St. Augustine, FL
No one likes to think of emergency situations, but it’s always best to be prepared. In the case of a dental emergency after a dentist practice’s normal business hours, it’s even more important to think ahead. Sometimes, like after experiencing head, mouth or face trauma, a hospital emergency room is the most suitable place to go. But other dental issues, like chipped teeth, aren’t necessarily considered full-blown emergencies. Our emergency dentist in St. Augustine is focusing today on three times you should call an emergency dentist.
When you are experiencing severe dental pain?
Intense tooth pain is often a sign of underlying dental issues that require immediate attention. Pain can stem from tooth decay, infection, abscess or dental trauma. Ignoring severe toothaches will not make the problem go away; in fact, it will usually make the pain much worse and lead to more significant complications. If you’re experiencing relentless tooth pain, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever or a foul taste in your mouth, contact our office immediately so we can diagnose the root cause of your pain and provide necessary treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage.
When You’ve Broken a Tooth or Knocked One Out of Socket
Traumatic dental injuries, such as a knocked-out or fractured tooth or a dislodged dental restoration, require immediate attention to increase the chances of saving the tooth. If you’ve experienced a traumatic dental injury, try to locate any broken tooth fragments or the knocked-out tooth, handle them carefully by the crown (avoid touching the roots), rinse them gently with water if they’re dirty, and place them back in the socket if possible. If re-implantation isn’t feasible, store the tooth or fragments in a container of milk or saliva and immediately seek emergency dental care.
When You’re Experiencing Persistent Bleeding or Swelling
Uncontrolled bleeding or significant swelling in the gums, jaw or face warrants a call to our St. Augustine emergency dentist. Bleeding from the mouth can result from trauma, advanced gum disease or an abscess. Similarly, swelling may indicate an infection or an abscess that requires prompt treatment to prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing persistent bleeding or swelling in the oral cavity, contact our office and apply gentle pressure to the affected area with a clean gauze or cloth to control bleeding. Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Emergency Dentist in St. Augustine, Florida
Like so many other things in life, dental emergencies don’t always wait for opportune moments to happen. Be sure to save Palencia Dental’s number — 904-664-5254 — in your phone for easier and quicker access in case you or someone in your family experiences a dental emergency.
