Do you have a dental emergency? Call 813-733-6981 for treatment today. Dr. Rebecca Benedict and her team offer emergency dentistry services in Tampa, FL.
She helps preserve patients’ smiles and prevent future dental problems. Emergency dentistry is one of the general dentistry services we provide to residents in Tampa.
Please get in touch with our office for care if you have a sudden dental problem or severe symptoms. We’re here to help you. Don’t wait to address your dental issues. Getting professional care sooner rather than later can prevent further complications.
Treating Emergency Dentistry Problems in Tampa, FL
Some dental problems will need treatment but can wait. Objects stuck between teeth, small tooth chips, and minor gum bleeding are not emergencies. However, in some cases, same-day dental care can preserve the teeth, gums, and mouth tissues. Some of the most common emergency problems we treat as a part of our dental services include:
Lost Permanent Tooth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, don’t panic. First, if you can find your lost tooth, pick it up by the crown. Then, rinse the tooth’s roots and any debris from the tooth away in cool water.
You can try to put your tooth back in your mouth by placing it in the socket and gently biting down. If you cannot replace your tooth, place it in a cup of saliva.
Bring your tooth to our office. We may be able to restore your tooth. However, we will recommend restorative treatment if we cannot reattach your tooth.
Depending on the number of missing teeth, Dr. Benedict will recommend a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture. Implants are the gold standard for replacing single missing teeth and supporting bridges or dentures.
Broken or Lost Restorations
Contact our office if you have broken or lost a filling, crown, bridge, or denture. We can help fit you for a new restoration. Do not try to place the restoration back in your mouth because you can injure your teeth and gums.
However, you can bring your restoration to our office. We can design a new restoration if we cannot comfortably reattach it to your tooth. In the meantime, we will provide a temporary restoration.
Tooth Pain
Contact our Tampa dental office if you have sharp, sudden tooth pain. Apply a cold compress if you experience swelling. You can also take pain medication as needed.
Tooth decay, gum disease, or a dental abscess are some of the most common causes of severe tooth pain. A tooth injury can also cause dental pain.
When you get to our office, let us know where you experience the tooth pain and if you have any other symptoms. We can pinpoint the cause of your pain and recommend treatment.
Then, our office can provide gum treatment, drain a tooth abscess, recommend root canal therapy, or remove your tooth.
Broken Tooth
A minor chip or crack in a tooth is not an emergency. However, you need immediate dental care for a large break or tooth fracture.
If you suddenly break a tooth, try to locate any pieces that break off. Gently rinse your mouth in warm water. Additionally, if you experience bleeding, hold gauze or a clean cloth onto your broken tooth. Apply a cold compress on your cheek if you experience swelling.
Bring any pieces of your tooth to our office so we can put the pieces back together. If you need extra support, we may recommend a dental crown.
A large break in your tooth can expose your tooth to infection. Left untreated, the infection can reach your tooth’s nerves. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may also lose your tooth or require an extraction.
Extraction Complications
After tooth extraction, you must care for the extraction site for proper healing. Please contact our office if you have excessive pain or develop dry socket following treatment.
Dry socket occurs when a blood clot does not develop or is dislodged from the extraction site. This blood clot helps protect the nerves and bone in the tooth socket.
An exposed tooth socket can cause pain and discomfort. If you have dry socket, we will recommend taking pain medication as directed. Our office will also instruct you to eat a soft diet as the site heals.
Can You Prevent a Dental Emergency?
Sometimes, you cannot prevent a dental emergency. However, preventive and general dental treatment can reduce your risk of an emergency. Follow these tips to preserve your smile:
- Wear a sports mouthguard: Adults and children who wear custom mouthguards during contact sports can protect their teeth and gums. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent tooth damage and loss. Custom mouthguards also help prevent soft tissue damage or jaw injury.
- Visit our dental office: Our office provides dental cleanings and exams to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. We also recommend visiting the dentist twice a year to maintain your teeth and gums.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine: Brushing and flossing can make a big difference in oral health. Make sure you floss before brushing and brush twice daily for two minutes. Thoroughly cleaning your mouth will reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Should I Visit a Hospital for a Dental Emergency?
We recommend visiting a hospital if you experience severe tooth pain or bleeding and cannot get to a dentist. Our office will also recommend you visit a hospital if you have physical and dental injuries.
A hospital can stop problems like excessive bleeding but cannot restore missing teeth or treat damaged teeth. After you receive medical care, you can focus on your dental health. Your health is our priority. Do not hesitate to get care.
Get Emergency Dentistry Treatment in Tampa, FL
Do you need urgent dental care? Call 813-733-6981 if you have a dental emergency. Schedule a dental appointment if you have a dental problem but do not require emergency dental care.
Please let us know if you have any questions about a current dental problem. We can make recommendations. We’re here to help.