One minute, you're enjoying a relaxing day in Largo, maybe biting into your favorite snack, or maybe you are walking down a scenic boardwalk and trip - then snap! A sharp pain shoots through your mouth.



A tooth is chipped, loose, or worse. What now?

Dental emergencies don't wait for it to be easy. Whether it's a knocked-out tooth, unbearable pain, or a broken filling, knowing the right steps can mean the difference between keeping your amazing smile and coughing up money for costly complications.

Luckily, we can help. Read on to find out when to visit an emergency dental clinic.

Severe Toothache

A sudden, throbbing toothache can be one of the most uncomfortable signs that you need emergency dental services. It often signals an underlying issue like tooth decay, infection, or gum disease. The pain may start as somewhat uncomfortable and quickly escalate, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate.

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, start by rinsing your mouth out carefully to get rid of any debris or bacteria that could be causing irritation. Gently floss around the problematic tooth to get rid of any trapped food particles that might be aggravating the pain.

Avoid using sharp objects to poke around the area, as this could cause further injury to your gums or teeth. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce inflammation and numb the pain.

Urgent Dental Care: Knocked-Out Tooth

Whether it's due to a problematic sports injury, a fall, or an accident, an avulsed tooth must be handled with care to increase the chances of successful reimplantation. The first few minutes after the incident are crucial, so knowing what to do in advance can help you react appropriately and preserve the tooth.

If your tooth is knocked straight out of your mouth, locate it immediately and pick it up by the crown - the part of the tooth you normally see when you smile. Avoid touching the root, as this area contains delicate tissue that is vital for successful reintegration. If your tooth is dirty, make sure you rinse it with water but do not:

• Scrub
• Dry
• Or wrap it in any material

The goal is to keep the root as intact and moist as possible. If you can, try to stick your tooth back into its socket, making sure it is facing the right way. Hold your tooth in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze piece. If you don't succeed in saving the tooth, you'll have to look into options for missing teeth.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

While it may not always be painful, any damage to a tooth should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Even a small chip can weaken the structure of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to decay, infection, or additional fractures.

If the break is severe and exposes the tooth's inner layers, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, pain when chewing, or even bleeding. To avoid the need for worse oral surgery, head to a dentist.

Lost Filling or Crown

While it may not always be painful, any damage to a tooth should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Even a small chip can weaken the structure of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to decay, infection, or additional fractures.

If the break is severe and exposes the tooth's inner layers, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, pain when chewing, or even bleeding.

Seeking prompt dental care in Largo ensures that the damage is assessed properly and treated before it leads to bigger problems. A dentist can determine the best course of action to restore the tooth's function and appearance. Ignoring a broken or chipped tooth could lead to increased pain, infection, or the need for more extensive procedures in the future.

Abscess or Swelling

A dental abscess is a major and even life-threatening infection that requires immediate attention. It typically forms as a result of untreated:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Any injury that allows bacteria to reach the tooth's root or surrounding tissue

Abscesses often appear as swollen, pus-filled bumps on the gums and can cause:

• Intense pain
• Fever
• Bad breath
• A foul taste in the mouth

In severe cases, the tooth infection can spread to the rest of your body, leading to more dangerous health complications.

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, do not ignore it. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day to help reduce bacteria and encourage drainage. Avoid attempting to pop or drain the abscess yourself, as this can cause problems with infection and spread it further.

Pain medication can help manage discomfort but will not eliminate the underlying problem. Using a cold compress on your cheek can also help reduce swelling.

Object Stuck Between Teeth 

Getting something stuck between your teeth can be more than just a minor annoyance. It can trigger:

• Discomfort
• Irritation
• Damage

Common culprits include food particles, small bones, toothpick fragments, or even bits of dental appliances.

If the object remains stuck despite your efforts, don't keep poking at it, as this could cause additional damage or inflammation. Instead, contact a dentist in Largo for professional assistance.

A dentist can safely remove the object using specialized tools and assess whether any damage has occurred. Seeking timely care is especially important if you experience swelling, bleeding, or persistent pain, as these could be signs of infection or gum trauma.

Taking proactive steps to prevent objects from getting stuck between your teeth - such as chewing carefully, avoiding small hard foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene - can help reduce the likelihood of this issue.

Emergency Dental Clinic: Now You Know

With this guide, you should know when it's time to visit an emergency dental clinic ASAP.

Tooth pain and dental injuries can't wait. At Bardmoor Family Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain fast. Whether it's a cracked tooth, sudden swelling, or a lost filling, Dr. J and our expert team are ready to help.

Contact us and get relief in no time.