If you experience a dental emergency, be sure to call our practice as soon as possible. If you need immediate attention after hours, call our emergency phone number and our on-call staff member will help you. If you are unable to reach our office during an emergency, dial 911.
If you have a dental emergency, call us in the morning and we will see you the same day. Our emergency policy applies not just to our current patients but to anyone who has an urgent dental issue that needs attention. If you are a visitor from out of town or a part-time resident, we are here to help with dental emergencies so you can enjoy your time in our beautiful area.
We are here to help you. When your dental health is at risk, we will do everything we can to make sure that you are treated as soon as possible. While dental emergencies are rare, they can happen, and it is important to know how to take care of your teeth no matter what. Common dental emergencies include:
- Broken or cracked tooth/teeth
- Broken jaw
- Permanent tooth knocked out
- Object caught between teeth
- Severe toothache
Did you know…
That many dental injuries happen while participating in a sport? The American Dental Association recommends wearing a custom mouthguard when participating in any physical fitness activity with the potential for dental injury including basketball, boxing, football, martial arts, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, and weightlifting, and wrestling. Your dentist can help you select the proper mouthguard to prevent injury.
First Aid for Common Dental Injuries:
Tooth knocked out:
- Time is the most important factor when trying to save a tooth, so get to your dentist as soon as possible. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket.
- Do not try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
- The best liquid to transport a tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or if nothing else is available, water.
- Don’t let the tooth dry out and don’t wrap it in anything.
- Don’t touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.
Tooth chipped/cracked:
- Your dentist will likely use an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary.
- For a serious chip that exposes the pulp of the tooth, get to your dentist as soon as possible.
- If a tooth is chipped or cracked, sometimes the tooth can be fixed with a filling or bonding alone.
- Sometimes a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way affecting the nerve of the tooth, and a more complicated treatment may be needed.
Tooth displaced:
- If a tooth is moved due to trauma, see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Do not try to move the tooth back on your own.
- For any mouth discomfort before you get to the dentist, apply ice.
Additional FAQs
1. What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency includes any situation requiring immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, treat infection, or save a tooth. Common emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken restorations, abscesses, and facial swelling. If you’re ever uncertain, reach out immediately!
2. How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
Sunset Harbor Dental in Cape Coral, FL offers same-day appointments for most dental emergencies. The team prioritizes urgent cases to ensure prompt pain relief and appropriate treatment.
3. What if I have a severe toothache or swelling?
Severe pain or swelling may indicate infection or abscess and requires immediate evaluation. These conditions can worsen quickly, potentially threatening your overall health if left untreated. As always, if you’re at all concerned just call or visit Sunset Harbor in Cape Coral, FL and we’d be happy to help!
4. What if I break a crown, veneer, or filling?
Broken or lost restorations can expose sensitive areas and increase infection risk. Contact the office as soon as possible to have it evaluated and repaired.
5. Is emergency dental care covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover emergency visits, but coverage varies. Sunset Harbor Dental’s staff will help determine your benefits and discuss costs and payment options upfront.
6. How can I manage dental pain until I get to the dentist?
You can use over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen), rinse with warm saltwater, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid using aspirin directly on the gums, as it may cause irritation.
7. What can I do to prevent dental emergencies?
Practice good oral hygiene, wear a mouth guard during sports, avoid chewing hard foods or ice, and keep up with regular dental checkups to catch potential issues early.