Emergency Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Imagine you’re enjoying a beautiful day at the beach or shopping with friends; one minute, your day is going just as you expected, and then suddenly, you have a toothache or you break your dental crown. Perhaps you’re watching one of your children play their favorite sport, and someone accidentally hits them in the mouth.
When a dental emergency strikes, you will probably be scared and want help and relief as soon as possible. That’s why the expert dental team at Smiles by Dr. Josh wants you to know they will be there when a dental emergency strikes.
Emergency Dental Treatment on Your Schedule
Unlike many dental offices that only offer emergency dental services during regular business hours, Dr. Josh makes himself available in the evening and on the weekends. In fact, Smiles by Dr. Josh is open Monday through Friday until 7:00 PM and can arrange a same-day emergency appointment when you need it the most.
If your emergency happens on the weekend, Dr. Josh is just a phone call away! He knows that whether you live in Fort Lauderdale or you’re visiting on vacation, dental emergencies can and will happen seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Caring and Comfortable Emergency Dentistry from Dr. Josh
Because our caring dental team understands how stressful dental emergencies can be, we will first work to make you calm and comfortable. We offer nitrous oxide to help calm you down so we can focus on pain relief and the best possible treatment options.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you or a loved one has suffered a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is determine whether you should call 911. Any traumatic injury to the head or face that causes excessive bleeding or loss of consciousness is a clear indication that you should either call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency room.
If the dental emergency doesn’t involve trauma or excessive bleeding, here are some things you can do until you reach our dental office:
- Toothache—If you are experiencing tooth pain, it likely won’t go away on its own. Seeking treatment right away is essential, but in the meantime, take over-the-counter pain medication. You can also place a cold compress on your face to ease your discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Knocked-Out Tooth—If your tooth has been completely knocked out, you have a greater chance of saving it if you place it inside your cheek or in a glass of milk until you can reach our dental office. Make sure not to touch the root of the tooth.
- Broken Tooth—If your tooth gets broken, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and contact our dental office immediately.
- Lost or Broken Restoration—If you have a filling or crown that breaks or comes off, your tooth is susceptible to infection, so you should call us immediately, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain.
Meet Our Dentist:
Dr. Josh Slatkoff DMD
Dr. Joshua Maximilian Slatkoff has been a dentist since 2001 and has owned Smiles by Dr. Josh since 2005. He received his degrees in Sociology and Biology from the University of Miami before attending Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, where he received his DMD in 2001.
Dr. Josh loves nothing more than to help his patients achieve a more beautiful smile while maintaining the best oral health possible. He loves working with his hands and studying the latest dental techniques to combine the art and science of dentistry. Nothing ...
Call Your Fort Lauderdale Emergency Dentist
At Smiles by Dr. Josh, our top priority is making you comfortable and saving your teeth; that’s why we’re happy to offer emergency dental services to you and your family when you need us the most. Our professional staff is committed to helping you when you’re experiencing a dental emergency. Whether it’s in the evening or on the weekend, we’re just a phone call away.
Whether you live in Fort Lauderdale or vacationing in the area, we urge you to call Smiles by Dr. Josh at (954) 522-4900 for an emergency appointment. Let us help you get your smile back.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ER can manage the medical symptoms of a tooth infection or abscess by prescribing antibiotics and pain medication, but it cannot treat the infection itself. Emergency rooms don't have the tools or equipment and aren't trained to perform root canals or extractions. You may get temporary relief, but you still need to see a dentist to treat the source of infection.
What Happens at the ER
If you go to the emergency room with a dental abscess, they'll likely prescribe antibiotics to slow the spread of infection and relieve the pain. If you're experiencing severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, the ER is the right place to go for immediate medical care.
The problem is that’s not the end of your pain. The infection will return because the underlying problem—an infected tooth—hasn't been addressed.
What an Emergency Dentist Can Do
Dr. Josh can diagnose the abscess with digital x-rays, drain the infection if needed, and perform the necessary treatment, whether that's a root canal or extraction, to eliminate the source of infection entirely. This provides lasting relief, not just a temporary fix.
Smiles by Dr. Josh is available Monday through Friday until 7:00 PM for same-day emergency appointments, and Dr. Josh is reachable evenings and weekends because dental pain doesn’t wait for business hours.
If you're dealing with tooth pain, swelling, or a visible abscess in Fort Lauderdale, call Smiles by Dr. Josh first, even on weekends, to get proper treatment and solve the problem.
A true dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, trauma to your teeth or jaw, or signs of infection that could spread or worsen without immediate treatment. If you're experiencing any of these issues, you need to see an emergency dentist right away.
True Dental Emergencies Include:
- Knocked-out permanent tooth (the tooth may be saved if treated within an hour)
- Severe, unrelenting toothache that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relief
- Broken, cracked, or fractured tooth causing pain or sharp edges
- Dental abscess or visible swelling in your gums or face
- Lost filling or crown causing significant pain or sensitivity
- Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth or gums
- Jaw injury or suspected fracture from trauma or accident
- An object stuck between teeth that you cannot remove with floss
When to Call Dr. Josh
If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call Smiles by Dr. Josh. Dr. Josh is available 24/7 (including evenings and weekends) to help you determine the urgency of your situation and arrange same-day treatment when needed.
Some dental issues can wait for a regular appointment, but many problems worsen quickly if not treated promptly. Don't hesitate to reach out to Smiles by Dr. Josh in Fort Lauderdale if you're experiencing dental pain or trauma. We’re here to provide the immediate care you need, whenever you need it.