701 State Road 60 East Lake Wales, Florida 33853 (863) 676-6021

Emergency Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry – East Lake Wales, FL

We Provide Fast and Effective Pain Relief

model of teeth in a dentist’s officeDental emergencies always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times, making them even more stressful to deal with than they already are. Without the proper first aid and treatment, a seemingly small problem, like a toothache, can result in something more severe down the road. At Forni Dental, we strive to save our patients time, money, and additional stress by providing high-quality preventive treatment. If you find yourself in a dental dilemma, don’t hesitate to contact our office as soon as possible. One of our dental professionals will help walk you through the steps to prevent any further harm to your mouth.

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

computer animation of a chipped toothWhether you chipped your tooth or have minor, lingering pain, you may need emergency dental attention. At Forni Dental, we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible and carve space out of our schedule to ease your discomfort. If an accident happens outside of our office hours, here are some tips to provide you relief and ease your discomfort until you’re able to see us.

Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused by something as simple as a piece of food stuck between your teeth or something as serious as an infected tooth. Be sure to brush and floss to make sure that your pain isn’t being caused by something lodged in your mouth. If your pain persists, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen and a cold compress to bring down any swelling.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

If you can find the chipped or broken portion of your tooth, be sure to collect it and bring it to the office with you. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any debris. If your damaged tooth has a sharp corner that could damage your oral tissues, you can use dental wax to cover it.

Knocked-Out Tooth

For a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence. The sooner you’re able to make it to our office, the more likely we’ll be able to replant it. Try getting to us within an hour of the accident and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Collect your tooth and, holding it by the biting surface, rinse it under cool water. Try placing it back in its socket to keep it moist. If you’re not able to do this, you can put it in a container of milk or between your gums and cheek.

Lost Filling/Crown

Over time, dental restorations will wear down and change shape, so it’s not uncommon for one to become damaged or fall out completely. If you’re able to find it, rinse it with water and try to place it back on your tooth using denture adhesive. Remember that this is only a temporary solution, and you’ll need to visit us as soon as possible to prevent any additional damage.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

patient holding their mouth in discomfortWhile you can’t completely avoid dental emergencies, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing one. Here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy and your day stress-free:

  • Brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss every day.
  • Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily.
  • Don’t bite down on hard items like ice, pens, and nails.
  • Protect your teeth from bad oral habits like teeth grinding with custom oral appliances.

The best way to avoid damage to your pearly whites is to schedule routine checkups and cleanings with one of our experienced dentists at Forni Dental. We’ll tackle problems while they’re still small to prevent them from turning into an inconvenience later on.

The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

happy family sitting on couchNo two dental emergencies are the same, which means that no two treatments cost the same. To find out if your dental insurance benefits will cover your treatment, it’s best to contact your provider directly. We’ll be more than happy to help you do this. At Forni Dental, we believe that no budget should stand in your way of getting the treatment you need, which is why we offer in-office savings plans along with additional financing through CareCredit!

Dental Emergency FAQs

Most people don’t experience dental emergencies, so it can be understandable why they would feel anxious or worried when one occurs. At Forni Dental, our goal is to not only help you get your dental emergency treated, but keep you as informed as possible when it comes to your care. Below, you can find some of the most common questions our office receives along with our detailed responses for your convenience. If you have another question that isn’t mentioned, please feel free to reach out to us directly.

What are the best options for alleviating tooth pain?

We would start by recommending an over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen. This works to reduce inflammation in the tooth, which leads to discomfort. If ibuprofen is not available, acetaminophen will also work. To keep the mouth clean and reduce inflammation, you can also use a saltwater mixture containing ½ teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of warm water. Swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds to a minute. Finally, if you’re looking for more natural solutions for tooth pain, applying a small amount of clove oil via a cotton ball to a tooth and surrounding gum tissue can help temporarily numb tooth pain until you get to our office.

Should I visit for a damaged denture?

You don’t want to have to deal with a damaged denture for a number of reasons. Not only is it uncomfortable and awkward to use, but it can actually cause discomfort if worn for too long and even lead to sores and injuries of your soft tissue. After enough time, this can increase your risk of developing an oral infection.

Can I remove my own tooth if necessary?

If you have a child who’s baby tooth is already loose and on the verge of coming out, it’s much more reasonable to remove compared to a fully grown adult tooth. Only a dental professional can properly remove a tooth without putting your neighboring teeth at risk in the process. For that reason, we ask that you call our office for care, rather than attempt to remove the tooth on your own. Opt for pain management over tooth removal instead.

Does teeth sensitivity mean I should visit for emergency care?

Teeth sensitivity is not typically considered a dental emergency. It has a tendency to come and go, especially when only exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. If you only notice sensitivity when having iced water or hot soup, you can wait until normal business hours to have your potential dental issue examined. However, if your sensitivity ever becomes chronic or it turns into pain or discomfort of any kind, call our office.

Should I visit when my jaw is broken or my mouth won’t stop bleeding?

While our dentists can manage many types of dental emergencies, there are some instances where a visit to the emergency room can actually be more helpful if your oral injury is particularly severe. When the jaw is broken or the mouth begins to bleed profusely without stopping, get to the emergency room first, then come to our office. Once you’re in a stabilized condition, we’ll be able to better help you moving forward.