Emergency Dental Care
A dental emergency almost never happens at a convenient time. A crown comes off on a Friday afternoon. A tooth cracks on a piece of ice. A dull ache you have been ignoring for a month turns into pain that keeps you up all night.
If that is where you are right now, call our office at (239) 337-5464. We hold time for urgent problems and can often see you the same day you call.
What Counts As A Dental Emergency?
If you are unsure whether your problem can wait until Monday, the short answer is that pain, swelling, bleeding, and trauma should all be looked at promptly. Here is what we most often see:
Severe or worsening tooth pain
Pain that wakes you up, throbs on its own, or does not respond to over-the-counter medication usually means the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected. This does not resolve on its own, and waiting generally makes treatment more involved rather than less.
A cracked or broken tooth
Sometimes a broken tooth hurts immediately. Sometimes it does not hurt at all and you only notice a sharp edge with your tongue. Either way, the exposed inner layers of the tooth are vulnerable to decay and further fracture, so it should be evaluated quickly.
A knocked-out tooth
This is the one true race against the clock. A permanent tooth that has been knocked out has the best chance of being saved if it is back in the socket within about an hour.
A lost crown, bridge, or filling
The tooth underneath is often sensitive and always unprotected. Save the restoration if you can find it and bring it with you. In many cases it can be re-cemented rather than remade.
Swelling in the gum, jaw, or face
Swelling means infection has moved beyond the tooth into the surrounding tissue. This is the symptom we want to hear about soonest.
Bleeding that will not stop
Persistent bleeding after an injury, or gums that bleed heavily without provocation, should be evaluated the same day.
What To Do In The First 30 Minutes
As your dental care provider, we’ll start by screening for oral cancer with clinical measurements, radiographs, and other assessment methods. We’ll clean and scale your teeth to remove pesky surface stains, plaque, and tartar. Most importantly, we’ll be able to educate you about your teeth, gums, and mouth, give you instructions about brushing and flossing, and explain treatment options (i.e., orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, etc.).
You’re probably wondering why oral hygiene care is important. Have you heard the phrase that your eyes are the window to the soul? Very similarly, your mouth can be regarded as a window to your overall health as it can show signs of nutritional deficiencies, illnesses, and general infections. Since your mouth already contains so much bacteria, if it’s not properly taken care of, it can cause serious inflammation and gum infections.
Also, your mouth is a port of entry for infection by allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to more inflammation in other parts of your body, such as the heart and lungs.
The Effects Of Diet On The Health Of Teeth
What you do before you get to our office genuinely affects the outcome. Call us first, then follow the guidance below for your situation.
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out
Pick it up by the crown, which is the chewing surface, and not by the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline without scrubbing it. If you can, place it back into the socket and hold it there with light finger pressure or a clean piece of gauze. If you cannot, keep it in a container of milk and bring it with you. Do not let it dry out.
If a tooth is broken or chipped
Rinse your mouth with warm water and bring any pieces you can find. If there is a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, a small piece of sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax over the edge will protect the soft tissue until we see you.
If you have a lost crown or filling
Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Denture adhesive or temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can hold a crown in place for a day or two, but it is a stopgap and not a repair.
If you are in pain
Over-the-counter ibuprofen taken as directed on the label is generally more effective for dental pain than acetaminophen, provided your physician has not advised against it. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek helps with swelling. Do not place aspirin directly against the gum, which causes a chemical burn and does nothing for the tooth.
When To Go To The Emergency Room Instead
Most dental problems are treated faster and far less expensively in a dental office than in a hospital. There are a few exceptions where you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 rather than call us:
- Swelling that is affecting your breathing or your ability to swallow
- Swelling that is spreading toward the eye or down the neck
- A suspected broken jaw or a facial injury from a significant impact
- Bleeding that you cannot control with steady pressure
Any facial swelling accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing should be treated as urgent medical care, not dental care.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Our first job is to get you comfortable and find out what is actually going on. That usually starts with a focused exam and digital x-rays, which show us decay, infection at the root tip, and bone loss that we cannot see by looking.
From there, treatment depends on what we find. An infected nerve is treated with root canal treatment to save the tooth and stop the pain. A tooth broken below the point where a filling will hold is usually restored with a porcelain crown. Smaller fractures and lost fillings are often handled in one visit with a tooth-colored filling or dental bonding. When a tooth truly cannot be saved, we will walk you through replacement options including dental implants.
