caused by sports injuries. This distribution of force makes it so that any given single tooth doesn’t take the full brunt of a hit. A mouthguard also covers the biting surface of your teeth and keeps them from damaging each other. Your dentist can provide you with a mouthguard that is custom-designed to fit your teeth.
What Issues Are Considered a Dental Emergency?
Here are the most common dental emergencies. If you are experiencing any of the following, contact an emergency dentist in Rockledge, FL, immediately.
1. Tooth Extraction
If suddenly your tooth begins to hurt or throb, you might have an infection. Your dentist will examine your tooth and if you have an abscess, they will probably want to perform a tooth extraction. This is considered a dental emergency, meaning you should schedule a dental appointment right away. If you don’t, the infection could spread causing further damage.
2. What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth?
If you have a chipped tooth that is significantly damaged, cracked, or in several pieces, collect the pieces and schedule an emergency dental appointment. If your tooth is slightly chipped or cracked, you can schedule a “next available appointment” dental exam.
3. What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth?
(PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS ONE)
If you have a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence if you want to save it. There is a process you need to follow exactly. This process is so you don’t damage your tooth’s root and to buy you some time to get to the emergency dentist.
Here is what you need to do.
- Gather your tooth, but don’t touch the root.
- Rinse your tooth in milk (not water).
- Try to put your tooth back in its socket if you can. You can then put some cotton or gauze over it to keep it in place.
- If you can’t put that tooth back in its socket, place it in a cup of milk. Never put a knocked-out tooth in water. Doing so will cause the tooth’s root to swell and burst. Milk has enzymes and bacterial agents that help the tooth’s root to survive. If you place your tooth in milk within five minutes of it being knocked out, the tooth’s root cells will have a better chance of survival. After putting your tooth in milk, you have about 30–60 minutes to get to an emergency dentist who will then attempt to save your tooth. The longer it takes to get to the dentist, the less chance you will have of saving your tooth.
4. Broken or Loose Braces
If your braces break, or you have a loose wire, you can remove the damaged pieces, but only if you can remove them easily. Then schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. If any of the damaged pieces are stuck in any part of your mouth, DO NOT REMOVE THEM! You will need to cover the protruding parts with wax, gauze, or cotton balls and get to an emergency dentist immediately.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or if one of your crowns comes off, you should schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Try not to chew on that side of your mouth until then. It’s best not to put this off; otherwise, it could result in more damage to your tooth. Damage that could result in your dentist in Rockledge, FL having to perform a root canal or possibly even having to remove your tooth altogether.
6. Oral Injury with Uncontrolled Bleeding
If you experience an accident or injury that results in your tongue, cheeks, or gums bleeding that can’t be controlled, you will need to get to the emergency dentist immediately.
7. Toothache
If you have brushed and flossed your teeth and your teeth continue to hurt afterward, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. You could have an underlying oral issue that needs to be resolved.
What If You Don’t Know If Your Dental Issue Is an Emergency?
If you have suffered an injury, have been in an accident, or are experiencing any type of oral pain, contact your dentist immediately. Based on the information you provide; your dentist will be able to tell you if your issue requires immediate attention.