Truly responsive and quality emergency dental care when you need it the most and when moments matter
Our “tooth tribe” never sleeps when it comes to promoting preventative dentistry and protecting rather than treating the teeth, gums, jaws, and mouth. However, we understand that accidents and unforeseen circumstances can still happen even with the best of planning and intentions. For this reason, our fantastic dentist duo, Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte, are proud to provide peace of mind to patients from across Davie, Florida, with truly responsive emergency dentistry services.
What is a “dental emergency”?
There is no single answer to what constitutes a dental emergency. With other services, like tooth replacement, we can provide a short list of options – from bridges and dentures to implant-supported teeth. Emergency dental care is more of a gray area. The ADA reports that over two million people visit hospital ERs each year for care caused by oral conditions. Frequently, severe decay and infections are to blame for intense and unrelenting toothaches.
In such cases, the emergency dentist’s office is the best place to seek treatment. Unlike ERs, which typically provide temporary relief through antibiotics and painkillers, our office is specifically trained to resolve conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth. We have the capabilities to address these problems effectively, ensuring the best outcome for your smile and overall health in the long term.
At Semidey Dental, we’re equipped to handle dental emergencies promptly and provide the comprehensive care you need to get back to optimal health.
What are some of the common emergencies that you see?
In addition to toothaches, usually associated with untreated decay, we care for trauma to the teeth, jaws, and other supportive soft and hard tissues. Trauma may arise due to sports-related injuries, falls, and other accidents and misadventures. The trauma may “show up” on the teeth or in the mouth as a broken tooth, dislodged tooth, or even as an “avulsed” or “knocked-out” tooth. Additionally, the lips and other tissues around your teeth can be damaged, and we can advise on ways to resolve bleeding and other potentially distressing symptoms.
Ready for Relief? Call Your Tooth Tribe Now
When every minute counts, you deserve a calm, experienced team that knows exactly what to do. Our tooth tribe is trained to handle urgent situations with skill, compassion, and clear guidance so you never feel alone in a crisis. If you’re in pain, worried about a tooth, or unsure what to do next, contact us right away.
How might you treat my tooth?
This really depends on what we find when evaluating the troublesome tooth or area. Depending on the nature and extent of the damage or injury, restorations like fillings or crowns may be recommended. Root canal therapy is appropriate for more extensive damage. If a tooth can’t be “saved,” we will discuss options to replace it right away. Prompt tooth replacement is necessary to avoid additional complications, such as teeth shifting toward the gap or jawbone loss.
What should I do if I’m worried about a tooth?
Give Semidey Dental a call! Our friendly and knowledgeable tooth tribe in Davie, FL, can be reached at (954) 939-0996. Simply share your concerns with us. We will ask you a few questions and advise on ways to quickly ease pain, bleeding, and swelling in the interim. Of course, we will also schedule a visit with you, as the measures we provide over the phone are temporary fixes. You will still need to see us to resolve the underlying problem and avoid complications such as severe infections like dental abscesses.
Depending on what you tell us, we may need to see you ASAP. For example, when teeth are knocked out of the mouth, we must re-implant them quickly. When these teeth are treated within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury, they stand the best chance of being successfully preserved.
Well, we call it our financial menu, right? And every procedure, every tailored treatment plan that we present to our patients comes accompanied by this financial menu that explains exactly what it is that you’re getting done, how long it will take, and exactly how you can afford it. We have different payment options, from paying in full with a bookkeeping courtesy to financing through third-party vendors, that have incredible approval rates. With soft credit checks and approvals in about 90 seconds. So we have been very successful in helping people afford the dentistry that they want, and you know, change their lives in a way that doesn’t break the bank. That is one of the important pillars that we contemplated and considered when we were designing our patient experience, and it’s something that we remain committed to continuing to do. So if you have any questions, give us a call (954) 939-0996.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency in Davie, FL?
Emergency situations are prioritized, so same-day or next-available consultations are often possible. The sooner you call, the better your chances of being seen quickly. When you contact Semidey Dental, the team will ask a few questions to determine urgency and guide you on what to do until you arrive.
What should I do if I have severe tooth pain at night?
If pain starts after hours, try to keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help reduce discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help temporarily. Even if the pain eases, it’s still important to call as soon as the office opens since the underlying issue won’t resolve on its own.
Is a chipped or cracked tooth always considered an emergency?
