Whether it’s a severe toothache, a cracked or broken tooth, or bleeding gums, dental emergencies require immediate attention. However, it can be difficult to determine what exactly constitutes a dental emergency.

Having a regular routine of brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly will prevent many dental emergencies. The exception is when plaque builds up in hard-to-reach places that a toothbrush can’t reach.

Root Canal

A root canal removes damaged tissue from inside a tooth to prevent infection. It also protects the tooth and can help avoid extraction. Infected tooth pulp is a result of deep dental decay, a cracked or chipped tooth that exposes the inner pulp tissue, or trauma (being hit in the face/mouth/tooth).

If left untreated, the bacteria in the dental pulp can spread to the surrounding teeth and lead to infection and abscesses. Symptoms include severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling of the gums, and tooth discoloration.

During the procedure, our emergency 24 Hour Dentist of Tampa FL will administer a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and alleviate any discomfort. We offer several different types of sedation for your comfort, if needed. Next, we will access the inner chamber through a small opening, clean and disinfect the infected tooth pulp tissue, and then seal the root canals with gutta-percha. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown to prevent further damage.

Damaged Dentures

No matter how well you care for your teeth and gums, accidents happen that lead to dental emergencies. These events may be painful and require immediate care to relieve the discomfort, stop the bleeding or save a damaged tooth.

Getting immediate dental care for your broken or damaged dentures can help prevent the need for further dental procedures like a dental bridge or dental implants. Tampa professionals will create a treatment plan that will restore the form, function and aesthetic of your smile.

Tooth damage is often avoidable if you follow a routine of dental care like brushing two times a day, flossing and using mouthwash. However, some accidents can’t be prevented, especially if you participate in high impact sports or grind your teeth while sleeping. Regardless, Tampa emergency dentists can repair your teeth quickly and efficiently. They can also fabricate custom dental appliances, like mouth guards, to help prevent future injuries. They will also provide palliative treatments, such as a root canal, to clean out infected tissue and antibiotics if necessary.

Bleeding Gums

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, a cracked or chipped tooth, loose fillings, or a painful abscess, it’s important to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Many dental emergencies can be prevented by visiting your local dental clinic on a regular basis and practicing good oral hygiene.

Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash can help prevent oral health problems, such as gum disease. Gum disease is caused when harmful bacteria build up between and on the teeth and gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and cause tooth and bone loss. Bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and receding gums are all signs of gum disease. An emergency dentist can provide same-day treatment for this condition, so it’s important to visit 24 Hour Dentist of Tampa FL as soon as possible.

Broken Teeth

We offer emergency tooth repair services for broken teeth caused by trauma, dental infections and tooth decay. Our clinic is open seven days a week to serve patients with dental emergencies including chipped teeth, fractured teeth and dislocated jaws. Our dentists have years of experience in treating these injuries and will provide immediate care to relieve your pain and restore your smile.

If you have a knocked out tooth, do not try to re-insert it yourself as the chances of re-implantation are greatly reduced. Rinse the tooth and any saved fragments in water. Do not scrub or over-clean the area. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and place it back in the socket if possible. If not, keep the tooth between your cheek and gums or in a cup of milk to maintain moisture. Call us for further instructions.

Severe sensitivity to temperature or pain that persists over time could indicate an infection. This needs to be treated promptly to avoid further damage and prevent an abscess.