Emergency Dentist Miami Beach, FL 

Emergency Dentist

Emergency Dental Services Miami Beach, FL

Dental emergencies can happen any time of the day or night and include things like missing teeth, infection, toothache, pain/infection, and so much more. If you have a dental emergency and need to see emergency dentists, you can be sure that at Mount Zion Dental, Dr. Maria Teresa Cook and the team are here to provide emergency dental services to patients whenever they need us.

Contact us today at (786) 671-4582 if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Even it is after hours, one of our friendly staff will be able to assist in getting you into the office to address your dental emergency with emergency dental services.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is an issue requiring immediate dental care- whether to stop bleeding, treat a severe infection, decrease discomfort, or to save a tooth. Many of the most common dental emergencies are tooth pain resulting from a broken tooth, or other dental issue.

However, it’s important to understand that there are urgent dental emergencies and there are non-urgent dental emergencies. In order to determine if you need to get in right away to see an emergency dentist or if you can wait until your next appointment, you need to ask these questions:

• Are you in severe pain? Severe pain/bleeding indicates a dental emergency
• Did you lose a tooth? Fast treatment may save it
• Do you have loose tooth/teeth? Adults should not lose teeth- even if there is no pain, a loose tooth is a problem.
• Do you have an infection? If you have an infection or abscess in your mouth, it can be life-threatening, and you should not wait for treatment.
• Is your mouth bleeding? This is a sign that you have an urgent dental emergency.

Dental emergencies have a variety of causes, and an emergency dentist will be able to provide you with the necessary care. Therefore, it’s important to receive an assessment to determine the best course of treatment to help you on your way to recovery.

Below, we’ll explore some of the different types of dental emergencies.      

Types of Dental Emergencies

How do you know if you are in need of immediate dental treatment? Below are some of the different types of dental issues that require emergency dentistry with a qualified emergency dentist.

Missing Teeth/Dental Prosthesis

If one of your teeth falls out, it can be concerning. There are several reasons why your teeth may fall out. You may have dental health issues, advanced periodontal disease, or you may have experienced a traumatic injury. Additionally, if you have dental implants or other prostheses, there’s a chance they may fail and fall out. If this does happen, it’s important to contact an emergency dentist in the Miami area if you lose a tooth or a dental prosthesis for any reason at all.

Knocked-out Teeth, Dental Trauma, Broken or Fractured Teeth

Accidents, sports trauma, falling, biting down on something hard, and injuries can all cause dental trauma. If you have teeth that have been cracked, severely chipped, or knocked out due to trauma, you need to be seen immediately. Emergency dental care can help you avoid losing your natural teeth.

Severe Facial or Gingival (Gum) Swelling

Swelling in your mouth or face could be an indication of gum disease due to infection, bacteria, or other dental issues. Typically, sensitive gums or minor swelling do not require an emergency dentist. However, you do need to seek emergency dental services immediately if you are experiencing severe swelling in your gums or face because it could indicate an abscess and/or infection.  

Wisdom Teeth

Typically, wisdom teeth are removed during adolescence or young adulthood. However, if left in the mouth, they are vulnerable to a variety of issues- especially if they become impacted and do not fully erupt. If you have a lot of pain in the back of your mouth, it could indicate that you have issues with your wisdom teeth.

Gingival Bleeding

There are several reasons you may experience gum bleeding. Perhaps you cut your gums on something sharp or it could be periodontal disease. If you have minor bleeding and you know what caused it, there may not be a reason to be concerned. However, if you are experiencing severe bleeding, you may have a dental emergency.

Large Cavities

A large cavity can ultimately get into the root and pulp of the tooth. For some patients, a filling will be sufficient for repairing the tooth. However, if the cavity has spread, you may need a root canal to clean out the infection and seal off the tooth.

Toothache

Typically, a toothache is due to a cavity. However, it may also be the result of an abscess or periodontal disease. A toothache can be extremely painful and typically indicates that you have a significant dental issue. If you have a toothache, it’s best to seek immediate emergency dental care.

Periodontal Conditions

Periodontal disease is the result of bacteria being left on the teeth and gums. Eventually, it can lead to minor dental problems, such as bleeding to major dental issues, such as tooth loss. In some cases, you may require emergency dental care for your periodontal conditions- especially if they’ve been left untreated for some time.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common problem. Typically, a mouth guard worn over the top arch is enough to prevent damage. In some cases though, severe bruxism can result in major dental issues, such as fracture that require emergency dental services.

Pain & Infection

If you are experiencing tooth pain or other issues in your gums or jaw, you should call an emergency dentist right away and explain your symptoms. They will help you decide if you should seek immediate dental treatment of if you can wait until a regular appointment. Many times, tooth pain indicates you have an infection or cavity.

What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

First of all, if you experience a dental emergency, it’s important to remain calm. By keeping calm, you will be able to quickly get the treatment you need. If you panic or get anxious, it triggers several responses in your body that may escalate the situation.

Depending on the type of dental emergency you are dealing with, there might be something you can do at home to ease your pain. Here are a few things you can do at home to ease pain and discomfort from your dental emergency until you can get into the office to see the emergency dentist.

• Boil some water and dissolve a teaspoon of salt into it. Allow it to cool some and use it as a warm mouthwash to reduce swelling and relieve irritation.
• If you had a tooth get knocked out, place it in a glass of milk until you are able to get to the dentist.
• If you have pain around a specific tooth, try flossing. There might be something stuck between your teeth or inside the gum tissue.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling, stop bleeding, and numb any irritation you might be experiencing.
• Swish with peroxide to kill bacteria and relieve irritation
• Take the recommended dosage of an OTC pan reliever to alleviate discomfort.

