While other dentists are simply happy with fixing cavities, at Sebastian Dental Care, we proactively work to stop them from developing in the first place. This approach not only helps our patients enjoy healthier smiles and fewer problems, but they also end up spending less on their dental care overall! However, we also offer a variety of emergency dentistry services if you ever have an urgent situation. Our emergency dentist in Sebastian, FL is ready to help in your time of need. To schedule a visit, contact us today for preventive dentistry.
Why Choose Sebastian Dental Care For Emergency Dental Care?
- TRUSTED BY LOCAL FAMILIES SINCE 2004
- WORLD-CLASS CARE IN A FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
- WE MAKE PATIENTS FEEL LIKE FAMILY
What To Do In A Dental Emergency
- Getting you seen ASAP – While you may be tempted to call 911 or visit an urgent care clinic for a dental emergency, your best bet is to reach out to us right away. Our team is specially trained and has the equipment to handle serious dental issues, and we’ll likely be able to see you much faster than your typical ER (and for a fraction of the price as well!).
- Emergency dental exam – As soon as you arrive, Dr. Soto will bring you to an operatory so he can begin your emergency exam. This process may involve digital x-rays to locate and confirm the source of your dental emergency.
- Discuss our findings – Following your exam, Dr. Soto will go over his findings and then break down what he believes will best treat your symptoms. He’ll explain the length of treatment as well as the estimated costs associated with your care, ensuring you can make an informed decision ahead of time.
- Get the care you need – Our team members will work diligently to get you the dental services you need to treat your emergency and prevent it from coming back. This may include dental fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or another option entirely if needed.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Does drinking iced tea or hot coffee have you agonizing in pain? Maybe one of your teeth has simply been hurting constantly for a while now. In either case, it would seem you are dealing with an infection inside the dental pulp – the bundle of nerve endings located at the center of your tooth. Since this area is so sensitive, it can cause discomfort to the degree that it interferes with your daily life. Hope is not lost, however, because here at Sebastian Dental Care we want nothing more than to relieve your tooth pain through restoration and give you a reason to smile once again.
The most common indication of the need for a root canal is a severe, persistent toothache. However, that is certainly not the only symptom to look for. Other signs you might need a root canal include:
- Extreme, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Dark discoloration of a tooth
- Swelling or redness of the gums surrounding a tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact our team. We’ll get you in for an emergency appointment ASAP.
The Root Canal Process
The term “root canal” gets a bad rap, but this procedure is painless. In fact, by removing the infected nerve of the tooth, a root canal is designed to relieve pain. Plus, your emergency dentist in Sebastian, FL will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand so you will remain comfortable throughout the process.
We will begin by using special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth and remove the pulp that’s triggering your pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. The next step is to seal and protect the tooth by placing a temporary dental crown. As your mouth heals, the area around the tooth might feel a bit sore and tender.
A few weeks later, we will see you at our dental office. Then, we’ll switch out your temporary crown for a permanent one. At that point, the underlying tooth should be fully protected. You’ll be able to use it as you normally would – bring on that cup of coffee!
When Does A Tooth Need To Be Extracted?
At Sebastian Dental Care, we’re able to repair even the most severely damaged or decayed teeth in most cases, but sometimes, a tooth may simply be beyond the point of repair, in which case we’ll recommend an extraction. We always take time beforehand to answer questions to help patients feel less anxious, and a local anesthetic on the day of the procedure ensures they feel practically nothing while in the chair.
A tooth may need to be extracted if:
- Extensive decay has damaged most of the enamel
- It is so weak that it’s about to crack
- There isn’t enough healthy enamel to support a restoration
- Advanced periodontal disease has deteriorated the bone supporting a tooth
- More room is needed within the mouth for a denture
- More room is needed for the teeth to shift for orthodontic treatment
- One tooth is preventing another from coming in properly
Understanding The Cost Of Dental Emergencies
When your tooth is cracked, knocked out, or in pain, you’re probably not thinking about how much it will cost to get it resolved. You’re more likely to be focused on how to relieve the discomfort so you can continue living your life. Well, the only real way to stop discomfort and prevent long-term issues (including additional dental emergencies) is by calling Sebastian Dental Care for an exam and treatment. Our team will do everything to not only get you out of pain but alleviate the financial stress you may be experiencing as well. If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t be afraid to contact us and schedule an emergency visit!
How To Prevent Dental Emergencies
The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has never been truer than when it comes to dental emergencies. Taking the right precautions now can save your teeth from serious pain and damage in the future. Routine preventive dental appointments are crucial for keeping dental emergencies at bay. At your visit, one of our dental hygienists will remove built-up plaque and tartar that could contribute to cavities, gum disease, and more. Then, our dentists will closely examine your mouth for early signs of potential emergencies that you may not have noticed otherwise. Getting these issues taken care of early on could save you a lot of time and money on emergency dental care.
To learn more about how you can protect your smile, contact our office today to schedule an appointment!