Emergency Dentist in Bradenton

Whatever time during the day that’s most inconvenient for you is likely when you’ll have an emergency arise. In addition to the pain and discomfort you’re probably in if you have a dental emergency, you may be wondering whom to call.

Having an emergency preparedness list of numbers can be very helpful for those times when an emergency arises. Not only will it alleviate some of the stress of an emergency, but you’ll be treated more quickly and return to your pain-free life. If you need an emergency dentist in the Bradenton area, call our office, and we can help you during regular business hours. If your emergency occurs after hours, go to your nearest emergency room. Most emergency rooms have a dentist on call, or they’ll have one on staff, depending on the size of the ER. Don’t wait if you have an emergency, however. It’s important to get your issue treated without delay.

What Determines If I Have an Emergency?

An emergency is usually defined as a situation that will cause long-lasting or permanent damage if it’s not treated promptly. It can also be defined as a situation that will dramatically escalate in severity if not treated promptly, so if you have an emergency, don’t delay treatment.

The following six issues are the most common dental emergencies that we encounter:

1. Abscessed teeth
   Although many emergency rooms and emergency dentists encounter abscessed teeth, they shouldn’t. At least it should be a rare occurrence. Abscessed teeth can be life-threatening because the bloodstream can transport the bacteria in the abscess to the rest of the body, including the major organs. The bacteria then begin to attack the major organs and cause disease and illness. However, an abscessed tooth only rarely occurs in a day or two. Usually, it takes weeks, months, or even years for a tooth to become abscessed, so there’s plenty of time to treat it. If you have a diseased or infected tooth, don’t procrastinate. Get it treated promptly so that you don’t develop an abscess.
2. Broken tooth
   Teeth break for varying reasons, such as age, fragile tooth structure, trauma, or many other causes. If, despite your care and caution, you break a tooth, then cover the sharp edges with dental wax so they don’t cut or chafe the tissues inside your cheek. Call our Bradenton office for an appointment during regular business hours, and we’ll see you as soon as possible. Although this type of situation is urgent, it can wait a few hours for treatment, but be sure to keep the wax in place.
3. Knocked-out tooth
   We encounter knocked-out teeth most commonly in teens, youngsters, and active adults, but it can happen to anyone of any age. If you have a knocked-out tooth, rinse it under warm water, replace it in the socket but hold it by the crown only, and immediately call our Bradenton office. We’ll schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If a knocked-out tooth is treated promptly, it can often be salvaged, and you won’t need an artificial replacement, so don’t wait to get it treated. If it’s after hours, go directly to the local emergency room.
4. Lost or loose crown or filling
   If you have a lost or loosened crown or filling, call us for an appointment. A loose crown or filling can be replaced or re-cemented, and a lost crown or filling can be replaced promptly. However, don’t delay in seeking treatment. If the tooth’s interior becomes contaminated, you’ll need more invasive and expensive procedures. If you have a lost or loose crown or filling, call us for an appointment.
5. Orthodontic device causing pain
   If you have a painful orthodontic appliance, call our Bradenton office for an appointment. Appliances that fit properly shouldn’t be painful. If it’s causing pain, it won’t work correctly. This is particularly true for braces. If your ill-fitting appliance is causing a severe problem, call our Bradenton office during business hours or go to your local emergency room if it’s after hours.
6. Severe toothache or pressure
   If you have a severe toothache or pressure, especially if it had a sudden onset, then you should go to your local emergency room if it’s after hours or call our Bradenton office during regular business hours. This is definitely an emergency.

Immediately go to the emergency room if you have any of the following:

• Severe bleeding
• Severe swelling
• Sudden injury, especially to the face, head, jaw, or teeth

If the above symptoms are accompanied by any of the below, you need to go right to the emergency room:

• Chills
• Fever
• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing

What If I Have No Symptoms But Pain?

Lack of pain doesn’t always indicate the lack of an issue because some people have a high pain tolerance. However, if you have any of the symptoms listed above, whether you have pain or not, then you should seek emergency dental treatment during regular business hours or go to the nearest ER if it’s after hours.

Are All Bradenton Dentists Emergency Dentists?

Emergency dentistry is classified by the time of day and quickness of the treatment rather than by the procedure. All dentists can perform emergency dental treatments, but not all provide them after hours.

Is the Emergency Room a Better Option?

Depending on your issue and the time of day, you may need to go directly to the nearest emergency room. However, many dental issues can be addressed more quickly by your Bradenton emergency dentist. If your issue has a physical component, then you should go to the ER first. If it has a dental component, then your emergency dentist may be a better choice.

How Do I Avoid Emergencies?

Many times, proactive treatments can eliminate or reduce the necessity of emergency dental treatments. A good oral hygiene routine, combined with regular dental exams and teeth cleanings, can enable your dentist to detect minor issues before they escalate into dental emergencies or serious issues.

If you or a family member need emergency dental treatment in Bradenton, then call Manatee Dental At College Plaza at (941) 584-4356 for an appointment. Our emergency dentists will see you as quickly as possible during regular business hours. Otherwise, leave a message, and we’ll call you as soon as we open.