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A dental emergency does not wait for a convenient moment. Whether you are dealing with a sudden, severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked crown, or a swollen jaw that will not let you sleep, the pain is real, and the need for care is immediate. Ignoring a dental emergency rarely makes things better; untreated infections can spread, damaged teeth can become unsalvageable, and what starts as manageable discomfort can quickly escalate into a serious health concern.
At Patriot Family Dental in Jacksonville, FL, our team is committed to being a reliable resource when patients need urgent dental care. Dr. Kevin Wiman brings clinical skill, calm, and compassion to every emergency case, and our practice is built to respond efficiently so you are not left waiting or wondering where to turn. As part of our general dentistry services, emergency care is a meaningful part of how we serve Jacksonville families, veterans, and patients of all ages
Not every dental issue rises to the level of an emergency, but some situations absolutely require prompt attention. According to a June 2025 data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth disorders account for an annual average of nearly two million emergency department visits in the United States, a figure that reflects how often dental pain and infection go unaddressed until they become urgent. Many of those visits could have been handled more effectively in a dental office, where the actual cause of the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Taking the right steps before your appointment can make a real difference in the outcome of your emergency. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it only by the crown, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to keep it moist, ideally by placing it back in the socket or storing it in milk while you make your way to our office.
For significant swelling or pain, a cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek can help reduce inflammation before treatment. For a lost crown or filling, dental cement available at most pharmacies can serve as a temporary measure to protect the exposed area. Whatever the situation, the most important step is to call ahead so our team can prepare for your arrival and get you into the chair as quickly as possible.
When you arrive for emergency care, our first priority is to get you out of pain and understand exactly what is happening. Dr. Wiman will conduct a thorough evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging to diagnose the source of the problem and develop a clear treatment plan. We take the time to explain what we find and walk you through your options in plain language before any treatment begins.
For patients who are anxious about dental care or whose emergency requires more involved treatment, conscious sedation options are available to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Depending on the nature of your emergency, treatment may include everything from a same-day extraction to a restoration, infection management, or a referral for follow-up care. Where appropriate, we also discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants so you leave with a complete picture of your path forward.
When a dental emergency strikes, you want a team that moves quickly, communicates clearly, and has the clinical depth to handle what they find. Dr. Kevin Wiman is a West Point graduate, U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot and Jumpmaster, U.S. Navy retiree, and Eagle Scout whose background in high-volume, high-stakes clinical environments directly informs the way he approaches urgent care. He has performed thousands of extractions and brings a level of precision and composure that patients consistently notice.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry for patients who need help managing the cost of unexpected care. Our goal is to make sure finances never become a barrier to getting the treatment you need.
Have questions about what to do in a dental emergency? Here are answers to the questions our patients ask most.
A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, active bleeding, significant trauma, or a condition that will worsen without same-day care. Common examples include a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or fractured tooth that causes sharp pain, a severe toothache that makes it difficult to eat or sleep, a lost crown or filling that leaves a tooth exposed, a dental abscess or facial swelling, and a broken dental appliance that is causing injury to soft tissue. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, it is always better to call us at (904) 731-0432 and let our team help you assess the urgency.
Act quickly, as a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if you reach a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water but do not scrub it. Try to place the tooth back in the socket if you can do so without forcing it, or keep it moist by placing it between your cheek and gum, in a container of milk, or in a tooth-preservation kit. Call Patriot Family Dental immediately at (904) 731-0432 and let us know you are on your way.
We make every effort to accommodate dental emergencies the same day you call. When you contact Patriot Family Dental, our team will assess your situation and get you scheduled as quickly as possible. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or trauma, please call us directly at (904) 731-0432 rather than submitting a form online, as a phone call allows us to respond faster and prepare for your arrival.
Most dental insurance plans include some coverage for emergency examinations and basic restorative procedures such as extractions or temporary restorations. The extent of coverage depends on your specific plan and the treatment required. Patriot Family Dental accepts a wide range of insurance plans including Delta Dental PPO, Cigna Dental, Aetna Dental, MetLife, Humana Dental, TRICARE for active duty military families, and the Veterans Affairs program, among others. For patients who need additional flexibility, we also accept CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry financing options.
Yes, a severe toothache can indicate a serious underlying condition such as an infection, abscess, or deep decay that requires prompt attention. Dental pain that is intense, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing should not be left untreated. Without treatment, a dental infection can spread beyond the tooth and become a more serious health concern. If you are experiencing significant tooth pain in Jacksonville, contact Patriot Family Dental so we can evaluate your situation and provide relief as quickly as possible.
We understand that dental anxiety is real, and a dental emergency can make that anxiety even more intense. Dr. Kevin Wiman and the Patriot Family Dental team are committed to making every visit as calm and comfortable as possible. We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options that can help patients feel relaxed during emergency treatment. When you call, let our team know about your anxiety and we will walk you through what to expect before you arrive.
Dental pain is not something you should have to endure or push through. At Patriot Family Dental, we are ready to help when you need us most, and our team is equipped to provide the focused, skilled care that urgent situations demand. Dr. Wiman and the entire Patriot Family Dental team are proud to serve Jacksonville families, veterans, and patients of all ages with the kind of honest, attentive care that holds up under pressure.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not wait. Contact our office today to speak with our team and get the care you need as quickly as possible.
Mon - Thurs: 8AM to 4PM Fri: By Appointment Only Sat - Sun: Closed
