Emergency Dentistry in West Melbourne
If you have severe tooth pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or swelling in your mouth, call the office. Same-day care is typically possible depending on availability, but it is not guaranteed and this is not a 24-hour service.
Call promptly for urgent dental problems
Call (321) 723-0938 as soon as you can and describe what is happening. The team will advise on timing and what to do in the meantime. For trouble breathing or swallowing, spreading facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a dental appointment.
When to go to the emergency department or call 911
Some situations are beyond a dental office.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Facial or neck swelling that is spreading
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Major trauma to the face or head
Common dental emergencies
- Severe or lingering toothache
- Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Abscess or swelling
- Lost filling or crown
A knocked-out permanent tooth
Time matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently for a few seconds with water, without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. Only if the person is an alert adult or older child who can cooperate, and the tooth is a permanent one, try to gently place it back in the socket and hold it there. If that is not safe or possible, keep the tooth in milk, not water, and get urgent care right away. Never reimplant a baby tooth.
After the emergency
Treatment focuses first on relieving pain and protecting the tooth. Further care is discussed with options and written costs.
What to tell us when you call
Describe the pain and when it began, any swelling, fever or bleeding, any injury, and which tooth is involved. Say if you take blood thinners or have other medical conditions. This helps the team decide how quickly to see you and what to do before you arrive.
Broken, chipped or lost restorations
Save any pieces of a broken tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling. If a crown or filling falls out, keep it, avoid chewing on that tooth, and call. Over-the-counter dental cement from a pharmacy is only a short-term cover. Do not use super glue.
Swelling and infection
A swollen gum or face from a tooth infection needs attention, because infections can spread. Call the office the same day. If swelling spreads toward the eye, jaw or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency department or call 911.
Common questions
Do you guarantee same-day appointments?
No. Same-day care is typical depending on availability.
Should I take antibiotics for a toothache?
Not on your own. An exam is needed to find the cause.
Are you open all night?
No. For after-hours severe emergencies, use an emergency department.
What do I do about a lost crown?
Keep it, call us, and avoid chewing on that tooth.
What should I bring to an emergency visit?
A list of medications and allergies, and any pieces of a broken tooth or restoration.
Related care
Dr. John T. Bailey, DMD · West Melbourne Dentist · 917 South Wickham Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904.
General dental education, not a diagnosis. Treatment recommendations depend on an individual examination.
Call (321) 723-0938 · Request an appointment · Meet Dr. Bailey & our approach · New patient forms