Why choose us
Benefits of Emergency Dentistry
Emergency Appointments Available
When a dental problem can't wait, we offer emergency appointments to get you seen and on the path to relief.
Care From Our Dentists
Dr. Marc D. Lefton and Dr. Jensen Bouton bring general, restorative, and cosmetic experience to every urgent visit.
Many Treatments Under One Roof
From fillings and crowns to simple extractions, we can often address your concern right here in our office.
Comfort Options
We offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you feel more relaxed during treatment.
Flexible Payment Options
We welcome self-pay patients and offer flexible financing with quick pre-qualification that won't affect your credit.
A tooth that cracked on a popcorn kernel, a throbbing ache that kept you up all night, or a crown that came loose right before an important event can turn an ordinary day upside down. When something goes wrong in your mouth, you need clear answers and a team ready to help. At Lefton Family Dentistry, we offer emergency dental appointments for patients ages 9 and up, so you have a familiar, trusted place to turn when dental trouble can't wait.
Emergency dentistry is the prompt care of urgent dental problems: injuries, sudden pain, broken teeth, and damaged restorations. These issues can get worse if left alone. The goal is twofold. First, we relieve your discomfort. Then we protect the tooth and surrounding tissue so a manageable problem doesn't become a larger one.
Many people aren't sure whether their situation counts as an emergency. As a general guide, it's worth calling us if you are dealing with:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain that over-the-counter remedies aren't controlling
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, especially one with sharp edges or sensitivity
- A tooth knocked loose or out of position during sports or an accident
- A lost or broken filling, crown, or bridge
- Swelling, tenderness, or bleeding in the gums
- A broken denture or partial denture that leaves you unable to eat comfortably
Emergency care helps a wide range of patients, from students hurt during a weekend game to adults whose older dental work has finally given out. If you're unsure, call our office and describe what's happening. We'll help you decide how soon you should be seen.
When you arrive, your first visit centers on finding the source of the problem. One of our dentists, Dr. Marc D. Lefton or Dr. Jensen Bouton, will talk with you about when the symptoms started and what you're feeling. Next comes a careful exam of the affected area. Pain can be misleading, because an ache that seems to come from one tooth sometimes starts somewhere else. A thorough evaluation lets us treat the real cause rather than just the symptom.
Once we understand what's going on, we'll explain your options in plain language before beginning any treatment. Depending on the situation, care may involve a dental filling or composite bonding to repair a chip, a crown to protect a cracked tooth, re-securing or replacing a damaged restoration, or a simple extraction when a tooth can't be saved. If you feel anxious, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you relax during treatment. Our aim is always to make you comfortable first, then plan the most appropriate next steps.
Treatment and Follow-Up Care
Some emergencies can be fully resolved in one visit. Others call for a staged approach: we stabilize the tooth and relieve pain right away, then return for a more lasting restoration. If a tooth must be removed, we can discuss replacement options we provide, such as bridges, partial or complete dentures, and implant-supported bridges, so you can plan for both function and appearance.
We've served the Sarasota community since 1997, and our practice combines general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in a welcoming, technology-driven environment. That range is especially helpful after an emergency. The same team that addresses the urgent problem can also guide you toward cosmetic or restorative care later if you'd like to refine how the tooth looks.
Aftercare and Protecting Your Smile
After emergency treatment, we'll give you aftercare instructions specific to the procedure you received. These may cover what to eat, how to keep the area clean, and which symptoms mean you should call us. Following them closely gives your mouth the best chance to heal well. Keeping any recommended follow-up appointments matters too, since we may need to check healing or complete a permanent restoration.
Prevention is just as important as repair. Many dental emergencies trace back to issues that could have been caught early, like weakened fillings or untreated decay. Regular dental exams and cleanings with our hygienist help us spot those concerns before they become urgent. If your emergency came from a sports injury, a custom sports mouth guard can help protect your teeth going forward. A night guard may help if clenching or grinding is wearing down your teeth.
Paying for Emergency Dental Care
An unexpected dental problem shouldn't leave you worrying about how to cover the cost. We welcome self-pay patients. We also offer flexible financing with quick pre-qualification that won't affect your credit, so you can move forward with needed treatment and spread out payments. For ongoing preventive care, our $395 in-house membership plan covers exams and cleanings. Many patients find it a practical way to stay on top of their dental health and lower the risk of future emergencies.
If you're in pain or have damaged a tooth, please don't wait it out. Call Lefton Family Dentistry and tell us what's happening. Our team will do everything we can to see you promptly, ease your discomfort, and help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Urgent Evaluation
We examine the problem area, talk with you about your symptoms, and explain what's going on.
- 2
Focused Treatment
We address the issue causing your pain or damage and walk you through each step as we go.
- 3
Follow-Up Care
We share home care guidance and help you plan any follow-up visits to protect your smile.