Emergency Dental Care in Largo, FL

Common Dental Emergencies

•  **Toothache:** Perhaps the most common dental emergency, a severe toothache can be excruciating. It may be caused by a cavity, an abscessed tooth, or other underlying issues. Our experienced dental team will quickly diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide the necessary treatment to alleviate your pain.
• **Broken or Chipped Tooth:** Accidents happen, and when they do, your teeth can bear the brunt. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth while playing sports or bitten down on something hard, our skilled dentists can repair and restore your damaged tooth, often in a single visit.
• **Knocked-Out Tooth:** Time is of the essence when a tooth gets knocked out. Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in its socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit, and get to our dental office immediately. The quicker you act, the better the chances of saving your tooth.
• **Lost Filling or Crown:** A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth exposed and vulnerable. Don’t wait to seek help; contact us right away. We’ll replace or repair your restoration, ensuring your tooth remains protected.
• **Dental Abscess:**A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious dental condition that involves the collection of pus in a pocket of tissue in or around a tooth. It typically occurs as a result of a bacterial infection. Dental abscesses are often associated with the following two main types:1. Periapical Abscess: This type of abscess forms at the tip of the tooth’s root. It usually occurs when bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth (the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) through a cavity, crack, or other dental injury. As the infection spreads and intensifies, it can lead to the formation of pus at the root tip, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort.2. Periodontal Abscess: This type of abscess develops in the gum tissue (periodontal tissues) around a tooth rather than at the tooth’s root. It often results from gum disease (periodontitis) or a foreign object lodged in the gums, creating an infection and pus buildup. Periodontal abscesses can be painful and may cause gum swelling and redness.Common symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swollen and red gums, a bad taste in the mouth, fever, and sometimes even facial swelling. If left untreated, dental abscesses can lead to more severe complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body.Treatment for a dental abscess typically involves draining the pus and addressing the underlying cause of the infection. This may include procedures such as root canal therapy to remove infected tissue, extraction of the affected tooth, or periodontal treatment for gum-related abscesses. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help clear the infection.It is essential to seek prompt dental care if you suspect you have a dental abscess, as delaying treatment can result in increased pain and the potential for more severe complications. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for preventing dental abscesses and other dental issues.