Emergency Dentist in Royal Palm Beach, FL

Dental emergencies, like car troubles, happen to almost everyone at some point. Unfortunately, not everyone has a dental emergency action plan, so people in an emergency situation can often feel panicked about their options.

At Dental Center of Wellington, Dr. Steven Bussell and our team are highly trained in preserving teeth and offsetting dental crises. It can be alarming and stressful if you suddenly break a tooth, notice sensitive teeth, or have a toothache. We are here when you need us most. If you are going through a dental emergency, contact us as soon as possible. Our compassionate and professional team will help you feel comfortable and healthy again.

Sometimes dental emergencies happen fast—and during the most inconvenient times. For example, you bite into something hard, and suddenly part of a tooth breaks off. Or you might have a slow ache that gradually worsens each day.

Accidents can cause trauma or injury to your tooth. Therefore, we reserve time in our schedule to provide emergency dental care fast – usually on the same day.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

A situation is considered an emergency if you are experiencing:

• Severe and persistent tooth pain: Pain that is sharp, throbbing, or keeps you up at night, especially if it doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain medication.
• Bleeding that won't stop: Any uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth or gums, particularly after an injury or procedure.
• Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums: This can be a sign of a serious infection and should be addressed immediately.
• Extreme sensitivity to temperature: Sudden and intense pain when drinking hot or cold beverages.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Identify Them

• Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth: This is a time-sensitive crisis. The best chance of saving the tooth is to get to a dentist within 30 minutes.
• Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth: A small, painless chip can often wait, but a large crack that exposes the inner layers of the tooth or causes severe pain requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or infection.
• Lost Filling or Crown: While not always painful, a lost restoration leaves the tooth's sensitive inner layers exposed to bacteria and food particles. You should see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent decay.
• Dental Abscess or Infection: The signs of a serious problem, an abscess is a pocket of pus that can form at the root of a tooth. Symptoms often include a persistent toothache, fever, a bad taste in your mouth, and swelling. This is a critical situation as the infection can spread to other parts of your body.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, or lips can bleed heavily and may require stitches to heal properly.
• Toothaches or Jaw Pain: Any pain that doesn't go away on its own is a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be treated.

It can be tempting to put off going to your Royal Palm Beach dentist because you hope the pain will go away on its own. After all, a headache often resolves itself after a few hours; the same goes for cramps or muscle pain. But unfortunately, dental pain rarely resolves on its own and worsens over time.

When you're in pain, you need a local dentist who can see you right away. At Dental Center of Wellington, we reserve time in our schedule to provide emergency dental care fast—usually on the same day. Many new patients have their first visit to our dental office due to a dental emergency and became regular patients because of the outstanding care they received during their time of need.

Out-of-Town Patients

If you are an out-of-town patient with a dental emergency or are new to the area, we are happy to welcome you and provide the care you need. Our team would never want an emergency to ruin your vacation. We can help with stabilizing tooth pain so you can enjoy your time or provide ongoing treatment if you are in town long enough.

Common Emergency Dental Procedures

When you arrive at the Dental Center of Wellington, the team's first priority will be to alleviate your pain and stabilize your condition. In many cases, we will provide complete treatment at your emergency appointment.

Diagnosis and Initial Treatment

Your Royal Palm Beach dentist will perform an initial exam, which may include x-rays, to get a clear picture of the problem. They will then recommend a treatment plan and discuss pain management options to ensure you are comfortable.

Types of Treatments for Urgent Issues

Depending on your specific emergency, your dentist may perform:

• Tooth extractions for irreparable damage or an abscess.
• Root canal therapy to treat an infected or severely decayed tooth and save it from extraction.
• Restorative procedures like a filling, bonding, or a temporary crown to fix a broken tooth.
• Prosthetic or restoration repair for issues with crowns, bridges, or dentures.

While emergencies can happen at any time, you can take proactive steps to minimize your risk. Most dental emergencies are infection-based, typically from root canal infections.

Proactive Steps for a Healthy Smile

• Regular dental checkups and cleanings: Consistent preventative care helps your dentist spot potential issues before they become emergencies.
• Protective gear: Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can prevent injuries to your teeth, mouth, and jaw.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly keeps your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of decay and infection.

Do You Have a Toothache in the West Palm Beach, FL Area?

Don't wait for the pain to go away. Pain is your body's way of letting you know something is happening. So give us a call to arrange emergency dental care before things get worse.

We look forward to giving you the personalized and gentle dentistry you deserve from our trusted Royal Palm Beach dentist in Wellington.