Emergency Dentistry

What is emergency dentistry?

A dental emergency is when an injury, damage, or other oral health problem is putting you in severe pain, risking your health, and requires immediate treatment. Common examples of dental emergencies include injuries like dental trauma that have damaged, loosened, or knocked out your teeth.

‍However, other less obvious examples of dental emergencies include uncontrolled bleeding, signs of infection, severe pain in the teeth or jaw, and lacerations to the inside of your mouth. If you aren’t sure if your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, contact us at Suncoast Dental Center today by calling 239-566-2255.

‍Dr. Lowell will speak to you about your symptoms and ask you a series of questions to help you determine if you need immediate treatment or if it can wait until the next available appointment.

Schedule Appointment Visit Our Practice Call Us

Same-Day Appointments

When you notify us at Suncoast Dental Center that you are experiencing a dental emergency, we place you as a priority and will do our best to provide you with the emergency dental care that you need as soon as possible.

‍To arrange a same-day appointment, you should give our dentists in Naples a call to inform us that it is an emergency and you need to be seen right away.

‍We leave room in our appointment books each day to accommodate unexpected emergencies, but we can accommodate you even faster if you give us a heads-up over the phone before walking in. Dr. Lowell can also provide you with advice on what you should do before you get here.

A young man sits in a dental chair with a bright smile as a dentist performs a checkup using dental instruments and mirror - emergency dentist naples

Did You Know

If you lose a tooth, place it in cold milk while you head to your emergency appointment.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call 239-566-2255 today!

What to Do In a Dental Emergency

Remain Calm in a Dental Emergency

In a dental emergency, perhaps the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Everything is going to be okay as long as you don’t panic. It is easier to respond and improve the situation if you stay level-headed.

Call Our Naples Emergency Dentists

Contact our dentist in Naples as soon as possible to let us know that you need immediate emergency treatment so we can prepare to accommodate you. Explain the situation and all of your symptoms so Dr. Lowell can instruct you on the best course of action.

Keep the Knocked Tooth

If you have knocked out a tooth, you need to locate the tooth and rinse it off if it’s dirty. Knocked-out teeth can be reattached if you try to reinsert them immediately after they fall out. This can be done by gently pressing it into the socket while biting down.

‍Keep in mind that you should only hold a knocked-out tooth by the crown, not the root. If you are unable to reattach it, just store it in a container or Ziploc bag filled with milk or saliva. This will keep the tooth alive until you get to the dentist.

Come to Our Office

After contacting our office, get here as soon as possible and bring the tooth with you so we can see if we can re-stabilize it or if it needs to be replaced. In response to any injury, you should rinse your mouth with salt water to remove debris and bacteria. You may need to take pain medication and apply a cold compress if there is swelling.

A cheerful woman smiles at the camera while sitting in a dental chair as her dentist prepares for an examination with tools in hand - emergency dentist naples

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of emergency dental care?

The cost of emergency dental care can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment needed. Simple procedures like tooth extraction may cost less, while more complex treatments like root canal therapy or dental surgery may cost more.

It’s important to note that most dental insurance plans cover some portion of emergency dental care. Also, some dental offices, like Suncoast Dental Center, offer patient resources with payment plans or financing options to help make emergency dental care more affordable. However, the best way to avoid the unexpected cost of emergency dental care is through regular check-ups and good oral hygiene practices.

When should I seek emergency dental care?

It’s crucial to understand when a dental problem requires immediate attention. You should seek emergency dental care if you experience any of the following: severe toothache, uncontrolled bleeding, swelling in the mouth or facial area, bulges, swelling, or knots on your gums, or if you have a tooth that’s been knocked out or loosened.

Other signs that you need immediate dental attention include severe discomfort while chewing or biting, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling breath, or pus. Still unsure if you are having a dental emergency? Contact us by calling 239-566-2255.

How can I avoid dental emergencies?

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent many types of dental emergencies. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your Naples dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. These practices can help limit the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can lead to emergency conditions, like a tooth infection.

In addition, a healthy diet that’s low in sugar can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Wearing a mouthguard during sports or recreational activities can protect your teeth from injury, and avoiding habits like chewing ice, hard candy, or other hard objects can prevent teeth from cracking and chipping.

Who might need emergency dentist services?

Emergency dental services are designed to provide immediate relief from severe and often unbearable oral pain. Anyone who experiences sudden or severe pain, bleeding, or trauma to the mouth may require emergency dental services. It’s not restricted to a specific age group or dental condition; both children and adults may find themselves in need of emergency dental care for a variety of reasons.

For instance, you might need emergency dental services if you’ve had a tooth knocked out or cracked in an accident, if you’re experiencing a severe toothache, or if you have swelling or knots on your gums. These are all signs that you need to see a dentist immediately; in many cases, timely care is crucial to avoid further complications.

What is considered a dental emergency?

Telltale signs of tooth infection are swelling and an abscess. If you notice these signs along with significant tooth pain, you likely have a tooth infection which requires immediate treatment to stop the spread and save your teeth.

‍This is a very common dental emergency that results from untreated tooth decay. Other examples of common emergencies include oral injuries or dental trauma that cause damage to your teeth, significantly loosen them, or knock them out.

‍You need to get to the dental office right away to save your teeth. If you have symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth such as severe jaw pain, headaches, sinus problems, cysts, repeated infections, or damage to your surrounding teeth, this is also an emergency and you may need to have these wisdom teeth removed.

‍Believe it or not, a toothache can be an emergency in itself if it is severe and debilitating. A normal toothache is not an emergency but if it is not responding to pain medication and is interfering with your ability to eat, speak, or do other normal activities, this is a sign of a deeper problem. Any significant injuries such as lacerations and bleeding in the mouth should be treated as an emergency to prevent further damage.

Schedule Today

We can’t wait to see you!

Schedule Appointment