Not always, but it depends on the severity. A small chip may not require immediate care, while a deep crack that causes pain or exposes inner tooth structure should be evaluated right away. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call and describe what you’re experiencing so the team can advise you appropriately.
What should I do if my face or gums are swollen?
Swelling can be a sign of infection, which should be taken seriously. Applying a cold compress may help with discomfort, but swelling—especially if it’s spreading or accompanied by fever—should be evaluated as soon as possible. Prompt care helps prevent the situation from worsening.
Can I go to the ER instead of a dentist for a dental emergency?
Emergency rooms can help manage infection or pain temporarily, but they usually don’t provide definitive dental treatment. For issues involving teeth, gums, or oral structures, a dental office is typically the best place to receive care that actually resolves the problem.
What should I do if I bite my tongue or lip badly?
Clean the area gently and apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding. A cold compress can help reduce swelling. You should get medical attention as soon as possible if the injury is severe or if the bleeding doesn’t stop within a few minutes.
Can a lost filling or crown wait a few days?
In some cases, yes—but it’s not something you want to ignore. Without protection, the underlying tooth can become sensitive or more vulnerable to damage. It’s best to schedule a visit as soon as possible to avoid turning a minor issue into a bigger one.
What if I have a dental emergency while traveling or away from Davie?
If you’re out of town, seek care from a local dentist or urgent care provider for immediate needs. Once you return, follow up with Semidey Dental to have your records reviewed and to complete any additional treatment, if needed.
How do I know if an infection is serious?
Signs such as increased pain, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, fever, or difficulty swallowing can indicate a more serious infection. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as dental infections can spread if left untreated. Calling right away is the safest step.
What’s the best way to handle a dental emergency until I can be seen?
Stay calm and focus on minimizing discomfort and preventing further damage. Avoid chewing on the affected area, keep the mouth as clean as possible, and follow any guidance provided over the phone. Quick action and timely care can make a big difference in protecting your teeth and overall health.
Can I prevent dental emergencies?
Absolutely! While we know you can’t avoid every risk, many of the conditions that lead to emergency dental treatment are preventable. By maintaining good oral hygiene at home and attending regular checkups at our office, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Damage does not progress to the point where it causes toothaches that keep you up at night and send you running to our office. Some injuries to the mouth can also be avoided; for instance, those caused by blows to the face while participating in sports.
How can I prevent sports-related dental injuries?
By choosing a sports mouthguard that gets worn! What good is a one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite mouthguard that slips around, hangs out of your mouth, or even interferes with your endurance and sports performance? Our custom-fit appliances are designed to be discreet, so you don’t even remember you are wearing them. They fit your mouth comfortably and provide maximum protection. We don’t skimp on the materials used to protect your teeth and delicate oral tissues.
Can untreated teeth grinding cause dental emergencies?
Yes. The force from untreated, chronic bruxism is substantial. Not only can it result in fractures that may get worse over time, but it also breaks down the soft tissue attachments between your teeth and gums. Teeth may become loose in their sockets, harbor bacteria, and cause destructive inflammation and bone loss. Eventually, the symptoms of these problems can be difficult to ignore and may require urgent medical attention. Here again, these complications can be prevented with prompt treatment, such as a custom-fit night guard. Like sports guards, night guards also protect vulnerable teeth and tissues from damage.
Is emergency dentistry expensive?
Treatments to repair existing damage and resolve dental disease generally cost more and are more time-consuming than those services that protect your teeth, gums, and mouth from damage. The cost of your treatment depends on the extent of the damage and the type of treatment required to restore your health and help you feel like yourself again.
Does insurance cover emergency care?
While coverage levels and specifics vary, most dental insurance plans cover at least one emergency exam. Additionally, they will likely cover a portion of the emergency treatment costs. We also offer our Smile 365 Plan as an alternative to conventional dental insurance. Our membership plans cover one emergency visit (plus necessary X-rays) and provide a generous 30% discount on all dental services not covered by the plan.
What is a dental first-aid kit?
This is yet another way to be ready for whatever life brings! A dental first-aid kit may include pain relievers, a cold pack or compress, an oral numbing gel (child-safe, as appropriate), sterile gauze pads, a small container such as Save-a-Tooth® (for dislodged teeth and restorations), and dental wax. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the best supplies to include when building your family’s kit.
