Emergency Dentist – Jacksonville, FL

Putting a Quick Stop to Dental Pain

No one ever plans on having to deal with a dental emergency. Sadly, tooth broken enamel, persistent toothaches, and other urgent dental problems are more common than many people realize. It’s always good to have a dentist you can trust to see you as soon as possible if you ever have a dental emergency. Keep our dental practice’s number close at hand so that you can contact us and schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Jacksonville as soon as you realize you need urgent dental care.

Why Choose Altenbach Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
  • Comprehensive Dental Services Under One Roof
  • Technology-Forward Dental Practice

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Emergency dentist in Jacksonville treating a dental patient
  • Same-Day Appointment: We strive to see our patients on the same day that they call our office whenever they have a dental emergency. When you call, we’ll ask about your symptoms and give tips for managing them at home.
  • Comprehensive Emergency Exam: A detailed exam will be performed to figure out what the source of the dental emergency is. We may take X-rays depending on the circumstances.
  • Review Findings: We’ll go over our findings with you and suggest a treatment plan that includes an estimate of the costs and the expected timeline.
  • Get the Care You Need: Once you’ve decided on a treatment, our team will get to work relieving your pain and reversing the damage done to your smile.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies need to be dealt with by a professional as quickly as possible. As soon as you recognize any symptoms that you think might point toward an emergency, you should reach out to our office. Listed below are some of the most common dental emergencies that we treat regularly.

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? There are many different things that can cause you to experience tooth pain. It could be an easy fix or a more serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention. Either way, it is best to schedule an appointment with us so we can get to the root of the problem.

How you should handle a toothache: If your tooth is hurting, rinse your mouth out with saltwater. This is a natural way to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Gently floss around the tooth and use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce pain. Until you can see us for help, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used as directed.

How we treat toothaches: To determine the cause of your toothache, we need to take a close look at your tooth. A lot of the time, a filling or dental crown is all that’s needed. However, sometimes it requires other treatments, like root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, or a tooth extraction.

<Learn More About Tooth Extractions>

<Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment>

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? No, most chipped teeth aren’t dental emergencies. However, you should still have the issue addressed relatively soon. If you don’t have the chip repaired, you are leaving your tooth vulnerable to further damage.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: If you can, find the larger pieces of your tooth to take with you to the dental office. Rinse your mouth with water and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the chipped tooth. If there are any sharp or jagged spots, use dental wax to cover them.

How we treat chipped teeth: For smaller chips, we can usually repair them with dental bonding. However, if your chip is large or on a more visible tooth, you may want a longer-lasting cosmetic solution, like a veneer.

 <Learn More About Dental Bonding>

<Learn More About Veneers>

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? If there is a crack, your tooth is left vulnerable to bacteria. This can cause your tooth to become infected if it isn’t addressed quickly. It’s difficult to notice cracks in the teeth by looking at them. Some more noticeable signs include new or increasing pain or sensitivity.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: For cracked teeth, you should rinse your mouth with water to keep the area clean. Give us a call to let us know what symptoms you are experiencing. Until your visit with us, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken as directed to manage discomfort.

How we treat cracked teeth: Small cracks can often be repaired with dental bonding. If you have a larger or deeper crack, you may need a dental crown or even an extraction to protect your smile.

<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 tricky. In some situations, it results from deep tooth decay, but other patients may only be experiencing a symptom of enamel wear. If your sensitivity worsens, becomes painful, or makes eating and drinking difficult, it shouldn’t wait until your next checkup with Dr. Altenbach.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth

As much as possible, try to stay away from the things that trigger your sensitivity. For instance, you can sip hot or cold drinks through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Also, you should consider using a toothpaste that’s made to deal with sensitivity. These products usually contain fluoride, which reinforces your enamel. If these methods don’t help, you may need an emergency appointment.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth 

If your teeth show signs of decay or damage, we can restore them with a filling or dental crown. Depending on how severe it is, root canal treatment may be necessary. For enamel wear, we can offer a fluoride treatment or cover your teeth with composite resin to protect your teeth.

