Jacksonville Complete Dentistry Offers Fast Dental Emergency Treatment
Dental emergencies come in many different forms. They may strike at a
moment’s notice, such as if you fell and cracked a tooth on the
sidewalk, or they may gradually develop over time in the form of a bad
toothache until the pain is unbearable. Whatever your situation is, one
thing is certain – you have Jacksonville Complete Dentistry’s
support through and through. Please don’t hesitate to contact us right away for emergency assistance; our doctors will do all they can to make time to
see you so that you receive much-needed relief from your injury and/or pain.
Why Choose Jacksonville Complete Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?
Same-Day Appointments Available for Emergency Patients
Highly-Trained & Experienced Staff
Advanced Technology Leads to Faster Care
How We Treat Your Dental Emergency
When you first schedule your emergency appointment, we’ll make sure
to do everything we can to get you seen the same day that you call. If you
need additional guidance on the phone ahead of your in-person visit,
we’ll be more than prepared to give it to you.
Once you do arrive, we’ll start by completing a thorough examination
of your mouth and ask you about your symptoms. We’ll also capture
digital X-rays to confirm the root cause of your dental emergency quickly
and accurately if necessary. This will also help us understand the extent
of the problem and confirm if other areas are at risk.
Following your exam, we’ll determine the best treatment options to
resolve your dental discomfort and prevent your dental emergency from
getting worse. This could involve a filling, root canal therapy,
extraction, or another service. It all depends on the severity and type of
issue you’re experiencing.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Our experienced dentists always trust your judgement when you call in with
an urgent need, and we will provide personalized
dental care to relieve pain and renew your oral health. However, if
you’re still unsure whether or not you need fast attention, our office
is happy to go over the most common dental emergencies that we treat.
Fixing your smile and stopping your pain should be your primary goal when
you call our office for emergency care. You can start thinking about the
cost once we’ve examined your smile and recommended a treatment plan.
No two emergency visits are likely to cost the same, but you’ll have
our team at Jacksonville Complete Dentistry to walk you through the process
and help you find the best strategies for reducing costs as much as
possible.
Different Emergencies, Different Costs
Some emergency visits involve root canal therapy to save a tooth, while
in other cases an extraction is performed to remove it altogether.
Crowns and other restorations might be placed to reverse dental damage.
We may even have to address TMJ-related pain. The overall cost of your
emergency visit will be impossible to determine before we’ve had a
chance to diagnose the problem and confirmed which treatments will be
most effective in your case. We’ll make sure that you fully
understand our findings and our treatment recommendations (as well as
the estimated costs involved) before asking you to commit to a specific
service.
Save Money By Taking Care of Your Smile Now
If you’re worried about your financial situation, your first
reaction to a dental emergency might be to try and ignore it. While
cracks, toothaches, and other forms of dental damage might seem
manageable at first, ignoring them gives them a chance to turn into
larger problems. A small cavity that could once have been filled in can
develop into a severe infection that forces us to remove the entire
tooth and replace it with a dental implant. In the long run, waiting too
long to have a dental emergency treated will cost you more money than
having the problem taken care of in a timely manner.
On a similar note, if you want to avoid having to pay for a dental
emergency altogether, it’s best to maintain a solid at-home oral
hygiene routine and regular appointments. Good preventive care has been
shown to potentially save people thousands of dollars in the long run.
Will Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Many plans will have some coverage set aside specifically for emergency
situations, with at least one emergency exam often being fully covered
each year. The most common emergency services such as root canal therapy
tend to be covered under most plans, with said coverage ranging from 50%
to 80% depending on how complex it is. One thing to keep in mind is that
your plan does have a yearly maximum that limits the amount of coverage
you can receive during a given year. It’s a good idea to contact
your insurance company to confirm the benefits that are still available.
How Else Can Dental Emergencies Be Made Affordable?
Uninsured patients can apply for CareCredit, which offers plans that
allow you to pay at a rate that’s comfortable for your budget.
Third-party financing plans can be used for all services, including
those not covered by insurance, so don’t be afraid to ask how to
apply during your emergency visit.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
After reading the above information, you know what counts as a dental
emergency, a few common causes, and how our team can help restore your
pain-free smile. If you’d like to continue your research to be as
prepared as possible should a dental injury arise, we want to help! In
addition to scheduling an appointment
with our team, you can also keep reading for the answers to a few frequently
asked questions.
When should I go to the emergency room?
When a dental emergency strikes, your first thought may be to head straight
to your local ER. However, since they typically don’t have a dentist
on-staff, the most they can do is ease your pain and recommend visiting your
dental team. Therefore, it’s best for your smile, wallet, and time to
visit our emergency dentist in Jacksonville first. With that being
said, if your dental injury results in a life-threatening condition, like
difficulty breathing or a broken jaw, then you should call 911 right away.
Once you get the medical attention you need, give us a call so we can treat
the root cause of the issue as soon as possible.
