Emergency Dentist — Westchase, FL

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? Toothaches can stem from various causes, often from decay. It's crucial to determine whether your toothache constitutes a dental emergency. Here are key indicators:

• The pain is intense or persists for over 24 hours.
• Sharp pain is felt while biting down.
• Prolonged, sharp tooth sensitivity lasts for more than 30 seconds.
• A small bump appears on the gum near the affected tooth.
• The pained tooth appears noticeably darker than surrounding teeth.
• Symptoms of a serious infection emerge, such as swelling, fever, or fatigue.

How you should handle a toothache: Ensure that food debris isn't the culprit by flossing the area. Consider taking an over-the-counter painkiller if the discomfort persists. Rinsing with saltwater aids in reducing inflammation and eliminating harmful bacteria. Additionally, a cold compress can help alleviate swelling and numb discomfort.

How we treat toothaches: Toothaches can result from various underlying issues, ranging from troublesome cavities to more serious conditions like dental infections or gum disease. Following a thorough evaluation, we'll create a tailored treatment plan to restore your oral health. Common interventions may include fillings, dental crowns, and, if necessary, tooth extractions.

<Learn More About Root Canal Therapy>

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<Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment>

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? While a chipped tooth may not require immediate attention, it's important to address it promptly. Delaying treatment could leave the tooth susceptible to further damage and potential infection.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: If you're able to find any sizable fragments of your tooth, store them in a clean container to bring to your appointment. Then, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to eliminate bacteria and any remaining shards. Avoid using the affected tooth for biting or chewing. If necessary, you can protect your soft tissues by covering the sharp edges with sugarless gum or dental wax.

How we treat chipped teeth: In most cases, we use a custom-shaded composite resin to restore the damaged area of your tooth. This not only enhances strength but also restores the tooth's appearance. However, for highly visible chipped teeth, veneers may be a worthwhile consideration.

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Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Even a small crack can jeopardize your tooth, putting it at risk of infection and further damage. It's crucial to seek prompt attention if you suspect a cracked tooth. Remember, cracks may not always be visible to the naked eye. If you experience discomfort or sensitivity following a facial injury, there may be hidden damage.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Regularly rinsing your mouth with water helps maintain a bacteria-free environment. If necessary, you can apply a cold compress or take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Refrain from eating or chewing on the affected side of your mouth, and consider using dental wax or sugarless gum to cover the damaged tooth if sensitivity is a concern.

How we treat cracked teeth: Typically, we address cracked teeth with a dental crown. However, if the damage is minor, we may be able to restore the tooth using the same tooth-colored material used for dental fillings. In more severe cases, extraction may be necessary. In such instances, we will discuss tooth replacement options.

<Learn More About Dental Bonding>

<Learn More About Dental Crowns>

<Learn More About Tooth Extractions>

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency?

Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t always mean you have a dental emergency. If it gets more intense or interferes with your ability to eat or drink, then it’s time to meet with Dr. Ponnaganti. Otherwise, you may be able to wait until your next dental checkup and cleaning to discuss the problem with her.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth

Keep track of what triggers your sensitive response and do your best to avoid those things. You could use a straw to bypass your teeth while drinking hot coffee or cold soda, for example. You also can consider using a specially formulated toothpaste for sensitivity.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth 

Treatment for tooth sensitivity will depend on whether your teeth have decay or are just worn down. A cavity will be treated either with a tooth-colored filling or with a dental crown—perhaps with a root canal if it’s deep enough. Otherwise, we can offer a fluoride treatment to reinforce your enamel’s defense against hot and cold temperatures.

Learn More about Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Out of all the possible dental emergencies, knocking out a tooth is probably the most urgent situation. If this happens to you, the tooth can be saved only within a certain time period, which means you need to contact us right away and come to our office in under an hour, if possible. Otherwise, your options are limited to replacements.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Picking up and handling the tooth, only touch the crown portion or the part that is usually visible. Do not contaminate the root, and do not remove any tissue that may still be attached. Rinse the tooth off with clean water, and then try to place it back in the socket where it belongs. If you find this too difficult, you may keep the tooth moist in a container of milk or hold it between your cheek and gums.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth 

When you come in, if you haven’t done so already, Dr. Ponnaganti will reposition the tooth within your arch. She may need to put a splint in place, which will stabilize the tooth while the tissues reconnect to it. If the tooth cannot be saved, we can discuss your replacement options, namely a dental bridge or an implant.