If the thought of any of this makes you tense, tell us. Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off care until it becomes an emergency in the first place, and oral sedation is available for patients who need it.
What It Will Cost Before We Begin
We understand that an unplanned dental visit is an unplanned expense. Dr. Bryant King provides written prices and estimates for every reasonable treatment option before any work starts, so you can make the decision that fits your situation rather than finding out afterward. If you have dental insurance, our office files the claim on your behalf so you can be reimbursed.
Our office is at 6900 Daniels Parkway, Suite 30, just off the I-75 interchange at Daniels, which puts us a short drive from Gateway, Six Mile Cypress, and most of south Fort Myers. Call us at (239) 337-5464 and we will get you in as quickly as we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be seen the same day?
In many cases, yes. Emergencies do not schedule themselves, and we do everything we can to work urgent problems into the day. Call as early as you are able, because the schedule naturally gets tighter as the day goes on.
What should I do if the pain starts outside of office hours?
Call our office at (239) 337-5464 and leave a message so that we have your information in hand first thing. In the meantime, the guidance above still applies. Ibuprofen taken as directed on the label, provided your physician has not advised against it, is generally the most effective option for dental pain. A cold compress against the outside of the cheek helps with swelling, and avoid chewing on that side entirely.
There is one situation where you should not wait for us to open. If you develop facial swelling, a fever alongside a toothache, or any difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room.
I am not a current patient. Can I still be seen?
Will I need a root canal?
Not necessarily. Pain does not automatically mean root canal treatment. Sensitivity to cold that disappears within a few seconds often points to something much simpler, like a small cavity or exposed root surface. Pain that lingers after the cold is gone, or that starts spontaneously, is more likely to involve the nerve. We will not know for certain until we examine the tooth and take an x-ray.
Is emergency treatment painful?
Getting you out of pain is the point of the visit. We use local anesthetic for anything that would otherwise be uncomfortable, and an infected tooth can occasionally be harder to numb, so tell us if you are still feeling anything and we will address it before continuing.
Can I just take antibiotics and wait?
Antibiotics can knock down an infection temporarily, but they do not fix the tooth that caused it. Once the prescription runs out, the infection usually returns, often worse. Antibiotics buy time. They are not a treatment.
My tooth stopped hurting on its own. Am I in the clear?
Unfortunately, this is often a bad sign rather than a good one. When a badly infected nerve dies, the pain can disappear for days or weeks before returning as swelling. If you had significant pain that vanished without treatment, please still have the tooth looked at.
Kind Words From Recent Patients
Daniels Parkway Dental
6900 Daniels Parkway #30, Fort Myers
-
This is a fantastic dental office. The staff and Doctors are top notch and punctual. They take the time to answer questions and always make me feel comfortable.
-
Just had my first filling in 51 yrs Dr Shelly King explained the procedure & did an excellent job.hopefully i wouldnt have a cavity for another 51yrs.highly recommend them not a franchise. Non commission based employees.
-
I was referred to Dr Shelly and her dental assistant Amanda by my daughter in law who is very pleased with their caring professional dental care. I am also very pleased as well. The receptionists are pleasant and professional. This is truly … More a family business who treats their patients just exactly like that. Thank you Dr Shelly and Team! Shirley Pine
-
Dr. Bryant King is a very caring, detailed dentist. He has a wonderful bedside manner and explains everything and gives options for patients to consider. He is also very willing to give prices & estimates for any & all options so … More that the patient can make an intelligent decision as to what is best for the patient. I highly recommend Dr. Bryant. The staff are also very efficient and personable. Madeleine Dougherty, patient
-
Dr. Shelly & Dr. Bryant King(s) have been my dentists for over twenty years. The doctors and staff have consistently provided professional, friendly and quality work for every visit. Their office is extremely clean and everyone's … More attention to detail, from cleanings to insurance to all things dental keeps me coming back and referring them again and again. Dr. Shelly has a jiggle technique that will make any dentaphobe at ease. I feel very fortunate to have found these wonderful people who make me feel so taking care of.
-
As a new patient, I have been very impressed with being able to get an appointment easily, and happy with the efficiency and pleasant atmosphere, and mostly happy with my “new” tooth.