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Learn More about Tooth-Colored Fillings

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?

If a tooth is knocked out of its socket, it most certainly counts as a dental emergency; in fact, it is the most urgent scenario possible because there is only a limited time when the tooth can be re-implanted. This means you need to reach out to our office immediately after the injury and get to our office within an hour for the best chance of rescuing the tooth.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Picking up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it with clean water. Do not touch the root portion to avoid the risk of contaminating it. After it is cleaned, you may put the tooth back in its socket. However, if you find this too difficult to manage on your own, you may keep the tooth moist and safe by storing it in a container of milk.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth 

Unless you’ve already done so, Dr. Altenbach will reposition the tooth in its socket. In many cases, a splint needs to be placed to stabilize the tooth by attaching to the surrounding teeth. This oral appliance helps the connective tissues heal faster and keep the tooth secure during this process. If the tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Altenbach will then discuss your replacement choices, namely a dental implant or bridge.

Learn More about Dental Implants

Learn More about Dental Bridges

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency?

Without a filling or crown, your tooth is exposed and vulnerable to oral bacteria; plus, the tooth won’t be able to bite, chew, or function being incomplete. As a result, you should call our office as quickly as possible for an urgent appointment.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown

After cleaning the restoration off with water, place a small dab of toothpaste on it and put it back onto the tooth. This will hold the filling or crown temporarily. Do not use superglue or another adhesive because these products are not designed for oral use. If you can’t locate the restoration, you may protect the tooth by covering it with sugar-free gum or dental wax.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns 

In most cases, we will replace the filling or crown with a new one because it is old or damaged. Rarely, we can reattach the existing restoration. After we’ve had a chance to examine your tooth and restoration, Dr. Altenbach will let you know his recommendation.

Learn More about Dental Crowns

Learn More about Tooth-Colored Fillings

Broken Denture

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? If your denture becomes damaged, it may not seem like an urgent dental emergency because it isn’t necessarily painful. However, you rely on your dentures every single day for chewing, speaking, and smiling. You should have it fixed as soon as you can. Wearing a broken denture can cause soft-tissue irritation. If your denture is broken, you should address this as soon as possible.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: You shouldn’t attempt to repair a broken denture on your own. Denture repair kits and household items can lead to additional damage, and they aren’t necessarily meant to be used in the 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 broken dentures depends on how severe the damage is. If it is just a small chip or crack, we might be able to correct it with composite resin. However, for more severe damage, you might need to be fitted for a new one. We will discuss all of your options during your appointment with us.

Learn More About Dentures

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? A loose tooth is a dental emergency! A loose tooth is at risk of falling out. You should have this looked at ASAP. Give us a call to schedule your visit.

How You Should Handle a Loose Permanent Tooth: Once 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 we can to save your tooth. However, if the damage is too severe, we can discuss tooth replacement options with you.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? This type of injury can be alarming because there tends to be a lot of bleeding. If you have any concerns regarding an injury in this area of your mouth, give us a call so we can give you further instructions.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Rinse the area with water to wash away dirt and debris. Using a washcloth or gauze, apply pressure to the area until the bleeding ceases. For pain and inflammation, use a cold compress.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: If the cut is small, we may be able to stitch it shut. For larger cuts and wounds that won’t stop bleeding, you should head to the emergency room for treatment. We would be happy to take a look at your smile once you have been discharged.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? In most cases, jaw pain isn’t a dental emergency. However, it can be uncomfortable. If your pain becomes severe or chronic, let us know. We can begin taking steps to address your discomfort.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers are oftentimes enough to relieve pain. However, if you think that your jaw may be dislocated or broken, you should go to the emergency room to have it examined.

