Dental Emergency in Jacksonville?
We can help.
If you’re dealing with a broken tooth, sudden pain, or a knocked-out tooth, call us first. We keep room in the schedule for emergencies and will get you in front of Dr. Hekkert as soon as we can, without making you wait weeks to be seen.
Serving Jacksonville since the 1950s
Same-day CEREC crowns available.
4.9 Stars
1,300 + Reviews on Google
One dentist for most implant cases, start to finish
If you are experiencing a medical emergency like chest pain, trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or anything life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
The guidance below is for non-life-threatening dental emergencies.
Dental Emergencies We Handle
Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Visible crack, chip, or missing piece
- Sharp or jagged edge you can feel with your tongue
- Pain when you bite down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold at the site
Sudden or Severe Toothache
- Pain that started suddenly or has lasted more than a day
- Throbbing or constant ache, not just occasional twinges
- Pain that gets worse when lying down
- Sensitivity that lingers well after hot or cold contact
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Tooth is fully out of the socket
- Keep it moist (in milk, or tucked back in the socket) until you reach us
- Handle it by the crown, not the root
- Every minute counts, so call immediately
Swelling or Infection
- Swollen jaw, cheek, or gums
- A bump or pimple-like sore on the gums
- Bad taste or odor that won’t go away
- Fever alongside any of the above
Dental Emergencies You Need to See a Specialist For
Ortega Boulevard Dental handles most emergencies in-house, including same-day crowns when a tooth breaks, and Dr. Hekkert can place implants right here rather than sending you to a specialist. That said, we don’t perform root canals or complex oral surgery ourselves. If your emergency needs one of those, we’ll refer you to a specialist we trust and help coordinate the handoff so you’re not left figuring it out alone.
What to Do While Waiting for an Appointment
A few things you can do before you reach us, depending on what you’re dealing with:
Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Rinse gently with warm water
- Save any broken pieces if you can find them
- Avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen
Toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water
- A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help with swelling
- Over-the-counter pain reliever is fine to take as directed
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Keep the tooth moist (in milk, or tucked back in the socket) and call us right away
- Handle it by the crown, not the root
- Don’t scrub or clean it, just rinse gently if it’s dirty
Swelling or Infection
- A cold compress can help with swelling
- Over-the-counter pain reliever is fine to take as directed
- Don’t wait on visible swelling. Call us the same day.
- If you have a fever or swelling is significant, go to the nearest emergency room
What to Expect from Ortega Boulevard Dental in a Dental Emergency
Call the Office
Tell our front desk what’s going on, and we’ll find you a same-day spot when we can. If it happens after hours, leave a message and we’ll call you back as soon as we’re open
Come In and Be Seen.
Dr. Hekkert will take a look, get an X-ray if needed, and walk you through what’s happening in plain terms. You’ll understand what he’s seeing and what he recommends before anything moves forward.
You’ll Be Treated or Referred
We will tell you whether we can treat what you’re dealing with here in the office or whether you need a specialist. Most emergencies we can handle right here in the office, often the same day. If your emergency turns out to be something we don’t treat, like a root canal or a more involved oral surgery, we’ll tell you that directly and get you connected with a specialist we trust.
Anxious About Dental Pain? We Understand.
We will tell you whether we can treat what you’re dealing with here in the office or whether you need a specialist. Most emergencies we can handle right here in the office, often the same day. If your emergency turns out to be something we don’t treat, like a root canal or a more involved oral surgery, we’ll tell you that directly and get you connected with a specialist we trust.
What your neighbors are saying about Ortega Boulevard Dental
The staff and dentist (Dr. Hekkert) are incredibly kind, professional, and attentive. They explained everything clearly and really listened. Pricing was shown upfront, and not after the fact which I liked. My teeth look 20 years younger.
Erik Hekkert was an amazing dentist, very professional and his team was 100% excellent. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. I came in for a simple exam. I let them know my concerns on some of my teeth and I was able to get a same-day extraction on two of the main teeth I wanted out. This was a great experience and I definitely recommend this dentistry
My visit to the dentist today was pleasant as always. I’ve been a patient here for years and this practice is consistent in providing excellent service. The staff are always pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable regarding my dental needs.
Everyone at Ortega Boulevard Dental is so kind. They make going to the dentist a pleasant experience. You never have to wait long and they are extremely efficient! Dr. Hekkert and his team are great, …I would highly recommend going here!
Rated 4.9 stars by patients across Ortega and greater Jacksonville.
Why Patients Choose Ortega Boulevard Dental for their Dental Needs
A neighborhood fixture since the 1950s
Ortega Boulevard Dental has been part of this community for over 70 years, not a practice that just opened up nearby.
Same-day crowns, done right
Dr. Hekkert has been placing same-day CEREC crowns since 2003, bringing that experience to Ortega Boulevard Dental patients today.
Comfort-focused technology
Digital X-rays, a CBCT 3-D X-ray machine, and a Single Anesthesia System that regulates injection flow and pressure for a more comfortable visit.
In-network with major PPOs
We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, and many more, with several financing paths for anything insurance doesn’t cover.
One doctor for implant and crown
In most cases, Dr. Hekkert places the implant and delivers the restorative crown himself, so you’re not routinely sent elsewhere mid-treatment.
No pressure, ever
We will never push you to get treatment you don’t need, and we will be honest about what we think is best for you. We’ll partner with you to make sure you are receiving the dental care you deserve.
Don’t Wait on a Dental Emergency
Call Ortega Boulevard Dental at (904) 384-4391 and we’ll get you in as soon as we can.