-
Let me start by saying the BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! Two different appointments, xrays and filling. NO CHARGE. The Doctor was so kind and did not hurt at all. Things that he told me that I wish others would have been as honest and forthcoming … More as he. Wonderful staff. I would highly recommend this Dentist. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!
-
This is by far the BEST visit ever to a dentist office. They were so nice, explained the procedure throughly so there were no surprises. Starting with my phone call to their office and up until I left everyone made the experience amazing. … More If your looking for a dentist this is the office to call... Happy teeth work
-
Daniels Dental and Dr. Bryant King provided a great experience when I had a crown fall out. Getting an appointment was prompt, the staff was friendly, very helpful and efficient. Dr. King and the Technician were knowledgeable, friendly, … More efficient, skilled and gentle. Best dental experience I’ve had.
-
Hands down Daniels Parkway Dental gets 5⭐️! The staff is friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and provides some of the best bedside manner I’ve ever experienced. Dr. Shelly, Dee, Amanda and staff went above and beyond to ensure that I wasn’t … More in any pain during my dental procedure and communicated with me what they were doing the entire time.
-
The dentist is amazing having professional attitude and always giving care necessary for appropriate needs. The staff are professional as well as friendly, kind and gentle. Positive vibes from all in this dental office! 👍
-
I cannot begin to express how WONDERFUL my experience is Every time i need to go to the DDS. Daniels Parkway Dental is the best. They have brought back good ole fashion bedside manner. Everyone in that office gets a 5 ⭐️ review. From the … More moment you check in to the moment they finish the dental procedure. Dr Shelly and Dr King are constantly checking on you throughout the process and explain in detail everything they are doing and making sure you are not feeling any discomfort. This also includes their FABULOUS DENTAL HYGIENIST “Keely” (the best, bar none!!!!)
Fort Myers is LUCKY, EXTREMELY LUCKY to have them in our area (even though if they were farther i would still go to them) I also want to give the Dental Assistant recognition for how extremely well she worked with Dr Shelly they were a perfect team.
So in conclusion if you are looking for a Dental Office and want great work done LOOK NO FURTHER!!!! Than Daniels Parkway Dental Office!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely
Alex Gonzalo. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 -
Dr. Shelly King was wonderful. The best experience. Very caring and explained everything. Absolutely no pain or anxiety. I would highly recommend. The office staff was great too!
-
Great dentist office. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. The dentist isn't quick to jump to fillings for children with tiny cavities that could heal or cavities in a baby tooth that's coming out soon. The hygienist … More we see if very respectful of the decisions we make regarding fluoride. They are a wonderful family own practice and Dr. Bryant and Dr. Shelley are so great with our family.
-
Had an urgent need for an appointment (my porcelain crown fell out over holiday weekend). Being fairly new to the area and not having a regular dentist, I took a chance & stopped into Daniels Parkway Dental to see if I could get an … More appointment in the next few days. To my surprise they had an opening later that day. First let me say I was so impressed when I walked in to a beautiful bright well appointed clean office and warmly greeted by the friendly knowledgeable staff. Went ahead and took my insurance info (which they are filing for me so I can be reimbursed) and did all the paperwork. I say this because my time in the waiting area I noticed the pleased patients checking out and others coming in. Coming from up north who had a very modern excellent local dentist, Daniel Parkway Dental reminded me of what was left behind. And confirmed by the excellent medical care by Dr Shelly King. Both her & her assistant were gentle yet professional. In a layman’s eyes like myself I thought “just glue it back”, I’m so glad I didn’t try a do it yourself nor go to one of those “doc in a box” popping up on every corner. It was a very intricate procedure taking time to make sure the bites correct. Someone without much experience could have broken the tiny pins my old dentist had made. Or would have easily said I need a new one meaning lots of $$$$$. It was divine steering which brought me to Daniel Parkway Dental. A local family dentistry who’s been around for 20 years and not going anywhere. This evening I was able to enjoy my food and would never know it had fallen out few days ago. I’m so glad I’ve found a dental practice I can trust & look forward to going back for routine care for myself & my husband.
Thank you again Dr Shelly King & staff🤗
Contact Our Office
For immediate assistance or scheduling please contact our office directly at (239) 337-5464. All online inquiries are responded to within 24 hours.