July 20, 2023 By Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics

Dental Emergencies in Gainesville

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they usually occur at the most inconvenient times. But whenever they do, it's essential that you get treatment as quickly as you can. Whether you have a severe toothache or you accidentally knocked out a tooth, dental emergencies can be very painful. Some of them can even be life-threatening.

At Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics, we understand how vital access to emergency dentistry is for our patients, which is why we're here to help. We want you to understand what classifies as a dental emergency, when you should call emergency services, and what to do if you have an emergent dental problem.

Defining a Dental Emergency

Generally speaking, a dental emergency is any oral health problem that needs immediate attention. A few of the more common emergencies include a chipped or broken tooth, an abscessed tooth, a severe toothache, broken braces, or getting a tooth knocked out.

However, you should note that not every dental issue is an emergency. For example, if you have a very minor chip in one of your teeth or your filling is loose, these may not require a visit to an emergency dental clinic. However, if you're bleeding or have severe pain, you want to seek treatment as quickly as possible.

When You Should Call 911

In the United States, dental emergencies make up a small part of all emergency room visits each year. While not every dental issue falls into the emergency category, some can be. When you have trouble breathing or severe bleeding, you should call emergency services immediately. A few other examples of emergencies that require 911 include severe head trauma or a broken jaw. If you're unsure if your problem warrants a visit to the emergency room, it's always best to be cautious and call for assistance.

What to do During a Dental Emergency in Gainesville

No one wants to deal with a dental emergency, but knowing what to do if you have one can help save precious time and reduce further damage. We’ve outlined some tips for different scenarios:

Tooth Knocked Out

Using clean water, gently rinse the tooth. Hold your tooth by the top part or crown and avoid touching the tooth's root.
Try to gently put the tooth back into the socket, ensuring it faces the correct direction. Gently bite down to hold it in place.
If you have trouble putting the tooth back, don't force it into place. Instead, put it in a small container of milk to keep it moist.
Go to your emergency dentist in Gainesville as quickly as you can because the odds of saving the tooth decrease as time goes on.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Clean the area by rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Apply gentle pressure using gauze or cloth if the area is bleeding.
Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to your cheek or face.
Visit the dentist as quickly as you can, making sure to bring any tooth fragments you have.

Severe Toothache

Clean the area by rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Gently remove any food particles from around the tooth by flossing. Remember, stuck food particles can make your pain worse.
Don't put aspirin or any painkiller right on the area because this can damage your tissue.
If you have swelling, apply a cold compress.
Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.

Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injury

Create a mild saltwater rinse by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water to help clean the area and slow the bleeding.
Rinse your mouth and apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to the area.
If the bleeding is severe or doesn't stop, please call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Schedule Same-Day Appointments at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics in Gainesville

You need fast treatment when you have a dental emergency, and this is why we offer same-day appointments at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics in Gainesville. Our family dental clinic is here to help prevent further damage and alleviate pain as quickly as possible. Remember, not every dental issue needs emergency care, but if you're bleeding or in severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.

Our goal at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics is to protect your oral health and save your smile. For dental emergencies, this means early intervention with experienced staff. We encourage you to schedule an appointment today with our office to get caring and quick dental treatment from the team of professional family dentists at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics.

Dental Emergencies in Gainesville