We are currently accepting new patients!
We are currently accepting new patients!
Dental emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. A cracked tooth during dinner, sudden swelling on a Sunday, or a knocked-out tooth at a game can all feel overwhelming. However, the right first steps can reduce pain, protect your tooth, and even save your smile. Here’s a simple, reliable guide to follow before you arrive at Shoreline Dental Studio for urgent care in Fort Walton Beach.
If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, err on the side of calling. Describe your symptoms—pain level, swelling, bleeding, temperature sensitivity, or trauma. We’ll help you decide if you should come in the same day and give tailored advice for home care until you get here.
Throbbing pain or facial swelling may indicate infection or an abscess. Rinse gently with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, and keep your head elevated. Do not place aspirin on the gums; it can irritate tissues. Because infections can spread, prompt evaluation matters. We’ll examine the area, take an X-ray if needed, and discuss relief options—which may include medication, drainage, or definitive treatment like root canal therapy.
If a piece chips off, save the fragment and bring it with you. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on that side. Even small cracks can expand, so timely care helps prevent larger fractures and sensitivity.
Time is critical. Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse if dirty, and try to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit—never in tap water for extended periods. Then, head to our office immediately. Reimplantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes.
Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold a crown in place until you’re seen. Do not use super glue. For a lost filling, a small amount of dental wax can protect the area from sensitivity. Avoid sticky or hard foods on that side.
For cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding and use a cold compress for swelling. If bleeding doesn’t slow after 10–15 minutes, call us or seek urgent care.
Don’t ignore severe pain, rely on internet “hacks,” or postpone care after trauma. And while it’s tempting to test a loose tooth with your tongue or fingers, that movement can worsen the injury.
When you arrive, we’ll address pain first. Then we’ll diagnose the problem and prioritize a solution that stabilizes your tooth and health. Often, we can perform same-day procedures to get you out of pain and on the path to healing. If a follow-up visit is needed for definitive care, we’ll schedule it before you leave.
Regular exams help us spot small problems before they become big ones. A custom night guard can protect against cracks caused by clenching, and athletic mouthguards reduce sports-related injuries. Meanwhile, daily brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet support strong enamel and healthy gums.
Need urgent help now? Contact Shoreline Dental Studio in Fort Walton Beach at (850) 462-5050. We’ll guide you step by step and provide Same-Day Relief whenever possible.
