Fast Emergency Dental Care When You Need it the Most
In the midst of a dental emergency in Lake Nona, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the damage to your smile. That’s why we recommend that all families in the area have our number on hand. We offer same-day and weekend emergency appointments, so you can get the fast, pain-relieving treatment you need as soon as you need it. Don’t hesitate to call our dental office today if you’re experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary dental symptoms or oral pain!
Why Choose Lake Nona Dental Group for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Treating Patients of All Ages
- Dental Insurance Welcome & Flexible Financing Available
What to Do in a Dental Emergency:
- Call our office right away. The sooner you contact us, the more likely we’ll be able to fit you in for a same-day appointment. Over the phone, an experienced team member will provide first-aid instructions to help you manage the situation in the meantime.
- Visit us for an emergency exam. When you get to our office, we’ll evaluate your condition and take X-rays to identify the root cause of your problem. Our team will also focus on alleviating any pain you’re in.
- Get the care you need. We’ll work quickly to get your smile back on the right track. While we can temporarily relieve your discomfort during your visit, you may need to return for additional treatment. Some common solutions include fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, and extraction.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
The first step you should always take is to call our dental office. We’ll provide you with over-the-phone first aid guidance and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. Below, we’ve also outlined some basic, helpful advice to minimize the damage to your smile and relieve your pain until you reach us.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
The cost of your emergency dentistry in Lake Nona will depend on a variety of details that are unique to your situation, including whether you need sedation, if you have dental insurance, and what type of treatment you require. Before we conduct any procedures, we’ll examine your mouth and walk you through our recommendations to help restore your oral health and repair your smile. Our team accepts dental insurance and offers additional financing as well.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Although it might seem as if your dental emergency is just like any other, it is actually quite unique. Even if a person experiences a chipped tooth, the type of treatment provided may be vastly different, thus, the need for personalized cost estimates.
When meeting with your emergency dentist in Lake Nona, you will need to undergo a thorough examination to determine the severity of your injury and how best to treat it. Once we have identified the root problem and how it can be fixed, we can then discuss the proposed cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
When reviewing your dental insurance policy, you may find that your insurance company provides one emergency exam each year. This means you can see your dentist for a sudden injury and avoid paying a fee just for the visit alone. However, even if your insurer doesn’t provide this benefit, it’s unlikely that the appointment itself will be expensive. Instead, it is restorative care that causes many patients to wonder how they’ll be able to pay.
Fortunately, most insurance plans offer 50-80% coverage for minor or major restorative services. Dental fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, or tooth extractions can be covered, in part, by your insurance company.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
At Lake Nona Dental Group, we know dental emergencies can be a sudden expense our patients may be unable to afford, which is why for those without insurance, we have an in-house membership plan. By paying a one-time yearly fee (or low monthly payments), you can gain access to preventive dental care and other valuable discounted treatments.
We also offer the option of enrolling in a low or no-interest payment plan through CareCredit, Lending Club, or Proceed Finance. These flexible financing options make it possible for you to break up the cost of your treatment over several months instead of paying the full amount upfront.
When calling to schedule an appointment , let us know which option you think might be best for your needs.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but there are steps you can take to minimize the possibility of them occurring. But even after one occurs, it’s important that you get in to see our dental team as soon as possible. The reason is that the longer you wait, the greater the issue will become, and the more likely that you will need extensive dental care as a result.
Making sure that you adopt good oral hygiene habits, visit your dentist regularly, eat healthy foods, wear a mouthguard, and avoid unhealthy habits can help you to take better care of your smile and ultimately, keep more money in your pocket.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
While you can’t completely avoid the threat of dental emergencies, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your risk of experiencing one. It takes work and a commitment to your oral health, but by adopting some of the practices mentioned below, you can prevent dental emergencies in Lake Nona and spend more of your time enjoying what life has to offer.
Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments
Continuing to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is essential if you want to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other similar issues. Your oral health is closely tied to the rest of your body, so when problems arise inside the mouth, it is likely to manifest in other areas too. By allowing a professional to examine your smile and check for potential concerns, you remain proactive about your health and minimize the risk of any possible injuries.
