Fast, Compassionate Dentistry When You Need It Most
When choosing a dentist, you need one who is always there for you—even in times of an emergency. At Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill, we are always here to offer fast, compassionate dentistry when you need it most. When the unexpected happens, you need to call your emergency dentist in Spring Hill right away. If you delay care, irreversible damage can occur. You need to respond quickly to promote a successful outcome to the situation. If you are in pain or have any concerning dental symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right away!
Why Choose Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill for Emergency Dentistry?
When it comes to treating dental emergencies, it’s essential that you act fast. Here’s what to do if
you find yourself in need of emergency dental care:
Call us for your same-day appointment: As soon as you can, give us a call so we can
schedule your appointment. In most cases, we’re able to see emergency patients within the same day
they call. We’re proud to have late hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays so you can get the care you need
right away.
Get an emergency evaluation: When you reach our office, our first priority will be to get
you out of pain. One of our dentists will thoroughly examine your mouth and take any necessary X-rays to
determine the source and extent of your emergency.
Create a treatment plan: After your evaluation, we’ll review our findings with you
and fully explain your treatment options. This will include the length and price of each treatment, as well
as which ones we recommend for the most effective results.
Get the emergency care you need: As soon as you have chosen a treatment, we’ll work
quickly to preserve your smile and restore your oral health. If needed, we can schedule any follow-up
appointments as well to ensure your oral health stays on track.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
There is often a lot of confusion about what constitutes a dental emergency. As a result, you may delay care,
which could cause you to lose the tooth or suffer other extreme complications. You need to respond to each
situation properly at home and call us right away for a same-day appointment. Here are some of the most common
dental emergencies we treat here at Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill:
Is my toothache a dental emergency? A toothache in Spring Hill can arise for many reasons.
Not all are considered dental emergencies; however, if you notice pain lasting for more than 24 hours,
it’s time to call our office and schedule an emergency appointment. A serious cavity, infection, or
tooth sensitivity may be to blame, and immediate treatment is necessary to avoid more invasive procedures.
If you notice any of the following signs, don’t wait to see us:
Swelling, fatigue, or fever
A small bump develops near the tooth in pain
Difficulty biting down while trying to eat
The tooth appears stained or darker in color
Tooth sensitivity lasts longer than 30 sections
How you should handle a toothache: If an object is stuck between your teeth, try rinsing
your mouth with warm water and using dental floss to remove it. This should alleviate discomfort. If this is
not the problem, take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease the ache and use a cold compress to reduce any
swelling.
How we treat toothaches: At Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill, our team will evaluate the root cause
of your toothache and recommend various types of treatment. This can range from antibiotics, a tooth-colored
filling, a dental crown, root canal therapy, or even a tooth extraction. No matter the choice of treatment,
you can trust we will have your safety and comfort at the forefront of our minds.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? It is not uncommon to wait a few days before seeing
your emergency dentist in Spring Hill about a chipped tooth. Unless you’re experiencing severe pain or
just want to err on the side of caution, you don’t have to get in to see us right away. However, it is
best to go ahead and call our office to alert us to the situation. We’ll provide helpful tips and
determine when you can get in to see our dental team.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Handling a chipped tooth at home often requires
rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to rid any bad bacteria. You’ll also want to avoid chewing on
that side of your mouth or eating anything hard, crunchy, or chewy. It can be helpful to place dental wax or
sugarless gum over the jagged areas of your tooth to prevent damage to your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums.
How we treat chipped teeth: Fixing a chipped tooth is not a difficult process. If the chip
is minor, you may be able to seek out dental bonding, which is affordable and easy to apply. However, if the
chip is substantial and you’re worried it will compromise your appearance, there is always the option
of turning to veneers to repair your smile.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? A cracked tooth in Spring Hill is considered a
dental emergency, even if you’re not experiencing pain. You may be unable to see the crack, but it
could be that it is underneath the gum line and putting your tooth structure and oral health at risk.
Without immediate treatment, you could become vulnerable to an infection or further damage.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Make sure to rinse your mouth with warm salt water
to eliminate bad bacteria and harmful particles. You’ll then want to place dental wax or sugarless gum
over the area to minimize the risk of damaging your soft oral tissues. Also, do not eat on that side of your
mouth or consume anything hard or crunchy. An over-the-counter pain reliever and cold compress can also help
reduce pain and swelling.
How we treat cracked teeth: After learning what caused your cracked tooth, we will survey
the damage and determine if you need to see someone for dental bonding, which can help fix small, minor
cracks, or if you need a customized dental crown. We can have a restoration crafted to match the size,
shape, and color of your natural teeth while also better protecting the structural integrity of your tooth.
