Emergency Dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL
Do you need immediate help for a tooth problem? It’s not always easy to know if you should seek treatment as soon as possible or schedule an appointment for a later time. At Florida Smiles Dental, our emergency dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, offers services for patients with urgent oral health problems.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Services
It may be time to get help —or at least seek guidance for your next steps — if you’re having any of the following issues with your teeth or gums:
- Crack or fracture in a tooth
- Loose permanent tooth
- Loose restoration, such as a filling or crown
- Pimple on your gums
- Severe or constant toothache
- Fever with tooth pain
What Kinds of Dental Emergencies Are There?
Not every instance of tooth pain or other symptoms requires immediate care. But you may need emergency dental services for any of the following problems, depending on severity and other factors.
Broken Teeth
Do you have a fractured tooth? That can happen if you’re hit in the mouth or if you have weakened teeth due to decay. Broken teeth often need help right away to save them. If possible, bring the fractured piece with you to your appointment — we may be able to attach it again.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Do you have a tooth with a large chip or crack? Minor cracks and chips can usually wait for an appointment. But more severe damage requires emergency care to prevent infections or additional damage that could lead to tooth extraction.
Toothaches
Does one of your teeth hurt? Slight or moderate pain can typically wait for treatment. But if you have severe pain — with or without a fever — you should seek urgent dental care. Toothaches that are more serious may indicate an infection that needs prompt help.
Loose, Missing, or Damaged Restoration
Do you have a crown that’s loose or a damaged filling? If you’re having an issue with a tooth restoration, you might need help as soon as possible. Timely care may help save your restoration so you don’t need it replaced. If it’s fallen out and lost or badly damaged, though, we’ll need to replace it.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Have you lost a tooth from an accident? You can try rinsing it off and placing it in its socket so it can attach to the root again. If that doesn’t work, keep your tooth in water or milk and bring it to your appointment. Our dental team may be able to successfully place it in its socket to prevent you from losing it permanently.
Tooth Abscesses
Do you have a throbbing tooth? This may indicate that you have a tooth abscess that needs immediate treatment. Other signs to be aware of include:
- Bad odor in your mouth
- Pimple on your gums
- Severe pain that spreads to nearby areas, like your ear
- Fever
- Facial swelling
- Increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages
Emergency Treatments for Dental Problems
What kind of care can you expect to receive for an urgent oral health problem? That depends on the type of issue you’re having. Some of the treatments we provide for these problems include the following.
Tooth Repair or Restoration
We may repair a cracked tooth or restore a badly damaged tooth after evaluating its condition. For example, we might treat a cracked tooth with a filling and crown.
Root Canal
If an infection affects the root and pulp inside your tooth, our dentist may recommend a root canal. This process involves cleaning out the canals in the affected tooth, eliminating the bacteria that cause infections.
Tooth Extraction
What if your tooth has serious damage that can’t be fixed? This can happen, especially if an injured tooth is already weak from decay. In these situations, we might need to remove the tooth and discuss options for replacing it, such as a dental bridge or implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dental issue is an emergency?
If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, a fever with toothache, or visible damage to your teeth such as cracks, chips, or a knocked-out tooth, you should seek emergency dental care. When in doubt, call our office — we can help determine if immediate treatment is necessary.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Try to gently rinse the tooth with water and place it back in its socket if possible. If that’s not feasible, keep it moist in a container of milk or water and get to our office as soon as you can. The sooner we can reinsert it, the better the chances of saving it.
Is a cracked or chipped tooth considered an emergency?
Minor chips or cracks can often wait, but if the damage is large or causes pain, it’s best to seek emergency care. Prompt treatment can help prevent infection or further damage that might require extraction.
Can a toothache be a sign of something serious?
Yes. While some toothaches are mild and can wait for a scheduled visit, severe or constant pain — especially if it’s paired with fever, swelling, or a bad taste — may indicate an infection or abscess that needs urgent care.
What if my crown or filling comes loose or falls out?
A loose or missing restoration may expose the underlying tooth to damage or decay. We recommend contacting us right away. Depending on the condition of the restoration and tooth, we may be able to reattach it or replace it promptly.
Will I need a tooth extraction during an emergency visit?
Not necessarily. Our goal is always to save your natural tooth. However, if the tooth is severely damaged or infected beyond repair, we may recommend an extraction and discuss replacement options like bridges or implants.
Visit Us for Emergency Dental Care!
Are you experiencing an urgent dental issue that can’t wait? Our emergency dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, at Florida Smiles Dental may be able to help. Call our office to tell us what you’re dealing with, and we’ll let you know if you should see us right away for treatment!
