What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies happen every single day. From severe toothaches to bleeding gums, there are several different emergencies to consider. No matter the dental problem you’re facing, Mandarin Dentistry is here to help! We have a skilled team of experienced dentists who can tackle any dental issue. Call us today for top-of-the-line emergency dental care in Jacksonville, FL!

In this post, we’ll talk about what’s considered a dental emergency.

Dental Emergencies

Unfortunately, a wide variety of issues can happen with your oral health. In some cases, the problem may require immediate care. This is called a dental emergency.

Take a look at what’s considered a dental emergency below:

Bad Toothache

While a minor toothache is normal, experiencing stabbing or severe pain is cause for concern. First, make sure you don’t have food lodged between your teeth. If the pain is still there, take over-the-counter pain medication and head to the dentist as soon as possible. You could have an underlying infection or another problem.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a sign of an infection. Resembling a pimple, these pus-filled pockets are located on your gums and can cause a great deal of pain. If left untreated, these infections can damage your surrounding bone and dental tissue.

Severely Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can expose the tooth root and surrounding area, creating a path for bacteria to enter. Unfortunately, this can lead to a problematic infection. Make sure to put gauze on the area to limit bleeding before seeing an emergency dentist.

Emergency Dental Care at Mandarin Dentistry

Other common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, lost or damaged dental restorations, painful soft tissue injuries, and extruded teeth. If you experience any of these issues, contact Mandarin Dentistry for the immediate care you need. Choose our skilled dentist in Jacksonville, FL, today!

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Your teeth shouldn’t hurt, but some toothaches are more serious than others. Any time you have a toothache, you should talk to your dentist in Jacksonville, FL. Your dentist can help you decide if you’re having a dental emergency and need to be seen on the same day. 

What Causes Toothaches?

Toothaches can be caused by many things. Below are some examples of the reasons your tooth might be aching:

  • Cavity. A cavity is an area of tooth decay-causing a pit to form in your tooth enamel. Cavities can cause mild toothaches. While cavities in their early stages are not usually considered a dental emergency, they should be addressed quickly in order to prevent them from spreading. 
  • Infection. If a cavity gets deep enough or if a crack in your tooth allows bacteria to enter the center of your tooth, this can lead to a dental infection. Infections often cause severe pain. Dental infections are considered dental emergencies and should be addressed as soon as possible. 
  • Chipped or broken tooth. A chipped or broken tooth can cause pain and can lead to problems like dental infections. If you get a chipped tooth or if part of your tooth breaks off, talk to your dental professional. 

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Generally speaking, the more severe the pain, the more likely you’re having a dental emergency. Any time you have pain in your tooth, or any time you break off part of your tooth, you should call the dentist to find out next steps. Your dentist can ask you questions about your symptoms and gauge whether you should come in to the dental office now or soon to get treatment. 

How Are Dental Infections Treated?

Dental infections are treated with a procedure called a root canal. Root canals are generally done immediately as soon as it’s discovered that a root canal is needed. During the root canal, the dentist will drill into your tooth, clean out the infection, seal up the tooth, and put a crown on top. 

Do You Have a Severe Toothache? Call the Dentist

If you have a severe toothache, you probably need emergency dental services in Jacksonville, FL. At Mandarin Dentistry, we offer dental emergency services to patients who need them. Call

Which Dentists Offer Emergency Services in Jacksonville, FL?

Emergency dental services are unfortunately not always so easy to come by, even in a major city like Jacksonville. Unfortunately, you could end up going to urgent care or the ER only to be sent away quickly with a pain management plan. When that happens, you’ll end up paying for two visits, which can get fairly pricey even with decent insurance. We’ll look at where to find emergency dental care in Jacksonville, FL, and why you’re unlikely to regret making the appointment.

Treating the Problem Early

The most memorable reason to visit an emergency dentist is the one that you might be most likely to call them for. In some cases, it is entirely possible to replace a missing tooth. If you can keep it in water or milk and get it to a dentist immediately, there is a chance that you won’t have to pay for an implant or live with the gap in your smile.

However, this is not the only reason to go to an emergency dentist. The faster you can treat anything from severe bleeding to painful toothaches, the less dental care you’ll have to look forward to in the future. For conditions like abscesses or sepsis, a trip to the dentist can potentially save your life. Once an infection reaches the bloodstream, the consequences can become very concerning very quickly.

Dentists in Jacksonville, FL

Finding the proper emergency dental care comes down to finding a dentist in Jacksonville, FL, with enough expertise to handle various conditions. At Mandarin Dentistry, you’ll work with a staff that has successfully dealt with enough scenarios, so you can be sure you’re getting the best treatment available. If you’re looking for professionals who can get to work fast, contact us today.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

When it comes to dental emergencies, preventing them is a much better plan. Unfortunately, many people don’t give their teeth the attention they deserve, leading to the need for emergency dental care. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent common dental disasters.

Take Care of Healthy Teeth

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time will go a long way toward preventing tooth decay. Another step is to get a routine professional cleaning. A dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar from your mouth, which can lead to gum disease. In addition, you should avoid foods that are known to increase your risk of cavities. This includes avoiding high-acid foods and sugary drinks, which can lead to the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria. Lastly, visit your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, at least twice a year, or more if necessary.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports can help protect your teeth and mouth from injury. Mouthguards are especially important for people who play contact sports, such as football, hockey, and boxing, where there is a risk of getting hit in the face or head. Choose a mouthguard that is comfortable, fits well, and doesn’t interfere with your breathing or speaking. If you have trouble breathing or speaking with a mouthguard, you may be less likely to wear it, which defeats the purpose of using one.

Go to the Dentist at the First Sign of a Problem

Finally, don’t put off seeing the dentist when something doesn’t feel right. A dull toothache can quickly spiral into a dental emergency in Jacksonville, FL, when you least expect it.

If you do experience a dental emergency, contact our office in Jacksonville. We offer emergency dental services for existing and new patients.