Keep Brushing and Flossing
Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing between your teeth not only reduce the possibility of gum disease, but it also helps to keep your smile clean and your breath fresh. Adopting good oral hygiene habits early on is one of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies because you are less likely to need restorative treatment in the future.
Be Mindful What You Eat
Not surprisingly, the phrase, “You are what you eat” rings true. If you focus on eating sugars and starches, you’re likely to develop cavities and gum disease. As a result, your oral health will deteriorate, resulting in pearly whites that are more susceptible to damage. Sensitivity, gum recession, and dental decay are just a few of the ways the foods you eat can weaken your smile. But by swapping out sweets and carbs for healthier alternatives such as leafy greens, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables, you improve your chances of maintaining a healthier smile for longer.
Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth
Customized mouthguards are necessary if you play sports. Any type of physical contact on the field, court, or track opens you up to the possibility of needing a trip to the emergency dental office in Lake Nona . However, with a mouthguard that is designed to fit your mouth comfortably and effectively, you can have the maximum protection needed to keep your teeth and soft oral tissues safe from a sudden hit or fall.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
It might seem minor to just tear open a package with your teeth, but each time you do this, you break down a bit more of your tooth enamel. Once it is gone, it cannot regrow or come back. Using your teeth as tools is never a good idea, and it is likely to land you in the emergency dentist’s office for immediate treatment. Scrapes, gashes, and broken teeth are just a few of the potential injuries that can occur, which is why you should take a few extra minutes to find the scissors instead of using your teeth to open that container.
Root Canals
Root canals are widely misunderstood treatments. Many people are under the impression that they cause pain when they really cure it. Toothaches caused by infections are associated with this procedure because it’s used to treat it, but before we conduct the procedure, we completely numb the area we’re treating so you won’t be able to feel a thing. Then, afterward, you’ll be able to use your tooth like you normally would and your discomfort will be minimized.
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Tooth Extractions
We recognize that there’s no substitution that can compare to your natural tooth, which is why we never recommend extracting a tooth unless we’ve exhausted all of our other options. In some cases, leaving a severely damaged tooth in your mouth can put your other pearly whites at risk, which is when we’ll resort to this procedure. Fortunately, if you need to remove a tooth, we offer several restorative treatments to fill the gap in your smile.
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Dental Emergency FAQs
Have questions about what you should do if faced with a dental emergency? You’re not alone. Many individuals want to know how to handle a certain situation or when it might be appropriate to see an emergency dentist in Lake Nona. Having the right answers can help to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with suffering from a serious dental injury. This is why we have compiled some common questions that are listed below. Feel free to review the following information and call our office with any concerns.
Going to the emergency room for a dental emergency in Lake Nona might seem like the right idea, but the truth is that you will be unlikely to receive the type of care you really need. Yes, they can handle your sudden symptoms and alleviate pain, but the doctors there cannot treat the actual problem in most situations.
If you are dealing with excessive bleeding, continual swelling, or a broken jaw, yes, you should get to a local ER, but otherwise, let your local Lake Nona Dental Group team take care of the issue.
Damaged tooth enamel cannot heal on its own. Unlike bones in your body, enamel can only remineralize but not actually heal. Once it is gone, it cannot grow back. This is why when you accidentally chip a tooth, it is necessary that you seek professional help. Your dentist in Lake Nona can recommend a few different options for treatment depending on the severity of the break – dental bonding or veneers.
Composite resin can be used to cover small chips that do not pose a serious risk to the functionality of the tooth; however, if you are concerned about the aesthetics of your smile, there is also the option of pursuing veneers. These customized restorations are made to fit over the front surfaces of teeth to hide flaws.
Dentures that are broken and half cannot be restored to their original state. Some patients believe that by using superglue, the problem will be remedied, but the reality is that this toxic solution is unsafe to use. Not only is it dangerous to ingest, but it is ineffective when used in damp environments.
Instead, when faced with a broken prosthetic, your dentist will need to replace them with new ones or discuss the option of transitioning to implant dentures. The option is yours, but the status of your jawbone density and oral health must be considered.
