When to Call an Emergency Dentist

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It can be easy to think of certain oral events, like a toothache, as a wait-and-see situation. However, failure to get the right care can end up being a much bigger problem than you anticipate.

If you want to make the right choice in the midst of trying or stressful circumstances, it helps to have a strong foundation of not just what an emergency dentist in Bradenton, FL can do but what makes them different from other emergency services in your area, like urgent care.

When to Call

Ideally, you’ll call the emergency dentist for the following:

  • Severe pain or fever: While mild discomfort can likely wait until office hours, severe pain, whether in the teeth, jaw, or gums, should get emergency care. Similarly, fevers can mean that you have an infected tooth.
  • Fractured or avulsed teeth: Seek an emergency dentist if your teeth are either severely cracked or knocked-out entirely.
  • Broken fixtures: Dentures, crowns, and bridges can fail over time and endanger your gums and surrounding teeth in the process.
  • Bleeding: Mild bleeding when flossing is common, but severe bleeding — even without accompanying pain — should be addressed.

Why See an Emergency Dentist in Bradenton?

Emergency dentists are the ultimate fixers when it comes to dental emergencies. An ER doc may be able to fight an infection, but the follow-up will likely be with a dentist in Bradenton, FL.

Skipping the middle-man isn’t just efficient, it can potentially save you expensive and time-consuming future procedures. For example, an emergency dentist may be able to save a knocked-out tooth if the root is still attached, so you can avoid dental implants.

If you’re looking for emergency care in Bradenton, contact Laser Dentistry Online today to learn more about how we have the expertise to help you whenever you run into the unexpected.

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

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Biting into something hard, getting into an accident, or even grinding your teeth can lead to chips. These chips in your teeth won’t always be painful or uncomfortable, but some may be. And, others may be painful or irritating. At Laser Dentistry Online, we understand how a chipped tooth can be, and we want you to know what to do if you suffer from a chipped tooth in Bradenton, FL.

When Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?

Some chips are simply cosmetic, but others can expose the pulp of the tooth and put you at risk of an infection. Call us or come in for an appointment if your chip has:

  • Sharp or jagged edges that could cut the gums or teeth
  • Caused severe pain or sensitivity
  • Started to bleed, or if there is swelling around the area

If your tooth’s inner layers are exposed, bacteria can quickly enter and cause issues like cavities and infections. Getting attention quickly can help prevent that from happening and ensure you have a healthier smile for longer.

When Can You Wait To See Your Dentist?

If the chip is small, painless, and only affects the enamel, it’s usually safe to schedule a regular appointment; our team is happy to take your call and discuss your options once we know what your chip is like. In some cases, all that needs to happen is for the dentist to smooth down the chip, but in others, you may need more significant treatment.

Do You Have a Chipped Tooth in Bradenton, FL?

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s better to call and get an appointment than to wait and allow it to break down further. Call us at Laser Dentistry Online today at 1-941-748-0660, and we’ll help get you on the books.

Common Sports-Related Dental Emergencies

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Each season brings with it a new set of potential sports-related dental emergencies. Between 13% and 39% of dental emergencies occur during a game. That’s one reason emergency dental services in Bradenton, FL, are so critical to our patients. Often, the key to saving a tooth or preventing further damage is fast dental treatment.

Common Dental Traumas

Several injuries can occur to teeth while playing sports, particularly in high-impact games such as basketball, hockey, or football.

Avulsion

When an intact tooth is knocked out of the mouth, an emergency dentist has a short window to restore it, typically from 30 minutes to one hour. If possible, store the tooth in a container with milk or saliva, or use a tooth-saving first aid kit. You can also reinsert the tooth back into the socket and keep it there until you visit the dentist.

Fracture

A tooth fracture is also a dental emergency, commonly associated with sports. Collect as much of the tooth as you can find. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the face and see your dentist in Bradenton, FL, as soon as possible.

You would also need to see your dentist for a fracture or dislocation of the jaw. If you have other injuries or head trauma, go to the emergency room first.

Dislodged Tooth

If your tooth moves in the mouth, leave it in place. If necessary, apply a cold compress to your face as you head to the dentist’s office.

Soft Tissue Trauma

Soft tissue injuries would be cuts or tears of the lips, gums, or tongue. They only require emergency treatment if they bleed excessively and won’t stop, or if the pain is severe and does not get better with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you have questions about sport-related dental emergencies, prevention, or first aid, give our dentist in Bradenton, FL, a call to make an appointment. We also offer 24/7 phone support for dental emergencies.

When Is a Gum Injury a Dental Emergency?

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The soft tissue in your mouth, what we call the gum, is tougher than you might think. With good dental hygiene, it can stay that way. But, of course, things happen unexpectedly in life. That’s why our emergency dentistry in Brandenton, FL, is crucial. It allows us to be there for you in the event of a dental emergency. True gum emergencies are rare, but they can happen.

What are Some Minor Gum Injuries?

For the most part, gum injuries are minor. There can be irritation from aggressive brushing. You can burn your gum tissue if the food is too hot.

This soft tissue is susceptible to nicks and inflammation due to trauma, as well. If you are hit in the mouth, for example, you might experience soreness and minor swelling.

When Is a Gum Injury a Dental Emergency?

You should contact your emergency dentist in Bradenton, FL, if you feel like a gum injury might be too serious to treat at home. We will either tell you to come in to see us or provide information about home care.

You will want to get emergency dental care if:

  • There is severe or uncontrolled bleeding in your mouth. Gums tend to bleed heavily in the event of an injury. Usually, applying pressure with a piece of clean gauze is enough to control it. If that isn’t working or the bleeding is substantial, you’ll want emergency care.
  • Signs of a significant infection, such as inflammation, bleeding, and the presence of pus. You might also notice a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist will want to treat you as soon as possible to prevent serious complications.
  • Intense pain in your gum is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong and that you might need dental care.
  • Fever or other signs of serious injury or illness

Damage to other structures that support the gum, such as the jaw, will require urgent care.

Give us a call right away to talk to our emergency dentist in Bradenton, FL, if you feel you have a serious gum injury or problem. We offer 24/7 phone support.

Is a Broken Tooth Always an Emergency?

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Breaking a tooth can really stop your day dead in its tracks. Not only can it be painful, but it can also be unattractive and frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, not every situation requires immediate emergency care, but if you have a broken tooth in Bradenton, FL, knowing when to call the dentist right away can help you get care as urgently as possible.

When a Broken Tooth Is Urgent

Some broken teeth need medical attention as soon as possible. Call our team for emergency dental care if you have:

  • Severe pain
  • Sharp edges around the broken tooth that cut your tongue or cheek
  • A large portion of the tooth is missing, exposing dentin or the gums
  • Bleeding that is excessive or that will not stop

If your tooth’s inner layers are exposed, there is an increased risk of infection. In that case, we may need to see you for a same-day emergency appointment.

When a Broken Tooth Can Wait

Not all broken teeth are emergencies. If the chip is small and doesn’t cause pain, you may be able to wait a few days for an appointment. You may not need a full filling or replacement, either; we may be able to smooth rough edges or restore the tooth with bonding material or a crown.

In the case that your tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s still a good idea to give us a call and schedule a visit. A minor break or crack can weaken your tooth and make it more likely that it will worsen. We can help prevent that from happening.

Get Help for a Broken Tooth in Bradenton, FL

If you have a broken tooth, call Laser Dentistry Online in Bradenton at 1-941-748-0660 now. We’ll talk to you about what’s going on and help you schedule an appointment to get in to see us.