How We Treat Jaw Pain: The treatment we use for jaw pain is done on a case-by-case basis. For some, a nightguard for bruxism helps to relieve pain. For others, TMJ treatment is necessary. We will discuss your options during your next appointment with us.

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About TMJ Treatment

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

You shouldn’t use sharp items, like tweezers, toothpicks, or cutlery to try to get an item out of your teeth. You could accidentally push the item further or damage your gum tissue. Instead, rinse your mouth with water. Then, use dental floss to dislodge the item. If you are still struggling, give us a call so we can help.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

Woman in gray business jacket talking to person from across desk

The more complex a dental emergency is, the higher the cost is likely to be. For example, sometimes a toothache can be treated with a simple filling, but more severe cases might require us to remove and replace the tooth altogether. We’ll take the time to make sure you fully understand your situation and why we’re recommending a specific kind of treatment before you commit to paying for anything. We’re also ready to help you explore your options for more affordable dental care.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Young woman brushing her teeth in front of mirror

It’s better to try and avoid dental emergencies altogether than to try and repair the damage afterward. Brushing and flossing daily can help you avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other potentially severe oral health issues. We recommend visiting our office for biannual dental checkups so that we can check for problems while they’re still small. Meanwhile, wearing a mouthguard and breaking bad habits like chewing your fingernails will help protect your teeth from physical damage.

Tooth Extractions

Dental team member examining a patient's mouth

Removing a tooth is the last resort. We will consider every treatment option available for saving a tooth before we recommend an extraction. If a tooth is so badly damaged it cannot be repaired with a restoration, or if it’s suffering from an infection that’s beyond treatment, a tooth extraction might be the only option for protecting your smile. Don’t worry; we can replace any teeth that are removed so that you can still enjoy the benefits of a complete grin.

Dental Emergency FAQs

a man experiencing a dental emergency in Jacksonville

Dental emergencies typically happen when you least expect them, so they might seem unsettling and confusing when they happen. However, you don’t have to go into the situation blind. To help you be well-informed while you seek treatment, our team has collected and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies in Jacksonville. Read on to learn more or reach out to our office if you don’t see the information you’re looking for!

What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?

If you’re experiencing throbbing tooth pain, you might expect this to be an indication of inflammation or infection within your tooth. Having cracks or cavities can expose the inner layers to air and bacteria, which can then cause the pulp nerves to become irritated or infected. Of course, another cause for throbbing tooth pain can be dental decay, as the bacteria has reached the sensitive inner area. Your discomfort may also be due to chronic teeth clenching and grinding, especially during sleep. If you wish to know the exact root of the issue, you’ll need to schedule a visit with our team so we can evaluate your situation.

Will My Toothache Go Away On Its Own?

A toothache should not be able to go away on its own, as the cause of the problem typically lies within the tooth nerves. If any pain does seem to vanish by itself, this isn’t technically a good thing, as the pulp area may be infected and already too damaged to feel anything. That’s why you’ll need to visit our team for a checkup, as we’ll be able to thoroughly examine your mouth and rule out all the possible causes of your toothache. Your routine visits will also allow us to monitor your smile and address any underlying problems we might detect before they can worsen over time.

How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?

If you’re dealing with tooth pain at night, it can be challenging to get plenty of sleep. While you wait to see your dentist at your soonest appointment, make sure to keep your head elevated with a couple more pillows. This will help prevent blood from rushing to your head, which can exacerbate your toothache. Feel free to also take over-the-counter painkillers as instructed on the label. Avoid eating particularly acidic, cold, or hard foods just before bed, as they can irritate the area. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help reduce discomfort.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

Remember that emergency rooms typically won’t be equipped to handle dental emergencies. That’s why, if you’re experiencing a more serious or life-threatening issue, such as excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing/swallowing, or a broken jaw, then you should visit your local ER right away. Otherwise, if the problem revolves around your teeth and gums, it’s best to see your dentist so that you can get the treatment you need to return to oral health.

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