If you suspect that your tooth pain is caused by an infection, you will need to get in and see your dentist right away. Bad breath, swollen gums, loose teeth, and extreme discomfort are just a few of the tell-tale symptoms associated with an infection. The only real way to know is to undergo a thorough examination. With the help of digital X-rays and further diagnostic imaging, we can identify the root of the problem and make the appropriate treatment recommendations. If an infection is found, we will need to eliminate it using one of several solutions such as root canal therapy, dental crowns, or tooth extraction.
More to Explore
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Toothaches
Is my toothache a dental emergency? Severe toothaches that keep you up at night and prevent you from focusing on your work are usually a sign of an infection hidden inside of your tooth. You should call our office and schedule an emergency appointment if you experience the following:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Sensitivity that lasts more than 30 seconds
- A small bump has developed on the gums near the painful tooth
- Signs of a serious infection (i.e., swelling, fever, fatigue)
How you should handle a toothache: Rinse your mouth with water to remove any debris that might be stuck and causing the pain (don’t try to use scissors or any sharp object to remove something from your teeth). If this doesn’t fix the problem outright, over-the-counter medicine or cold compress can help lessen any discomfort until we can see you.
How we treat toothaches: We’ll need to perform an oral examination to determine what’s causing your pain. Depending on the issue, we may recommend treatments like antibiotics, prescription mouthwash, fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, gum disease therapy, or extraction.
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment
Chipped Tooth
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Not necessarily, but you should still see a dentist as soon as you can. Otherwise, leaving it untreated can cause your problem to worsen. It may eventually lead to further damage or decay.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: If you’re able to retrieve your broken-off piece of tooth, we ask that you bring it to our dental office in a sealable container. If the damage has created a jagged edge that’s irritating the inside of your mouth, you can place a piece of orthodontic wax over the area.
How we treat chipped teeth: Usually, chipped teeth can be addressed with a custom-shaded composite resin. If you’ve damaged a highly visible tooth, you may want to consider getting a veneer to improve aesthetics.
Learn More About Dental Bonding
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
Cracked Tooth
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Absolutely! Even a small crack can put your tooth at risk of infection or further damage. It’s always best to call our office shortly after sustaining a blow to the face, especially if you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Try to gather up any pieces of the tooth that you can. If you’re in pain, you can take something like Tylenol or Advil to manage it, or you can place a bag of ice on your face. If the tooth has a sharp edge that is causing irritation, you can put a wet cotton ball over it until you can make it to our dental office.
How we treat cracked teeth: Depending on the severity of the damage, we may be able to repair the tooth using composite resin. However, most cases are fixed with a custom-made dental crown. If your tooth is damaged beyond repair, an extraction may be the ideal solution and you’d need to explore your tooth-replacement options (i.e., dental bridges, implants, dentures).
Learn More About Dental Bonding
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Very Sensitive Teeth
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? It depends! There are many reasons why tooth sensitivity occurs. Maybe your tooth roots are exposed, or your enamel has eroded over time. If you have a mild case of sensitivity, you can typically wait until your next scheduled appointment for assistance. However, you should visit our emergency dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme sensitivity
- Pain that lasts multiple consecutive days
- Sensitivity that only impacts one to two teeth
How you should handle sensitive teeth: Contact our office right away and explain your symptoms. An experienced team member will provide tips to help manage your sensitivity at home. We usually recommend drinking plenty of lukewarm water, avoiding spicy, acidic, or sweet foods, and taking over-the-counter pain medication as instructed by your dentist.
How we treat tooth sensitivity: First, we’ll need to conduct a detailed examination to identify the cause of your sensitivity. Depending on your situation, we may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, prescription mouthwash, topical fluoride treatment, antibiotics, a gum graft, gum disease treatment, or root canal therapy.