Do I still need to see a dentist if my toothache goes away?
Yes! There is a popular misconception that a once problematic tooth that has
gone radio silent is a good thing. In reality, it could mean the infection
has completely killed the pulp of your tooth, necessitating root canal
therapy. If treatment is put off long enough, then a tooth extraction and
replacement may be in order. So, you definitely should give us a call, even
if your toothache goes away.
How can I prepare for a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies are often inconvenient and anxiety-inducing, which is why
being prepared is so important. To ensure you can act quickly and get the
fast, effective relief you deserve, keep the below items close by at all
times:
Our contact information
Ibuprofen
Latex-free gloves
Gauze pads
Orajel
A small, sealable container (large enough to fit a tooth)
Saline solution
A dental mirror
Floss
Does dental insurance cover the cost of emergency visits?
The answer really depends on the fine print on your dental plan. Typically,
both diagnostic care (like X-rays) and restorative services (like dental
crowns) are eligible for coverage. If you don’t have dental insurance
or need extensive dental work, then low-to-no interest financing is also
available through CareCredit. Whichever financial option makes the most
sense for you, we will ensure that handling that portion of your care is as
stress-free as possible.
Whether you have sustained a dental injury or are interested in learning
more to be as prepared as possible, we are here to help! Give us a call to
speak directly with our team.
Most toothaches are typically not emergencies, however, they may indicate that a serious dental emergency could be present. In other words, if you’re experiencing some dental pain, it probably doesn’t need immediate attention. If you do happen to notice any of the following symptoms, it’s more likely a dental emergency and you should give us a call:
Severe pain that lasts for multiple days, keeps you awake, or makes daily life difficult
Earache, fever, or fatigue
Pain when opening the mouth wide
Darkening of the tooth
Swelling or pimple-like bumps on the tooth
Sharp pain when biting down
How you should handle your toothache: Make an appointment today to avoid any potential complications later. Floss around the tooth to remove any potential food and rinse your mouth out with warm saltwater. Apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling and take a painkiller (such as ibuprofen) to alleviate discomfort. Do not attempt to pop any pimple-like bumps or apply aspirin directly to the tooth.
How we treat toothaches: We’ll perform a detailed exam to confirm the cause of your toothache. Depending on the reason for it, such as cavities, tooth or gum infections, damage you can’t see, gum disease, or injury inside the tooth, we may recommend a dental filling, crown, antibiotics, periodontal therapy, root canal therapy, or an extraction.
More often than not, chipped teeth are not exactly an urgent emergency. However, you should still get an appointment scheduled at our office as soon as it occurs. Even small chips can break down further or cause major decay due to the inner layers of the tooth becoming exposed.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: According to the American Dental Association, you should start by rinsing your mouth out with warm water first to remove any pieces of tooth that could potentially be swallowed, causing you to choke. Keep the area clean and cover the chipped portion with sugarless gum or dental wax, especially if you notice sensitivity.
How we treat chipped teeth: We can usually fix chipped teeth with tooth-colored composite resin, but this depends on how large the chip is and which tooth was damaged. For example, if you chipped a tooth that’s visible in your smile, a porcelain veneer may be a better option.
Cracked teeth can happen seemingly out of nowhere, whether you’re eating popcorn during a movie, playing your favorite sport, or experiencing a bad fall while going for a walk. The moment you notice any sensitivity or pain while biting down, especially after a recent facial injury, there’s a chance your tooth is damaged.
How to handle a cracked tooth: Locate any pieces of the tooth you can and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Place a cold compress on your cheek to reduce any swelling and take an over-the-counter painkiller. Try to avoid chewing anything until you get to our office and cover the tooth with dental wax if it appears sharp.
How we treat cracked teeth: When damage is relatively minimal, we may be able to use direct cosmetic tooth bonding or tooth-colored composite resin to replace missing enamel and reshape it. More severe damage may need a dental crown or tooth removal, but we will only suggest extraction as a last resort.