If the tooth is too severely cracked, however, we’ll need to discuss the possibility of extracting the
tooth and replacing it with either a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Depending on the reason for your sensitive
teeth, yes, it can be a dental emergency. Oftentimes, worn tooth enamel or excessive teeth whitening can be
the cause; however, it could also be due to a severe cavity, abscess, cracked tooth, or even gum disease,
all of which require immediate treatment.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: When calling to let us know about your tooth
sensitivity, we will offer helpful tips you can use at home to manage the pain until your appointment.
You’ll want to drink lukewarm water instead of anything hot or cold, and you’ll need to avoid
spicy, sweet, or acidic foods. If the pain is severe, take a painkiller to reduce discomfort.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: The reason for your sensitive teeth will help your
emergency dentist in Spring Hill determine how best to treat the problem. If worn tooth enamel is the
culprit, we may only recommend fluoride treatment, desensitizing toothpaste, or a prescription mouthwash.
However, if the problem is more severe, you may be recommended for a tooth-colored filling, a dental crown,
root canal therapy, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? A lost tooth in Spring Hill is certainly a
dental emergency that requires immediate attention. Time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the less
likely we will be able to save the tooth.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Once you retrieve the tooth (holding it only by
the crown), you can rinse it off quickly and try to reinsert it into the vacated socket. If this is
unsuccessful, you can place it between your gums and cheek inside your mouth or place it in a container of
milk or saliva. You’ll need to make sure you bring it with you to your appointment.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the tooth is still viable, we may be able to reimplant
it with a splint. This will help it to reintegrate with the bone and tissues. If it is no longer savable,
we’ll need to discuss ways to replace your tooth. This can include a dental implant, denture, or
dental bridge.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Before you start panicking over a lost
filling or dental crown, realize this is not an uncommon occurrence. For those restorations that are very
old, this can happen, and if it does, you do not need to be alarmed. Yes, you should call us and schedule an
appointment to see us, but it is not “urgent.”
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: When faced with a lost dental crown in
Spring Hill or filling, make sure you rinse out your mouth with warm water and do not chew on that side.
You’ll also want to stay away from any hard or crunchy foods and be careful when brushing and flossing
near the tooth. If you want to try, you can use dental cement to try and reinsert the restoration.
How we treat a lost filling or crown: At our dental office, we will examine the
restoration, which you’ll need to make sure you bring with you, and if it’s fully intact,
we’ll attempt to re-bond it into place. If it’s too badly damaged, we’ll have a new
tooth-colored filling placed or a new metal-free dental crown created to protect your vulnerable tooth.
Is my broken denture a dental emergency? A broken denture in Spring Hill is something you
never want to happen, but they’re also not designed to last forever. If yours breaks suddenly, make
sure to call us right away.
How you should handle a broken denture: There are denture repair kits on the market that
are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), but they should not be used unless it is an
emergency, and you need your teeth. Otherwise, do not reinsert your prosthetic because you could damage your
teeth and soft tissues.
How we treat broken dentures: To treat this type of problem, our team will decide if
composite resin is enough to minimize the imperfection. This will be easier, more affordable, and allow you
to quickly take back your smile. However, if the damage is too severe, we’ll either need to have a new
denture created or discuss the option of switching to dental implants.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? The only person In your house who should
have a loose tooth in Spring Hill is your child. Adults should never have this problem, but if you notice
one of your pearly whites feels a bit wobbly, call us as soon as possible.
How you should handle loose permanent teeth: You should avoid prodding it with your tongue
or finger, avoid hard, crunchy foods, do not chew on that side of your mouth, and take an over-the-counter
pain reliever if necessary.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: If your loose tooth is caused by gum disease,
you’ll need periodontal therapy as well as a bone graft if the jawbone is lacking in density. If we
must extract the tooth because it is no longer viable, we will begin discussing ways you can replace your
tooth (i.e., dental bridge, dental implant).
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? A soft tissue injury can be
unnerving and panic-causing, but it’s important to remember they often heal quickly and do not require
an emergency appointment. Only if you are unable to stop the bleeding after 10 minutes should you seek
immediate medical attention at your local ER.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: If a sudden soft tissue
injury occurs at home or on the field, make sure to rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out any
debris. You’ll then use clean gauze to stop the bleeding before placing a cold compress over the area
to reduce swelling.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: Should it be necessary that we see you
for treatment, we will determine if stitches will be beneficial. We’ll also discuss the benefits of a
customized mouthguard to keep your teeth and gums protected while engaging in sports and other physical
activities.
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? When dealing with jaw pain, it is better to call our office
and schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist in Spring Hill than to let it go and hope it gets
better on its own. There are many reasons for your jaw pain, all of which require a qualified professional
to diagnose.
How you should handle jaw pain: When calling to schedule your appointment, our team will
survey the severity of the situation and offer tips to use at home while waiting. From facial massages and
stretches to avoiding hard, crunchy foods to taking over-the-counter pain relievers, you can minimize your
symptoms and better manage your discomfort.