Learn More about Dental Bridges

Learn More about Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

When a filling or crown comes off, the tooth underneath becomes exposed to oral bacteria; plus, the tooth cannot bite or chew as it is supposed to without a restoration. Therefore, if you lose a filling or crown, you should consider it a dental emergency and should reach out to us urgently.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

After finding the restoration, rinse it off with clean water, and place a dab of toothpaste on it before putting it back onto the tooth. This will hold temporarily until you get to our office. If you can’t find the filling or crown, you can cover and protect the tooth with dental wax, which is sold in most drugstores, or with sugar-free gum.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns 

Seldomly, the lost restoration can be reattached to the tooth; however, most of the time, it is old or damaged and needs to be replaced with a new one. After examining your tooth and the filling or crown, Dr. Ponnaganti can tell you the best course of action for your restoration.

Learn More about Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency?

If you have a denture that is damaged, it might not be a painful emergency like a toothache, but it can still get in the way of your everyday life. After all, you rely on your denture to chew your food, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Wearing a broken denture can also cause soft-tissue irritation. If you have a broken denture, you should have this addressed as soon as possible.

How to handle a broken denture:

You shouldn’t try to repair a broken denture on your own. Denture repair kits and household items can lead to additional damage. These items aren’t meant to be used in your mouth. Instead, give us a call to explain your situation. We can give you further instructions from there.

How we treat broken dentures:

The way that we address your dentures depends on how severe the damage is. If it’s just a small chip or crack, we may be able to correct it with composite resin. However, for more severe damage, we may need to fit you with a new denture. We will discuss your options during your visit with us.

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency?

Yes, a loose tooth is an urgent dental emergency. When a permanent tooth is loose, it is at risk of falling out. You should have this addressed as soon as possible. Give us a call right away to schedule an appointment.

How you should handle a loose permanent tooth:

As soon as you notice that your tooth is loose, give us a call to schedule a visit. Until you see us, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. You should also avoid wiggling or touching the tooth with your tongue or fingers.

How we treat loose permanent teeth:

We will do everything in our power to save your tooth. However, if it is too damaged, we will discuss tooth replacement options to fill in the missing gap and restore the health of your smile.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency?

An injury to the soft tissues in and around the mouth can be alarming because they bleed a lot. If you have any concerns regarding a wound in this area, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will give you further instructions from there.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue:

Rinse the area with water to wash away any dirt or debris. Use a washcloth or gauze to apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. For pain and inflammation, use an ice pack.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue:

If the cut is small, we might be able to help by stitching it closed. For larger cuts or for wounds that won’t stop bleeding, the emergency room is the best place to receive treatment. We would be happy to take a look at your smile after you have been discharged.

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Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency?

Most of the time, jaw pain isn’t a dental emergency. However, it can be uncomfortable. If your pain becomes severe or chronic, you should let us know. We can start taking steps to help the area feel better.

How you should handle jaw pain:

Over-the-counter pain relievers are oftentimes enough to relieve the discomfort. However, if you think that your jaw is dislocated or broken, you should head to your local emergency room.

How we treat jaw pain:

The treatment that is used for jaw pain is done on a case-by-case basis. For some patients, a nightguard for bruxism helps to reduce symptoms. For others, TMJ treatment is necessary. During your visit with us, we can discuss your options.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Don’t use sharp items, like tweezers, toothpicks, or cutlery to try to get an item out of your teeth. You could accidentally push the object further or damage your soft tissues. Instead, rinse your mouth with water. Use dental floss to try to dislodge the object. If you are still having a hard time, give us a call so we can help.