Emergency Dentistry

How much does an emergency dental visit cost?

We aim to provide affordable, quality dental care for our patients in Winter Springs, FL. Our price for an emergency dental exam ranges from $0 to $98. Certain PPO plans may cover 100% of the cost. Out-of-pocket costs for procedures depend on your insurance coverage.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to alleviate pain, stop bleeding, prevent infection, or save a tooth. Knowing how to recognize a dental emergency can help you seek timely care and avoid unnecessary distress.

• Severe Tooth Pain: An intense and persistent toothache can indicate a serious underlying issue such as an infection, deep decay, or an abscess. Immediate treatment is necessary to diagnose and address the root cause of the pain.
•  Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out due to trauma, it is crucial to seek immediate dental care. Prompt reimplantation, ideally within an hour, increases the chances of saving the tooth.
• Fractured or Broken Tooth: A cracked or broken tooth, particularly if it is causing pain or has sharp edges, requires urgent attention to prevent further damage and infection.
• Dental Abscess: An abscess is a localized infection that appears as a painful swelling filled with pus. If not treated promptly, an abscess can lead to severe complications, including spreading infection to other parts of the body.
• Uncontrollable Bleeding: Persistent bleeding following a dental procedure or trauma requires immediate medical attention to prevent excessive blood loss and ensure proper healing.
• Lost Filling or Crown: While not always an emergency, losing a filling or crown can expose the underlying tooth to damage and sensitivity. Immediate care helps restore the tooth’s integrity and function.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue caused by trauma need prompt evaluation and treatment to control bleeding and prevent infection.

What is not a dental emergency?

• Minor Toothache: Mild discomfort or sensitivity can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and is typically not an emergency. However, persistent pain should be evaluated by a dentist.
• Small Chips or Cracks: Minor chips or cracks that are not causing pain or significant sharp edges can usually wait for a regular dental appointment.
• Loose or Fallen-Out Dental Appliances: While inconvenient, issues with dentures, braces, or other appliances are not typically emergencies unless they cause significant discomfort or injury.
• Stained or Discolored Teeth: Cosmetic concerns such as staining or discoloration do not require immediate attention and can be addressed during routine dental visits.
• Lost Fillings or Crowns Without Pain: If a lost filling or crown is not causing discomfort, it can usually wait for a scheduled dental appointment. Temporary measures, like dental cement from a pharmacy, can help protect the area in the meantime.

Understanding the difference between dental emergencies and non-emergencies can help you make informed decisions about when to seek urgent care. In any situation where there is doubt, it is always best to consult with a dental professional. They can provide guidance and reassurance, ensuring that you receive the appropriate care for your needs.

What should I do in a dental emergency?

Managing a dental emergency effectively can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth, as well as preventing complications and alleviating pain. Here are the best steps to take when faced with a dental emergency:

1.  Stay Calm: First and foremost, remain calm. Panic can worsen the situation or lead to rash decisions. Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly.
2. Contact Your Dentist Immediately: Call your dentist or an emergency dental service as soon as possible. Explain the situation in detail, including the nature of the injury or pain, and follow their instructions. Many dental practices have emergency slots or on-call dentists who can provide immediate care.
3. Manage Pain and Discomfort: While waiting to see the dentist, manage your pain and discomfort:

• Over-the-counter pain Relievers: Take an appropriate dosage of over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain. Avoid aspirin if there is bleeding, as it can exacerbate it.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.

4. Handle Specific Emergency Issues Appropriately: Different types of dental emergencies require specific actions:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (the part visible in the mouth) to avoid damaging the roots. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub it. If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket. If not, store it in a container of milk or a saline solution and get to the dentist immediately.
• Fractured or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the site for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and see your dentist as soon as possible.
• Dental Abscess: Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to help reduce pain and draw the pus to the surface. Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. Seek emergency dental care to prevent the spread of infection.
• Lost Filling or Crown: If a filling or crown comes loose, try to keep the area clean. You can use dental cement (available over the counter) to reattach the crown or temporarily cover the exposed area. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and see your dentist promptly.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: For cuts or wounds to the gums, lips, or tongue, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to control bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and seek immediate dental or medical attention if bleeding persists.

5. Prevent Future Emergencies

After addressing the immediate concern, take steps to prevent future dental emergencies:

• Regular Dental Checkups: Routine visits to your dentist can identify potential problems before they become emergencies.
• Protective Gear: Use mouthguards during sports and nightguards if you grind your teeth.
•  Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

Handling a dental emergency promptly and correctly is crucial for minimizing damage and ensuring a quick recovery. Whether it’s managing pain, taking immediate action for specific injuries, or following up with preventive measures, being prepared and informed can significantly reduce the impact of dental emergencies. When in doubt, always consult with a dental professional to get the best advice and care for your situation. Your dental health is vital to your overall well-being, and taking swift, appropriate action can help maintain it.

What are emergency dental procedures?

Emergency dental procedures are critical interventions your dental professional performs to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and address trauma. Here are some common examples:

1. Severe Toothache Relief: Treatment for intense pain, often due to decay or infection, which may involve root canal treatment.
2. Tooth Fractures or Breaks: Repairing or restoring a broken or fractured tooth to relieve pain and preserve the tooth’s structure.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth: Immediate reimplantation or preservation to save the tooth, ideally within an hour of the incident.
4. Abscess Drainage: Treating infections by draining abscesses and prescribing antibiotics to prevent further complications.
5. Lost Crown or Filling Replacement: Promptly replacing lost dental restorations to prevent tooth sensitivity and further decay.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries: Addressing cuts or wounds to the gums, lips, or tongue caused by trauma, ensuring proper cleaning and suturing if necessary.
7. Orthodontic Emergencies: Fixing broken braces or wires that are causing discomfort or injury inside the mouth.
8. Pericoronitis Treatment: Managing inflammation and infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
9. Bleeding Control: Stopping persistent bleeding following dental surgery or injury.
10. Extraction of Severely Damaged Teeth: Removing teeth that are beyond repair to prevent infection and alleviate pain.

Each of these procedures aims to provide immediate relief from dental emergencies and prevent long-term damage or complications.