How we treat jaw pain: We can treat your jaw pain as long as it is not considered broken or
fractured. If so, you’ll need to head to the local emergency room for help. Otherwise, we will
recommend a customized nightguard if your jaw pain is caused by teeth grinding. We can also administer TMJ
Therapy if there is inflammation in your temporomandibular joints. If the cause of your pain, however, is
due to impacted wisdom teeth, we will likely recommend extraction.
If you have a piece of food or object stuck between your teeth, you can typically remove it using dental
floss and warm water. Although not deemed a dental emergency, it can become one if you use tweezers,
toothpicks, or other sharp objects and accidentally lodge the item further into your gum tissue. You can
also risk damaging your teeth and lacerating your gums, cheek, or tongue.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If you have an oral health problem that just can’t wait, the last thing you should be worried about is how
you're going to pay the bill. Many factors affect the cost of emergency dentistry in Spring Hill, but we have
the solutions you need to keep treatment affordable. Your dentist at Family Dental
Associates of Spring Hill will stop your pain using a personalized plan to save your smile that won't cost you
an arm or a leg.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
There isn't a flat fee for emergency dentistry because every situation differs. Your emergency dentist in Spring
Hill will examine your mouth to determine which procedures will meet your needs. While every case is unique,
common procedures include:
Tooth Extractions
Root Canal Therapy
Dental Crowns
TMJ Therapy
Your dentist will explain what you can expect on the road ahead and answer any questions to calm your nerves.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Every plan is different, but most dental insurance can be used to lower the amount you’ll pay
out-of-pocket. Your benefits may cover your consultation and any diagnostic imaging. After meeting your
deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the cost of common restorative procedures. We will help you
maximize your coverage to keep your treatment affordable.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, our office offers many solutions to keep your treatment within your budget,
including:
Traditional Payments: We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
Specials: Our office offers regular promotions, like a free exam and full X-rays for all
new patients.
Monthly Payments: You can pay any remaining balance using a monthly payment plan through a
third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You can pay for your treatment using monthly installments
with little or no interest in financing based on your credit approval.
A member of our team will review your financial options during your consultation. They'll help you make the best
choice for your smile and budget.
Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
You can't always stop accidents from happening, but there are several things you can do to lessen your risk of
one. Many dental emergencies are caused by untreated issues, like tooth decay, gum disease, or a failing
restoration. Committing to your oral hygiene will keep your teeth and gums healthy to prevent a dental
emergency. Brush, floss, and visit your dentist twice a year for cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will check
your mouth at each appointment to ensure there isn't anything concerning lingering in your mouth. They'll
provide the quick care you need to prevent a minor concern from turning into a big problem.
Besides not delaying dental work, your dentist will also recommend breaking any bad habits that can increase your
risk of a dental emergency, like using your teeth as tools or chewing on your fingernails. If you play sports,
don't forget to wear an athletic mouthguard.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Unfortunately, dental injuries due to unforeseeable situations, like a car crash, cannot be prevented. With that said, you can prevent other dental emergencies, including a painful toothache due to a large cavity or crack. For that reason, our Spring Hill dental team has dedicated this next section to reviewing all the ways you can help protect your smile from serious harm.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
From painful cavities to significant cracks, many dental emergencies start as small problems that could have been dealt with easily if they had been found early enough. That’s one of the many reasons it’s so important that you come in for a checkup and cleaning every six months! These routine appointments ensure that dental damage is caught early on, well before it results in a stressful dental emergency and requires same-day treatment.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen will reduce your chances of tooth decay and infection significantly. More specifically, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash each night will regularly remove accumulated bacteria before they have a chance to inflict real damage. So, if you haven’t been as consistent with your dental care routine recently, there’s no better time to start!
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet isn’t just good for your overall health; it’s good for your oral health too! Sweet potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, plain yogurt, celery, and apples are a few foods that are loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that will help your body fight infections and keep your teeth strong. On the opposite side, there are some foods that you shouldn’t eat in excess, like candy. Since sugar consumption can increase your risk for tooth decay, it’s best to indulge on occasion instead of every day.
Wear a Mouthguard
Unfortunately, dental accidents can easily happen during any game that carries a risk of getting hit in the face or mouth. In fact, roughly five million teeth are knocked-out each year during sports-related accidents! To protect your smile from harm, it’s of the utmost importance that you invest in a custom mouthguard. Our Spring Hill dental team can have one made that fits comfortably and is the appropriate thickness for the activity you participate in (ex: boxing vs. surfing).
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Simply put, you should never use your teeth to open bottle caps, remove clothing tags, or hold your keys. In fact, even chewing your fingernails can wear them down and create small cracks and chips! That’s why we recommend avoiding using your teeth as tools altogether.