Is very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Although having very sensitive teeth is an unpleasant experience, it’s not designated as a dental emergency. But the reason for your tooth sensitivity warrants a visit to see your emergency dentist in Jacksonville. Why? Because it could be that you have a cracked tooth, abscess, gum recession, or serious cavity, all of which require immediate attention.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: While waiting to see our team, make sure you drink lukewarm water and not hot or cold, as this will prevent uncomfortable sensitivity. Also, stay away from foods that are sweet, acidic, and spicy, and don’t hesitate to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to make your situation more manageable.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: When meeting with your emergency dentist, we will take digital X-rays and pinpoint the reason behind your sensitivity. If caused by worn tooth enamel, we may recommend fluoride treatments, desensitizing toothpaste, or prescription mouthwash. If the problem is more serious (i.e., abscess, gum disease, cracked tooth, etc.), it may be necessary to administer periodontal therapy, a tooth-colored filling, or even tooth extraction if your tooth is posing a potential risk to your oral health.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? A lost tooth in Jacksonville is most certainly a dental emergency. In fact, time is of the essence, so you will need to contact our dental office right away and waste no time getting in to see us if you want to try and save your tooth.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: When you knock out a tooth, make sure to retrieve it by the crown and rinse off any debris. Also, make sure to rinse out your mouth. If possible, try to reinsert it into the vacated socket. If this is unsuccessful, don’t worry. Simply place the tooth between your cheek and gums inside your mouth or place it in a container of water or milk to keep it moist. Make sure to bring it with you to your appointment.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: At Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, we will examine the tooth and the vacated socket to determine if it’s possible to reattach it. If so, we will create a splint to hold the tooth in place until it reintegrates with the bone and tissues. However, if the tooth is no longer viable because of damage or time, we will begin to discuss ways you can replace it. This will include either a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? No one wants their customized restorations to fall out, but it’s not uncommon. Because they’re not designed to last forever, it is possible for a lost dental crown in Jacksonville or filling to accidentally fall out. Although it’s shocking, it’s not technically a dental emergency. However, you shouldn’t wait long to seek treatment because your tooth will be vulnerable to possible damage and infection.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: There are products you can buy that can help you reinsert your restoration (i.e., dental cement), but if you’re worried you might do more harm than good, wait to see us. In the meantime, rinse out your mouth and avoid chewing on that side. You’ll also want to be careful when brushing and flossing to avoid causing additional damage.
How we treat a lost filling or crown: Depending on whether your restoration is still fully intact or not, we may be able to re-bond it into place. Otherwise, we will need to have a new tooth-colored filling and/or dental crown created to better protect your weakened and vulnerable tooth.
Is a broken denture a dental emergency? A broken denture should be treated as a dental emergency. Wearing a restoration that has been damaged can harm your gums, soft tissues, jaw, and remaining teeth. You should give us a call right away if you need help with your denture.
How to handle a broken denture: Don’t wear your denture after it has become damaged. You could accidentally hurt yourself or cause the damage to get worse. Never try to repair the dentures on your own with superglue or another household item. These are not biocompatible, and they can make you sick! Give us a call to schedule an urgent appointment instead.
How we treat broken dentures: This depends on the severity of the damage. Sometimes, we are able to fill in small chips and cracks with cosmetic resin. In other cases, the denture may need to be readjusted to fit properly. However, we may need to fit you for a brand-new denture if yours cannot be fixed. You may also want to consider switching to implant dentures.
Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency? Teeth can become loose over time or suddenly as a result of an injury. If they’re loose, then they’re in danger of falling out, even if they aren’t painful. This is definitely a dental emergency, and you should see a dental professional as soon as you notice that your tooth is loose.
How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: Give us a call right away. Avoid touching your tooth and eating foods that are hard or sticky. Don’t brush or floss the tooth. Instead, clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: In the case of a loose tooth, we will do our best to save it. If the tooth cannot be saved, we may need to extract it. If this is the case, we can discuss tooth replacement options, like dental implants.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Oral injuries that cause bleeding to the gums, lips, or tongue can be alarming, but we may be able to help if the bleeding is minor. Give us a call to let us know what’s going on and we can advise you on what to do next.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Begin by rinsing the area gently with water. This will help to remove any debris in the area. Apply a clean washcloth or gauze to the cut until the bleeding stops. You may also use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: We may be able to stitch the wound closed if the cut is small enough. If the cut is very large or the bleeding cannot be easily controlled, you will need to go to the emergency room.
Jaw Pain
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Jaw pain is not typically a dental emergency, but it can negatively impact your day-to-day life. If the pain becomes chronic, give us a call so we can take a look.
How you should handle jaw pain: Our office will be happy to offer guidance over the phone ahead of your appointment. Generally, we recommend that patients take over-the-counter pain relievers and use an ice pack to relieve swelling and discomfort. If you believe that your jaw is dislocated or broken, head to the emergency room.
How we treat jaw pain: To address your pain, we first need to determine the reason behind it. We may recommend a custom nightguard for bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding). If the cause is your wisdom teeth, you may need to have them removed. We will determine the best course of action during your appointment with us.
If you have food or something else stuck between your teeth, it can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, this can usually be resolved at home without going to the dental office. First, rinse your mouth with water to try to dislodge or soften the object. Next, try to carefully floss around the foreign object. Don’t use anything sharp, like a toothache. You could accidentally hurt yourself or push the object further. If you are still struggling, give us a call so we can help.
Dental emergencies come in many different forms. They may strike at a
moment’s notice, such as if you fell and cracked a tooth on the
sidewalk, or they may gradually develop over time in the form of a bad
toothache until the pain is unbearable. Whatever your situation is, one
thing is certain – you have Jacksonville Complete Dentistry’s
support through and through. Please don’t hesitate to 
