Emergency Dentist In Clearwater, FL
Emergency Dentist Clearwater
Emergency Dentist
Top rated emergency dentist in Clearwater, Florida
Dr. Craig Baker is available for emergencies in Clearwater offering the highest level of dental emergency care.
At Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida, we take emergencies seriously.
We provide minimally invasive urgent emergency dental treatment in the following situations:
- Severe dental pain.
- Third-molar pain.
- Surgical postoperative osteitis (dry socket).
- Abscess or localized bacterial infection resulting in pain and swelling.
- Tooth fracture resulting in pain or causing soft tissue trauma.
- Dental trauma with avulsion/luxation.
- Cementation of temporary or definitive restorations.
We also provide other emergency dental services, including suture removal, denture adjustments on oncological patients, denture repair or adjustment when the function is impeded, replacement of endo temporary fillings when experiencing pain, and adjustment of orthodontic wires or appliances when digging in the oral mucosa.
Common Dental Emergencies
Toothaches
We know that toothaches can be excruciating. This debilitating pain can result from different situations. Still, the more common are dental trauma, deep cavities and bacterial infections. After a clinical revision, Dr. Baker and his experienced team will determine what is causing this pain and offer immediate treatment to relieve it.
In the meantime, try to clean the area gently, as any rest of food can worsen the pain. Rinse with warm or salty water, and if you are seeing any sign of swallowing in your cheeks or neck, apply a cold compress to the area. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can temporarily help you in this situation, but always take them under professional guidance.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
In case of a broken or cracked tooth, the treatment will depend on the severity and extension of the fracture:
- Small chips: After the teeth’ vitality is checked, they are treated with white fillings (composite filling).
- More extensive fractures: if they affect the second layer of the tooth, a porcelain crown might be required to restore the teeth’ strength and function. If the fracture is too extensive and reaches the dental pulp (the inner soft tissue that keeps the tooth alive), a root canal will also be required.
- Longitudinal fractures: on unfortunate occasions, when the fracture involves both the crown and the root, no treatment can save the tooth. In these cases, the tooth should be removed, and Dr. Baker will explain the alternatives to replace it.
In the meantime, rinse the area with warm water. Retrieve any broken pieces, as they could be used as a guide to restore the teeth. Apply a cold compress to the area.
Loose or Lost Teeth
This kind of emergency is common in sportspeople and children. If the tooth is sore but is firmly in its place, it will probably heal on its own; just try to keep a soft diet and the area when chewing. On the other hand, a loose tooth requires immediate dental attention. It should be repositioned by the dentist and stabilized with a soft splint. If the tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, the patient should visit the office right away. These cases are time-dependent, so the sooner the patient comes to see us, the more chances has the tooth to survive.
In the meantime, there are some instructions on how to deal with tooth loss that are crucial. First, find the tooth and hold it from the crown (not the root). Rinse it gently, but avoid contact with the root as much as possible. Call our emergency line, make an appointment and bring the tooth in a cup filled with milk or any sports drink. Try to avoid running water. If there’s no milk or sports drink available, keep the tooth inside the mouth, surrounded by saliva.
Oral Infections – Abscessed Teeth
An abscess is a collection of pus and necrotic material resulting from an acute bacterial infection. There are different kinds of abscesses, and they require different treatments, but they all have similar signs and symptoms. Abscesses present all signs of inflammation (swelling, redness, pain, heat) and can be visually spotted. They are treated with antibiotics, but the dentist should also remove the abscess’s cause to prevent its reappearance. This might involve pus drainage, a deep cleaning or a root canal. If none of these actions address the infection source effectively, we have no choice but to remove the tooth and think about replacement options.
In the meantime, in these cases, we recommend our patients to come to the office immediately. There’s no point in waiting, as the infection can spread and make the problem even worse.
Lost Crowns and Fillings
In some cases, crowns and fillings may come off. The solution will depend on the cause of this inconvenience. If it is due to a simple debond, it’s just a matter of recementing the crown or replacing the filling. However, if it is a consequence of undermining decay, more complicated procedures might be required to put the same restoration back in its place, and, on some occasions, there will be no choice but to place a new restoration. Dr Baker will analyze the case and determine the right course of treatment for long term success.
Nobody expects dental emergencies, but when they do arise, patients shouldn’t worry. At Baker Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are equipped with the latest technologies that allow us to attend to and solve these kinds of situations. Call our office and be confident that your oral health is going to be in expert hands. Follow us on Facebook and Youtube.
