Dental Emergency Services

Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful. Knowing how to handle them can make all the difference. Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio are committed to providing prompt and effective care for all your dental needs, including emergency situations. If you’re searching for an emergency dentist in Nashville, look no further. We will walk you through some common dental emergencies, offering advice on immediate steps and when to seek professional help.

Remember, acting quickly can often save a tooth or prevent further complications. We understand that dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular office hours, which is why we strive to be accessible and responsive when you need us most.

Understanding Common Dental Emergencies

Several situations constitute a dental emergency. Recognizing these issues and knowing how to react is crucial for preserving your oral health. Here are some of the most common emergencies we see at our Nashville practice.

(1) Severe Toothache

A persistent and intense toothache is a clear sign that something is wrong. While occasional sensitivity is normal, a throbbing, unrelenting pain indicates a potential emergency. Possible causes include:

• Infection: Bacteria can reach the tooth’s pulp, causing inflammation and intense pain.
• Cavity: A deep cavity may expose the nerve, leading to sharp pain.
• Abscess: A pocket of pus can form near the tooth root, causing severe pain and swelling.

Immediate Action:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Gently floss to remove any food particles.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek.

If the pain persists or worsens, contact Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio immediately. Don’t delay seeking care from an emergency dentist in Nashville as the infection could spread.

(2) Broken Tooth

A broken tooth can result from trauma, biting on something hard, or even grinding your teeth. Depending on the severity, a broken tooth can cause significant pain and sensitivity.

Immediate Action:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• If there’s bleeding, apply pressure with a clean gauze pad.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Save any broken pieces of the tooth.
• Contact your emergency dentist in Nashville (Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio) as soon as possible.

Depending on the extent of the damage, we may recommend a filling, crown, or root canal. Acting quickly can improve the chances of saving the tooth.

(3) Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, it’s essential to remain calm. While it might seem alarming, it’s generally not considered a dental emergency in the same way as a permanent tooth.

Immediate Action:

• Control any bleeding with gentle pressure from a clean gauze pad.
• Rinse the child’s mouth with water.
• Contact Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio to determine if an examination is necessary.

Usually, we do not reimplant a baby tooth, as this can interfere with the development of the permanent tooth. However, a visit to your emergency dentist in Nashville is crucial to check the area and ensure no further damage has occurred.

(4) Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue or Cheek

Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth can be painful and bleed profusely. Minor cuts and bites can often be managed at home, but deeper wounds require professional attention.

Immediate Action:

• Rinse the mouth with water.
• Apply pressure to the wound with a clean gauze pad.
• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15-20 minutes, seek immediate medical attention.

For severe cuts, especially those involving the tongue, visit Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio or the nearest emergency room. As a leading emergency dentist in Nashville, we can assess the damage and provide appropriate treatment, which may include sutures.

(5) Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. While they’re not typically considered a dental emergency, they can be painful and unsightly.

Immediate Action:

• Avoid touching the cold sore to prevent spreading the virus.
• Use over-the-counter antiviral creams to reduce symptoms and speed healing.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent secondary infections.

If cold sores are frequent or severe, consult Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio for possible prescription medications. 

(6) Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate action. The sooner you seek treatment, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.

Immediate Action:

• Handle the tooth carefully, holding it by the crown (the part that’s usually visible).
• Rinse the tooth gently with water, but do not scrub it or remove any tissue fragments.
• If possible, carefully reinsert the tooth into its socket. If it doesn’t go in easily, keep it moist by placing it in a cup of milk or saliva. Placing the tooth in a cup of milk of magnesia is most preferred but milk or saliva are great options if you donot have milk of magnesia on hand. Do not place your avulsed tooth in a cup of water. 
• Contact Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio. We are a readily available emergency dentist in Nashville and are here to help.

Our goal is to reimplant the tooth as quickly as possible. The longer the tooth is out of the mouth, the lower the chance of successful reimplantation.

We Are Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Nashville

At Drs. Hecklin, Smiley, and DiLuzio’s office, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful. That’s why we’re committed to providing compassionate and efficient care to alleviate your pain and restore your oral health. Whether you have a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, we’re here to help. As a leading emergency dentist in Nashville, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. We’re here to provide the prompt and expert care you need to get back to smiling confidently.

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