Dental Emergency? What To Do & When To Call Your Maitland Dentist

A dental emergency can be a frightening and painful experience. Whether it's a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth from an accident, or a broken crown, knowing how to react can make a significant difference in saving your tooth and alleviating pain. At HOPE Dental Implant Center in Maitland, FL, we understand the urgency and provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental care for patients throughout Central Florida.

This guide will help you identify common dental emergencies, understand immediate steps you can take, and know when to call us right away.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue is an emergency, but some situations require immediate attention to prevent further damage, infection, or to save a tooth. Here are common dental emergencies:

• Severe Toothache: Persistent, throbbing pain that doesn't subside with over-the-counter pain relievers can indicate an infection or abscess.
• Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth: Quick action is crucial to potentially save the tooth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth: Especially if it's causing pain or has sharp edges.
• Lost Filling or Crown: This can leave the tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.
• Dental Abscess: A pimple-like swelling on your gums, often accompanied by pain, fever, and a bad taste, indicates a serious infection.
• Uncontrolled Bleeding: From the mouth due to trauma or a recent procedure.
• Injury to Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Significant cuts or lacerations.

If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it's always best to contact our Maitland office at (407) 853-8877 for guidance.

Immediate Steps for Common Dental Emergencies

While your first step should be to call your emergency dentist, here's what you can do in the meantime:

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle with Care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
• Clean Gently (If Needed): If dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saliva. Do NOT scrub or use water for long periods.
• Reinsert (If Possible): Try to gently place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there by biting down on clean gauze or a cloth.
• Keep it Moist: If you can't reinsert it, place the tooth in a small container of milk or your saliva (not water).
• See Us Immediately: Time is critical. The sooner you get to our office (ideally within an hour), the better the chance of saving the tooth.

2. Severe Toothache

• Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Floss: Carefully floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped food particles.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there's swelling.
• Pain Relief: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, but AVOID placing aspirin or any painkiller directly against the gums near the aching tooth, as it may burn the gum tissue.
• Call Us: A persistent toothache needs professional evaluation to determine the cause.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

• Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Save Pieces: If you can find any broken pieces, bring them with you.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
• Protect Sharp Edges: If the broken tooth has a sharp edge, you can cover it with a piece of sugarless gum or wax paraffin to protect your tongue and cheek.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

• Save the Crown: If a crown falls off, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you. You might be able to temporarily reattach it with dental cement or sugar-free gum if you can't see us immediately, but call for advice first.
• Be Gentle: Avoid chewing on the affected tooth.

5. Dental Abscess

• Rinse: Rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution several times a day.
• Seek Urgent Care: An abscess is a serious infection that can spread. Do NOT try to pop it yourself. Call us immediately.

When to Go to the ER vs. Your Dentist

For most dental emergencies, your Maitland emergency dentist is the best place to go. However, if you experience any of the following, head to the nearest hospital emergency room:

• Severe, uncontrollable bleeding
• A suspected broken jaw or significant facial trauma
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling from a dental infection

The ER can manage these critical issues, and then you can follow up with us for dental-specific treatment.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all emergencies are preventable, you can reduce your risk:

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit us for routine exams and cleanings to catch problems early.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard is essential.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Items: Don't chew on ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy, or use your teeth to open packages.
• Address Problems Promptly: Don't ignore minor pain or a loose filling; early restorative treatment can prevent a bigger emergency.

HOPE Dental Implant Center: Your Partner in Urgent Dental Care

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but you don't have to go through them alone. The team at HOPE Dental Implant Center is here to provide prompt, effective, and compassionate care when you need it most. We prioritize emergency cases and will do our best to see you the same day.

If you're experiencing a dental emergency in Maitland, Winter Park, Orlando, or the surrounding Central Florida area, call us immediately at (407) 853-8877. For non-urgent inquiries or to schedule a regular appointment, feel free to request a consultation online.

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You might also be interested in reading:

• Sedation Dentistry 101: Comfort-First Care for Nervous Patients (if anxiety is a concern during emergencies)
• The Benefits of Choosing a Private Dental Practice in Maitland, FL (highlighting personalized care, even in emergencies)

Your oral health is our priority. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need urgent dental care!