Learn More About Fluoride Treatments
Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism
Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Knocked-Out Tooth
Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes! You need to contact us immediately after your tooth is knocked out. Our team will work quickly to get you seen that very same day. The earlier you get to our office, the better chance we have of reimplanting your tooth.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown portion only. Do not touch or remove any tissue that is still attached. Gently rinse any debris from the tooth using cool water, then rinse your mouth out. Place the tooth back into your socket. If not possible, keep it contained in milk, saltwater, or saliva.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: Upon arriving at our office within the hour, we will attempt to reimplant the tooth. If not possible, we’ll discuss your tooth replacement options. You can explore solutions like dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures to avoid complications that come with untreated tooth loss.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants
Lost Filling or Crown
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Although dental restorations are durable, they’re not meant to last forever. Very old ones may eventually break or fall off. When that happens, it’s not necessarily an emergency, but you should still see a dentist right away.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: For a lost filling, chew on the opposite side and use dental wax from the store to cover any sharp edges until your visit. For a lost crown, dry the crown with a Q-tip and put a small amount of either toothpaste, dental cement, or denture adhesive in it before putting it back on your tooth. It may be tempting to use another type of glue, but don’t because it will make it harder for us to properly re-cement the crown when you arrive.
How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If your restoration is still mostly intact, our team may be able to recement it back into place. However, you may need to opt for a new filling or crown if your filling or crown is damaged beyond repair.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Broken Denture
Is a broken denture a dental emergency? Absolutely! Continuing to wear a broken denture can harm your gums, soft tissues, jaws, and remaining teeth. Make sure you contact us right away for assistance if your artificial teeth or denture base have been damaged.
How to handle a broken denture: Do not wear a broken denture! It could potentially hurt your soft oral tissues and your damage may get significantly worse. You should never try to repair dentures with household items like super glue as they’re biocompatible and can make you sick. The best course of action would be to schedule an appointment with our team.
How we treat broken dentures: The treatment method we recommend will depend on the severity of the damage. In some cases, composite resin can be used to fill in a small chip or crack. However, there are instances where a replacement or readjustment is the best solution.
Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants
Loose Permanent Tooth
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? Whether it’s because of time or the result of an injury, there are many reasons why a permanent tooth may become loose. If you notice your tooth is loose and you’re concerned it’ll fall out, don’t hesitate to reach out!
How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: Call our office right away and schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, avoid touching your tooth and do not eat any hard or sticky foods. You can gently rinse your mouth with warm water but do not brush or floss.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: If you have a loose permanent tooth, we may be able to restore your smile with a dental splint or another treatment. Sometimes an extraction is the best course of action. In that case, you’d have to explore solutions like dental bridges or implants.
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Learn More About Dental Implants
Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy
Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Cutting your lip, scratching your gums, or biting your tongue can all result in heavier bleeding than you might have expected. Don’t worry – we may be able to help you with this emergency if you have a minor injury!
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Firmly hold a damp, clean washcloth or a gauze pad to the area, and the bleeding should subside within a few minutes. Once it has slowed to a stop, apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and pain. Then, call our emergency dental office to make an appointment. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after more than 15 minutes of applying pressure, head to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: If the wound is small enough, our dentist may be able to simply stitch it closed and help keep the area clean. You should only go to your local emergency room if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure.
Jaw Pain
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? While jaw pain can affect your everyday life, it’s not usually considered an emergency. However, you should contact us right away if you’re experiencing severe discomfort. We can address the issue and help you avoid complications down the line.
How you should handle jaw pain: Our team will provide tips over the phone to help you manage your jaw pain in the meantime. Some tips we often recommend include taking over-the-counter pain medication and using a cold compress. If you think your jaw is broken or dislocated, go to your local emergency room first for assistance.
How we treat jaw pain: Depending on the cause of your pain, we may suggest bruxism treatments with a custom-made mouthguard. Our practice also offers TMJ/TMD therapy to help you avoid serious issues later in life. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, we can extract them for your comfort.
Learn More About TMJ Therapy
Something Stuck Between the Teeth
When a piece of food debris or some other object is stuck between your teeth, your first order of business should be to gently remove it with dental floss. By threading the floss between your teeth and moving it back and forth, you might be able to dislodge the object and relieve your discomfort. If removing the item doesn’t alleviate your toothache, there may be another issue beneath the gumline that is causing your pain. Once you arrive for your appointment, our dentists will examine the area to determine what kind of treatment is needed.
