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!
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
Toothaches
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:
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Swelling, fatigue, or fever
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A small bump develops near the tooth in pain
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Difficulty biting down while trying to eat
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The tooth appears stained or darker in color
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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, 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.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Periodontal Therapy
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Chipped Tooth
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.
Learn More About Veneers
Cracked Tooth
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.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Learn More About Tooth Extraction
Very Sensitive Teeth
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.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Fluoride Treatments
Learn More About Periodontal Therapy
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Knocked-Out Tooth
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.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants
Lost Filling or Crown
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.
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Metal-Free Dental Crowns
Broken Dentures
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.
Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants
Loose
Permanent Tooth
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).
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Learn More About Dental Implants
Learn More About Periodontal Therapy
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Injury to the Gums,
Lips, or Tongue
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.
Learn More About Mouthguards
Jaw Pain
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.
Learn More About Mouthguards
Learn More About Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Something Stuck
Between the Teeth
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 Dental Emergencies
If you or a loved one need immediate dental care, you don’t have the time to be worried about the cost of emergency dentistry in Spring Hill. You can’t hesitate to get the care you need because you’re concerned about a large bill. We strive to keep our services affordable. We’ll provide you with a customized estimate and discuss your options for payment, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
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Brush and floss your teeth at least two times every day. Your chances of tooth decay and infection will be reduced significantly if you regularly remove accumulated bacteria before they have a chance to inflict real damage.
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Visit your dentist biannually. Many dental emergencies start as small problems that could have been dealt with easily if they had been found early enough.
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Eat less sugary and starchy foods. When consumed in excess, they can increase your risk for tooth decay.
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Take steps to protect your smile from harm. Don’t use your teeth to open things and drop any bad habits like fingernail chewing that can wear them down.
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Invest in a mouthguard for playing sports. Dental accidents can easily happen during any game that carries a risk of getting hit in the face or mouth.
