Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, leaving you in pain and unsure of what to do next. At Optum Dental Arts in Tampa, FL, we understand how stressful these situations can be. That's why we offer prompt, compassionate emergency dental care to help you get relief and restore your oral health as quickly as possible. In this blog, we’ll discuss common dental emergencies, immediate steps you can take, and how our team is here to support you when time is critical.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If you act quickly, there's a good chance the tooth can be reimplanted.

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  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), avoiding the roots.
  • Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
  • Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If you can’t, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or holding it between your cheek and gums.
  • Call Optum Dental Arts immediately at (813) 575-2933. The sooner you see us, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

2. Severe Toothache

A toothache can be caused by a variety of issues, from cavities to infections. Severe pain is often a sign that you need immediate dental attention.

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  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Gently floss around the tooth to remove any debris that might be causing irritation.
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
  • Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums as this can cause irritation.
  • Contact Optum Dental Arts at (813) 575-2933 to schedule an emergency appointment.

3. Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth can range from minor chips to severe fractures. Depending on the extent of the damage, treatment may vary, but prompt care is essential to prevent further complications.

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  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Save any pieces of the tooth, if possible, and bring them with you to your appointment.
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek to minimize swelling.
  • Call us at (813) 575-2933 to have your tooth evaluated and treated.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can expose the underlying tooth, leading to sensitivity and increased risk of decay or infection.

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  • If a crown falls off, try to retrieve it and bring it with you to your appointment.
  • You can temporarily reattach the crown using dental cement available at most pharmacies, but this is not a permanent fix.
  • Schedule an emergency visit with Optum Dental Arts by calling (813) 575-2933 to have the filling or crown properly restored.

5. Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It can cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth.

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  • Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times a day to help reduce discomfort and draw out the infection.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Do not attempt to pop the abscess as this can spread the infection.
  • Call Optum Dental Arts immediately at (813) 575-2933. An abscess requires urgent dental care to prevent the infection from spreading.

Why Choose Optum Dental Arts for Emergency Care?

At Optum Dental Arts, we prioritize your health and comfort, especially during dental emergencies. Dr. Roderick Davies and our dedicated team are experienced in handling a wide range of dental emergencies with the expertise and care you need during stressful situations.

Our office is conveniently located at 5721 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625, making it easy for you to access urgent care when you need it most. We understand that dental emergencies don’t happen on a schedule, so we offer same-day appointments to address your needs quickly and effectively.

How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency

While you can’t always prevent dental emergencies, being prepared can make a significant difference in how you handle them.

• Keep Our Contact Information Handy: Save our phone number, (813) 575-2933, in your phone and make sure family members know how to reach us.
• Have a Dental Emergency Kit: Stock a small kit with essentials like gauze, a small container with a lid (for teeth or tooth fragments), dental cement, and pain relievers.
• Know the Location of Our Office: We’re located at 5721 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625. Familiarize yourself with the route from your home or workplace so you can get here quickly in an emergency.

Don’t Wait—Get the Care You Need Now!

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t delay in seeking care. The faster you act, the better your chances of preserving your oral health and avoiding further complications.

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