Emergency DentistryFort Walton Beach, FL
Experiencing agonizing tooth pain? Has a tooth become knocked out or cracked on an olive pit? Whatever the cause, Shoreline Dental Studio is here to treat you as your emergency dentist in Fort Walton Beach, FL. If you have a dental emergency, call us now. Ask about our sedation options.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
Not every tooth pain or loose tooth is cause for concern, although you should at least have the issue checked by a dentist. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Injury to the gums
- Knocked out tooth
- Severe toothaches
- Change in the color or texture of gums
Note: This is not an all-inclusive list of dental emergencies. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, it is always best to err on the side of caution and visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Do Not Ignore Toothaches (Even If The Pain Goes Away)
Most toothaches are caused by inflamed tissue pressing on the nerves inside the tooth. Inflammation typically results from infection. If you experience tooth pain for an extended period of time and then it goes away, that does not mean the issue is resolved — it could indicate that the pain-signaling nerves within the tooth have died. Therefore, even if your tooth pain subsides, you should still have the tooth examined by our family dentist in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
It is worth noting that dental trauma such as accidentally biting an olive pit or grinding your teeth can also cause tooth pain. In these instances, if the pain lingers for more than 24 hours or you notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, you should have the tooth checked out.
What To Do In A Dental Emergency
Knowing how to respond in the moments before reaching our office can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a dental emergency. Here is what to do for some of the most common urgent dental situations:
- Knocked-out tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown only, never by the root. Rinse gently with clean water without scrubbing. If possible, reinsert it into the socket and bite down gently on gauze to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk or between the cheek and gum to keep it moist and get to our office as quickly as possible — ideally within thirty to sixty minutes.
- Cracked or chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any broken fragments if possible, and apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to minimize swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side and contact our office immediately.
- Severe toothache: Rinse gently with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food debris. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed and contact Shoreline Dental Studio for same-day evaluation.
- Injury to the gums: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding and contact our office promptly. If bleeding is significant or does not subside, seek care immediately.
Sedation For Emergency Patients
At Shoreline Dental Studio, we understand that dental emergencies are not just physically painful — they are stressful, frightening, and disorienting. Patients who arrive in significant pain or distress benefit from the same sedation options available at every appointment in our practice. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available for emergency patients, ensuring that urgent treatment is delivered as comfortably as possible regardless of the circumstances that brought you in. Our team meets every emergency patient with genuine compassion and the same unhurried, patient-centered approach that defines every other service at Shoreline Dental Studio.
Have A Dental Emergency?
Do not wait and hope your condition improves. Call Shoreline Dental Studio immediately if you have a dental emergency in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Our team is here to see you promptly, address your concern thoroughly, and get you feeling better as quickly as possible.