Emergency Dental Care
Emergency Dentist in Sarasota, FL
If you think you are experiencing a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us right away at (941) 927-8287 for a same-day appointment. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8AM-5PM and Friday from 8AM-1PM. If it is outside of these hours or our phone lines are busy, please leave us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Cost of a Dental Emergency
In the event of a dental emergency, our accepted insurance providers, forms of payment, and all other payment information can be found on our financial page - the same payment guidelines apply as for standard dental procedures. Visit our financial page for more information.
Financial & Insurance InformationWhat is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be serious and require prompt attention to prevent further harm. Such incidents may include: profuse bleeding, the need to save a tooth, a severe infection, or extreme pain. If you experience any of these conditions, you should contact Sarasota Dental Arts immediately. If we are not available, go to the nearest urgent care facility as soon as possible. In some cases, a severe infection or tooth abscess can be life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical attention right away.
If any of the following statements apply to you, you are having a dental emergency and should contact us immediately.
- I have a tooth knocked out.
- My tooth has been chipped or cracked.
- My mouth is bleeding and won’t stop.
- I’m in extreme pain or am experiencing severe swelling in my gums, mouth, or jaw.
- I have a toothache and swelling in my cheeks or face.
- My jaw is injured.
- My teeth are extremely sensitive and the sensitivity will not subside.
- My tooth is loose or out of alignment.
Home Care for Dental Emergencies
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What if my tooth gets knocked out?
- Pick up the tooth by the top (crown), NOT by the root—do not touch the root.
- Rinse the tooth very gently with only water, no soaps or chemicals. Do NOT scrub the tooth.
- If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers then hold it in place while trying to bite down.
- If you are unable to place the tooth back into its socket, put it in a container with milk.
- Immediately contact your dentist, as the faster you act, the more likely it is that your tooth can be successfully re-implanted.
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How do I minimize tooth ache pain at home?
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If you're hoping to minimize pain from a toothache, you can try the following home remedies:
- Saline rinse. Mix 1/2 salt in a glass of warm water then use a mouthwash.
- Apply a cold compress on/near the area of pain.
- Use over-the-counter medication to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Teabags. Apply a cold or warm tea bag to your tooth—but tea can stain teeth so don't use this method often
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What if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, contact your dentist right away. Chipped teeth that aren’t painful can usually be smoothed out or filled in at a regular dental appointment. A cracked tooth typically indicates that there’s damage to the inside of the tooth, as well as the outside. If your tooth is cracked please follow these steps, after contacting your dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
- Take acetaminophen (not aspirin) to alleviate pain
- Do NOT apply any pain medication—including Orajel—directly to the gums, as it can damage gum tissue
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What can I do to stop the bleeding in my mouth?
- Wash or sanitize your hands before doing anything.
- If available, use gloves to reduce direct contact of the wound
- Apply pressure to the affected area.
- Resist the urge to check the wound while applying pressure, as this may prolong the bleeding
- After bleeding has stopped, to reduce the chance of infection gently clean the wound regularly.
If bleeding is persistent, please contact Sarasota Dental Arts to get the necessary attention.