What Is Emergency Dentistry?

Sometimes, dental problems occur outside office hours. Any dental problem that can't wait for the next business day is considered an emergency.

If you experience a dental emergency, you may not know where to turn. Fortunately, our practice offers prompt care during and after office hours.

About Emergency Dentistry

Emergency dentists see patients whose problems cannot wait for a regularly scheduled appointment. Not all urgent situations are emergencies.

When to Go To the Emergency Room First

A medical doctor should assess any life-threatening situation before seeing a dentist. If you have broken facial bones, uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial or oral trauma, or signs of an infection that is causing illness, call or visit your local emergency room.

Situations Needing Emergency Dental Care

• Broken, cracked, or damaged natural tooth
• Severe toothache
• Swollen, painful gums
• Symptoms of a dental infection (fever, chills, swelling)
• Knocked-out or dislodged permanent tooth
• Broken denture
• Lost crown or filling if causing pain

How to Care For Dental Emergencies While You Wait

While you are waiting for your emergency dentist to arrange an appointment, here are some steps you can take to increase your comfort:

Severe Toothache

Consider it an emergency if your toothache prevents you from eating, sleeping, or relaxing. A dull toothache is not generally considered a dental emergency, though you will want to schedule a weekday appointment as soon as possible.

Rinse your mouth and floss to remove food lodged between your teeth. If you have any swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek. You can take over-the-counter medication according to the package directions.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Find and save any lost pieces of the tooth and rinse them gently. Rinse out your mouth and apply gauze to any areas experiencing bleeding. Cold compresses can help make you more comfortable.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Find the tooth and hold it only by the crown. Rinse the root gently with water. The best way to preserve your lost tooth is to put it back in its socket and carefully bite down on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.

If this step doesn't work, put your tooth in a small cup of milk, saliva, or Save-A-Tooth, a solution available in the oral care section of your pharmacy. The sooner you see a dentist, the more likely they can successfully replant your tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

What if I have pimples on my gums?

If you have pimples on your gums, you probably have a dental abscess or an advanced tooth infection that spreads to the gums. See your emergency dentist immediately or visit the emergency room for severe symptoms.

If my child's baby tooth falls out, can it be replanted?

Unfortunately, dentists cannot replant baby teeth due to their root structure and the fact that they would damage the permanent tooth underneath. You should still call the dentist to assess your child's remaining teeth for injury.

Call Dental Partners of Vero Beach

It is better to find an emergency dentist before you need one. If you need emergency dental care in the Vero Beach area, we can help. Please call us at 772-569-4118 for a prompt appointment, where we will help ease your pain and solve your dental issue.