Dental emergencies can strike at any time without warning. You can break a tooth while dining or take a sudden elbow to the mouth during a ball game. You can develop a toothache that worsens throughout the day.
Fortunately, your emergency dentist in Tampa is here for you.
This guide explores common dental emergencies and how to prevent them.
Common Dental Emergencies in Tampa, FL
Tooth Root Infection
The most common dental emergency we see is likely a tooth infection. This can happen suddenly and usually results from poor oral hygiene, tooth injury, or untreated decay.
Symptoms include:
- Toothache or increasing sensitivity
- A blister/boil on the gum
- Face or jaw swelling
- Tooth discoloration
We treat tooth infections with gentle root canal therapy in Tampa, which is performed under local anesthesia. If the infection is severe, the dentist may sometimes recommend pulling the tooth and replacing it after healing.
Deep Decay
Severe decay can cause a tooth to split or crumble. Your dentist will work to save it, but we may need to extract if the break is below the gumline or the tooth is too decayed for a crown.
Tooth replacement options include:
- Dental bridge
- Partial denture
- Dental implant
- Oral Injury
We may treat an injured tooth similarly to a deeply decayed tooth, exploring options like extraction and tooth replacement. However, in many cases, we can save an injured tooth through crowning.
Knocked-Out Tooth
We can’t sometimes save a knocked-out tooth with timely treatment. If your tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown and store it in a container of saliva or milk until you see the dentist. If it cannot be restored to the gum, we will discuss tooth replacement.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
You can't prevent every dental emergency, but you can lower your risks through prevention. In other words, visit the dentist every six months for teeth cleanings and checkups. Brush and floss regularly, and contact our dental office if you notice changes in your oral health, including tooth sensitivity.
What You Should Know about Emergency Dental Care in Tampa
Our team understands that dental emergencies can be frightening at worst and disruptive at best. We are here to offer prompt and comfortable treatment to restore oral health and ease pain.
If you have a dental emergency, contact a dental team member as soon as possible. If you're currently uninsured, ask us about our exclusive dental membership plan. We accept financing through CareCredit and Sunbit.
