If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, a broken crown, abscessed tooth, or cracked or chipped teeth, it’s time to find an emergency dentist.
Fortunately, there are many emergency dentists in Jacksonville FL that have evening, weekend, and walk-in hours available. The key is to know how to locate these providers using a referral service such as ASAP Dental Care.
Toothaches
If you have a toothache, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They can diagnose the cause of your pain and prescribe treatment to alleviate the problem.
Toothaches can be caused by a number of dental problems, including cavities and gum disease. Tooth decay can damage the enamel that covers your teeth and cause it to wear away, exposing the sensitive nerve endings inside the tooth.
Your dentist can remove any dental cavities to prevent further damage and alleviate the pain. They can also help you avoid toothaches by teaching you how to brush properly and floss effectively.
Having good oral hygiene can also prevent toothaches from occurring in the first place by removing any food or bacteria that may be causing a cavity to form.
However, if you are experiencing severe or persistent pain in your teeth and jaws, it is important to seek help from an emergency dentist in Jacksonville FL. If the problem does not get treated, it could lead to an infection in the tooth or gum tissue, which can be very serious.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Knocked-out teeth are a fairly common dental injury. They affect an estimated 5 million people each year.
Fortunately, knocked-out teeth can be saved if they are treated immediately after an accident. Teeth replanted within 30 minutes after the incident have the best chance of survival.
When a tooth is knocked out, it can cause a significant amount of damage to blood vessels and nerves in the area. This makes it difficult to repair them and replant the tooth.
The best way to increase your chances of saving a knocked-out tooth is to see an emergency dentist in Jacksonville FL as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done within an hour after the incident.
When you see an emergency dentist, they will cleanse the area and try to place the tooth back into the socket. Then, they will use splints to help stabilize the tooth as it heals. If replanting is not successful, your dentist may recommend other treatments such as dentures, dental bridges or implants.
Broken Braces Wire
If your braces wire has come loose or broken, you need emergency dental care. The broken wire can cause discomfort and irritation, exacerbate other problems such as toothaches and gum disease and weaken your treatment plan.
There are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the pain. Try pushing the wire to a less-bothersome position using a pencil’s eraser end or place a bit of orthodontic wax on it until you can see your orthodontist.
Another common fix is to trim the sharp end of a wire with nail clippers. This short fix will hold until you can get to your dentist for a full repair.
If a wire is stuck in a bracket and pokes against the gums or cheeks, bend it away from the mouth with tweezers until you can see your orthodontist. Don’t cut it because this could injure your mouth or cause you to swallow a piece of it.
Tooth Infections
Dental infections, also known as abscesses, are a painful condition that can result from tooth decay or gum disease. They occur when bacteria enter the pulp and spread to surrounding tissue.
The infection can lead to swelling, pain, sensitivity, and an open sore on the gums. In severe cases, an abscess may cause tooth loss and jaw bone damage. It can even cause sinus involvement and a serious medical condition called septicemia.
Tooth infections are caused by a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This can happen in any tooth, but molars are more susceptible to infection.
The best way to prevent tooth infections is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It also helps to limit the amount of sugar you eat and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.