Dental emergencies often strike without warning, and being prepared can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. At ASAP Dental Care, we understand how overwhelming these moments can be. That’s why we’re here to walk you through the essential steps you should take when a dental emergency happens. We’re also open 7 days a week with 6 convenient locations throughout the Jacksonville area. Because when you’re in pain, you need fast, trusted care from an experienced emergency dentist in Jacksonville, FL!
First Aid for Dental Emergencies
In any urgent dental situation, staying calm and acting quickly is vital. The very first thing to do is call our office so we can help you figure out the best course of action for your specific situation. It’s also a great idea to put together a dental first aid kit, or add a few dental essentials to your existing first aid kit! This could include:- Sterile gauze
- Over-the-counter dental cement
- Orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum
- Save-a-Tooth
- A clean, sealable container
- Non-aspirin pain relievers
- Clean nitrile gloves
- Non-freeze instant ice packs
- Our contact information
What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth
Getting a tooth knocked out can be one of the most upsetting dental emergencies, and minutes can make a difference. Ideally, you’ll want to get to a dentist within 30 minutes of a tooth getting displaced or dislodged. Here’s what to do to maximize your chances of being able to save the tooth:- If the tooth is totally knocked out, locate it and pick it up but don’t touch the root. Only touch the part you can normally see in the mouth.
- If you have it on-hand, put the tooth directly into the Save-a-Tooth container and close the lid.
- If not, you can store it in milk or your own saliva in a clean container.
- Do not use tap water, soap, or try to wipe or scrub the tooth root. All of these can damage the cells on the tooth root and compromise your long-term outcome.
- Time is crucial to saving a dislodged tooth. It may be able to be saved if we can put it back in place within an hour, so call us right away if you have a knocked-out tooth in the Jacksonville area!
What to Do If You Break a Tooth
Even if you’ve never had a cavity, cracks and fractures can happen to anyone from biting into an unexpectedly hard piece of food or from an injury. Here’s what to do if you break or crack a tooth:- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Try to collect any pieces of the broken tooth and keep them in a clean container.
- If there are sharp areas, cover them with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- Apply a cold compress outside your mouth to help with swelling and discomfort.
- Call our office so we can assess the damage and advise you on next steps.
What to Do If You Have a Bad Toothache
Some toothaches are dental emergencies, while others may not need emergency care. However, no toothache should be ignored. If you have a sudden, severe toothache or pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, you’ll need prompt care to prevent an infection and potentially severe complications.- Rinse gently with warm water and use dental floss to remove anything stuck between your teeth, which can sometimes cause toothache-like symptoms.
- Apply a cold compress to your face to decrease pain or swelling.
- DO NOT place aspirin or pain meds directly on your gums, as this can burn the tissue.
- Call us to discuss your issue so we can figure out what’s causing the pain and provide relief as quickly as possible.
What to Do If a Filling or Crown Falls Out
Even the best dental restorations have a finite lifespan. If a filling or crown falls out, it may mean there is decay or another problem that will need treatment.- Save the restoration if possible and bring it with you to your appointment.
- If a crown has come off, you can try to reposition it over the tooth using dental cement.
- NEVER use household glue on dental restorations.
- Try to avoid chewing on that side until we can replace the filling or crown.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Issue?
ASAP Dental Care is here for your urgent dental needs, but some injuries may require hospital care instead of a visit to your emergency dentist in Jacksonville, FL. Visit the ER if you or someone you’re caring for has:- Lost consciousness or suffered a blow to the head
- Dizziness, vomiting, or confusion after a head injury
- Severe swelling in the face, jaw or neck
- A tooth problem with a fever above 101°F
- Trouble breathing, speaking, or swallowing
- Extremely swollen glands or a rapid heart rate
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes