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Emergency Dentist – Windermere, FL

woman smiling at emergency dentist in Windermere

By definition, dental emergencies aren’t exactly convenient or timely events – our Windermere Dentistry team understands this well, and we also understand how frightening severe dental injuries and oral pain can be in the moment. That’s why we urge you to contact our practice right away for the supportive and highly skilled emergency assistance you need most during this difficult time. Our doctors will make every effort to welcome you in for an appointment as soon as possible, and first-aid assistance can be provided over the phone as well if you’re unable to reach your emergency dentist in Windermere, FL.

 

 

HOW TO HANDLE COMMON DENTAL EMERGENCIES

woman holding mouth in pain

Dental emergencies tend to come in one of two varieties: injuries that happen all of a sudden, or infections that slowly develop over time. At Windermere Dentistry, we are more than prepared to treat both. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you handle your emergencies until you can reach our office.

 

 

TOOTHACHES

Is your pain dull but persistent? You might have something caught between your teeth. Gently floss and rinse with saltwater to dislodge the object. If that’s not the case, then take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen as directed on the bottle until your appointment with us.

CHIPPED/BROKEN TOOTH

To curb both pain and swelling, hold a cold compress to the appropriate cheek in 10-minute intervals. Avoid chewing with the affected tooth. If you have any dental wax or sugar-free gum on hand, you can use those to cover up any sharp or jagged edges of your tooth so that they don’t irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

Gently rinse the tooth without removing any pieces of tissue that may be attached. Try to place the tooth back in its socket by holding it in place and biting down on a piece of cloth or gauze. If that doesn’t work, hold the tooth in a container of milk or between your cheek and gums. After you knock out a tooth, you have less than an hour to get to your dentist in Windermere before the tooth is no longer viable for reattachment.

LOST FILLING/CROWN

While not as urgent as a dislodged tooth, a lost restoration can leave your underlying tooth more vulnerable. Locate the crown or filling and rinse it off. Then, using dental wax, denture adhesive, or sugarless gum, try to temporarily reattach it until you can reach our office. Whatever you do, do NOT use glue of any kind.

 

 

HOW TO PREVENT DENTAL EMERGENCIES

close up person putting in yellow mouthguard

Even though dental emergencies are not always preventable, you can decrease their chances of happening if you stick to the following steps:

  • Wear a custom mouthguard during sports games, practices, and even solo activities like cycling and jogging.
  • Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects like ice, your fingernails, nuts, pencils, and hard candies.
  • Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages. Grab the scissors instead.
  • Brush and floss your teeth every day to keep bacteria that cause toothaches at bay.
  • Attend regular checkups and cleanings at Windermere Dentistry. At these appointments, we can detect the signs of a dental emergency before it even happens!
 

 

THE COST OF TREATING DENTAL EMERGENCIES

tooth in one hand, money in the other

There isn’t a set price for treating a dental emergency, since these situations come in all shapes and sizes. Some patients only require a small filling or a prescription of antibiotics to treat their problem, while others will need to have one or even several teeth extracted and replaced. Before we go through with any treatment, we’ll discuss all of your options with you so that you’ll know exactly what to expect. We’ll try to get you out of pain as soon as possible so you can make any decisions you need to with a clear head.

 

 

EMERGENCY DENTISTRY FAQS

young woman with toothache talking to her emergency dentist in Windermere

Do you know what steps to take when a dental emergency strikes? Before you start panicking, remember that your emergency dentist in Windermere is here to help you. Our team members are well-equipped to handle your urgent oral health problem. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from the moment you first call our office to the time you leave with a fully restored smile. If you happen to experience a crisis that involves injury to your gums or teeth, we want you to be confident enough to handle the situation until you arrive at our office. That’s why we’ve included the answers to some frequently asked questions about emergency dentistry below.

SHOULD I GO TO THE ER IF I HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

In most cases, you’re actually better off visiting our office instead of the emergency room. This is because most ER doctors don’t have the training necessary to treat specific dental problems. At best, they might prescribe a painkiller or an antibiotic, but they’ll usually end up referring you to a dentist anyway. Save yourself time and money by heading to our office instead.

However, if your emergency is severe enough to be life-threatening, such as in the following situations, go to the ER right away:

  • Profuse bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes
  • A fractured or broken jawbone
  • Swelling or fever that does not go down

HOW CAN I ALLEVIATE MY PAIN?

Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance, so some people may need help relieving their discomfort before their emergency appointment. Most people find relief by taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Just be sure that if you take aspirin, do not place it directly on the sore area. Doing so could irritate your gums and worsen your pain.

Holding an ice pack to the area can not only reduce pain, but bring down swelling as well. It’s worth noting that just because you’re able to minimize your pain at home doesn’t mean you should put off your appointment. Your dentist in Windermere can examine your mouth and address the root cause of your pain to keep it from flaring up again in the future.

WILL MY DENTAL INSURANCE COVER EMERGENCIES?

Most dental insurance companies are aware that accidents happen and will cover one emergency visit a year. However, this depends on the extent of the damage as well as what kind of restorative treatment you’ll need. Our friendly team will gladly look over your policy and help you maximize any benefits you may have available.

HOW CAN I BE PREPARED FOR FUTURE DENTAL EMERGENCIES?

It helps to be prepared by creating a dental emergency kit and storing it in your bathroom, your car, or even your desk at work. Include the following items:

  • Small bottle of ibuprofen
  • Nitrile gloves (in case someone is allergic to latex)
  • Dental mirror
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental wax and cement
  • Topical oral pain reliever gel
  • Floss
  • Small container with a secure lid