Prevent Future Dental Emergencies

If you are dealing with a dental emergency, you might be wondering if it’s possible to prevent another one from occurring in the future. The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to visit your Miami dentist every 6 months for a comprehensive cleaning from a trained dental hygienist and exam. If you do this, you’re much less likely to experience a dental emergency.

Below are a few other tips to help you prevent dental emergencies:

• Complete the suggested treatment recommended by your dentist during the evaluation and treatment plan creation. A dental problem will only get worse if you put off treatment- it is not something that is going to fix itself. If your dentist recommends a root canal, filling, or crown, take care of it as soon as possible- otherwise, you may experience pain and other issues later.
• Brush/floss every day. If you spend the time and effort to develop healthy oral hygiene habits, it will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong.
• Be careful with foods that are chewy or tough, such as hard candy, chewy candy, jerky, hard bread, and pretzels.
• Ask your dentist to evaluate you for periodontal disease. If you do have this problem, you may need to visit the dentist more than every 6 months for proper tooth maintenance.

What Happens at Our Emergency Dentist Office in Miami Beach, FL?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Miami Beach, Florida, contact our office right away. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are also open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We are available for emergencies only on Sunday.

When you come into the office for your dental emergency appointment, Dr. Maria Teresa Cook and our staff will evaluate you to determine what the issue is. If you are in a lot of pain, you may be given an anesthetic or painkiller immediately.

The emergency dentist will treat your issue and get you stabilized so that you can return home comfortably and safely. Depending on the dental issue you experienced, you may need to come back for one or more follow-ups in the next few weeks or months. You may require complex dental care, such as a root canal, extraction, or implant.

The emergency dentist will also prescribe any necessary medications to control the infection or manage the pain during the emergency visit.

Why Choose Dr. Maria Teresa Cook as Your Emergency Dentist in Miami Beach, FL?

If you are in Miami Beach, Florida and you experience a dental emergency, you can trust Dr. Maria Teresa Cook and her team at Mount Zion Dental. She has 20 years of experience as a Board Certified General Dentist. She loves all areas of general dentistry and also has broad knowledge of cosmetic dentistry, veneers, implants, and crowns.

Dr. Cook was born and raised in Bogota, Columbia. She graduated from the University of Bosque Dental School with honors in 1992. She has worked in South Florida since 2005 at several dental clinics, perfecting her skills. In the last 5 years, she’s worked at the Center for Dental Implants in Aventura with a well-known expert in Implant Dentistry.

She excels in all areas of general dentistry and has a lot of knowledge regarding Implants Restoration, Veneers, Crowns, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Root Canals. She speaks both English and Spanish fluently. She is an active member of several organizations: the Worldwide Association of Female Professionals, the American Dental Association, and the South Florida Dental Association.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Dentists

There are several questions that people often ask about emergency dentistry in Miami, Florida. We’ll explore some of those below:

Who should I call first if I need emergency dental treatment right away?

If you are in Miami, Florida and you experience a dental emergency, such as one of those explained above, we encourage you to call Mount Zion Dental. Our staff has the expertise to handle a variety of dental emergencies. We will get you an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible so that we can address your issues and get you back to smiling again. After all, we know how important your smile is.

Can a tooth that has been knocked out be saved?

Did you know that over 5 million teeth are knocked out annually in both children and adults? However, the proper steps can save the tooth so it can be successfully replanted and will last for many years.

Yes, you read that right. It is possible that a tooth that has been knocked out can be saved- but you must follow these steps very carefully:

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the chewing surface- do not touch the root.
• If dirty, gently rinse with water- don’t use soap/chemicals and don’t scrub or dry the tooth or wrap it in cloth or a tissue.
• If possible, place tooth back in the socket. Gently push in with fingers or position it above the socket and slowly close your mouth. You can hold it in place with your fingers or by gently biting down.
• Keep the tooth moist. If you can’t put it back in the socket, place it in milk, in your mouth next to your cheek. Do not use regular tap water to store the tooth. The root can’t tolerate that for very long.
• Get to the emergency dentist within 30 minutes and make sure to bring the tooth with you. If possible, you need to see the dentist within 30 minutes, but it is still possible to save a tooth that has been outside the mouth for an hour or more.

How can I control tooth pain on the way to my appointment?

When you are experiencing tooth pain, it’s important to get an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. However, we know that you may not be able to get in immediately the time between the start of the toothache and getting into the dentist may take a bit. However, there are a few things you can do to deal with toothache pain.

• OTC Pain Relivers
• Salt Water
• Garlic
• Clove Oil
• Peppermint Oil

Should I notify my dentist if my gums are bleeding?

If you have minor bleeding that clears up fairly quickly, you don’t necessarily need to contact your dentist- unless it just keeps happening. However, if you have severe bleeding that you can’t get to stop, you should make an emergency dental appointment right away. Gum bleeding could indicate a variety of issues, including gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a lot of severe problems in the future.

Find an Emergency Dentist in Miami Beach, Florida

At Mount Zion Dental in Miami Beach, Florida, we offer a wide range of dental treatments, including:

• Emergency Dental Care
• Dental Implants
• Cosmetic Treatments
• Sedation Dentistry
• Periodontal treatments
• Tooth extraction
• Cleanings with a hygienist

Our staff is highly trained and will treat you like family. We want to help you treat your emergency dental issue and keep your mouth healthy in the future. If you are in Miami, Beach, Florida contact us at (786) 671-4582. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Sundays, emergency only. Click here to schedule your appointment today.