(904) 387-3333Emergency Dentistry Services in Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Jacqueline West and our team are here for you when you need us the most.
A dental emergency can strike at any time — and, unfortunately, they seem to always occur when it is least convenient. If you or a loved one experience a broken tooth, a toothache, or any other issue, do you know what to do next? Many patients head to the emergency room, not realizing their Jacksonville dentist can often provide care more efficiently and effectively. Keep reading to learn about dental emergencies and how you can handle the situation if one happens to you or a loved one. Dr. West and our team are here to help when you need it the most!
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is anything that involves damage, bleeding, and pain in your mouth. Some of the most common issues that we treat as emergencies include toothaches or abscesses. Sports injuries that result in broken or knocked-out teeth are also very common. Sometimes, something can get lodged between your teeth and cause severe discomfort. And don’t forget about a broken filling or crown — all of these situations require prompt treatment for an emergency dentist.
However, there are some occasions where you SHOULD head straight to the emergency room. If you believe you have broken a bone in your jaw or if you are bleeding profusely from your mouth, do not hesitate to seek prompt medical attention.
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
Right after a dental emergency has occurred, it is important to remain calm. First, get the situation under control and then place a call to our office as soon as possible. If you call outside of our office hours, leave a message on our machine, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
In general, some steps you should take immediately following an emergency include:
- Collect any larger missing pieces for possible reattachment
- Stop or slow bleeding by applying firm pressure to the area with clean gauze
- Apply an ice pack to the face in 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling
- Keep a knocked-out tooth moist in a cup of milk or water
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
While the precise treatment will depend on the situation, many dental emergencies — like an aching, abscessed, or broken tooth — are treated with a dental crown. If a tooth has been knocked out, but you make it to our office within two hours, it can usually be reattached. A broken crown or filling will often be replaced with a new restoration if possible.
No matter your emergency, you can feel confident when you choose West Dentistry. Patients in Jacksonville, Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, and all surrounding communities are welcome in our office if they ever need urgent care.