Common Types of Emergency Dental Care in Melbourne, FL

A dental emergencycan manifest in many forms, ranging from a dull, persistent ache to a sudden traumatic injury. Regardless of the specific symptom, the uncertainty and pain can be overwhelming. At Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC, our priority is to provide clarity and rapid relief. As a comprehensive periodontist’s office near you, our practice is equipped with the specialized skills and technology necessary to handle a wide spectrum of urgent oral health issues.

Led by Dr. Lee Sheldon, Dr. Matt Sheldon, and Dr. Michel Furtado—a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology—our team offers a level of expertise that goes beyond basic dentistry. Whether you are suffering from an advanced gum infection or a complex structural break, we have the tools to diagnose the problem accurately and the experience to treat it effectively. If you are unsure if your situation constitutes an emergency, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Please call our top Melbourne periodontistsimmediately at (321) 259-8000to describe your symptoms and schedule an evaluation.

Traumatic Dental Injuries

Accidents are a leading cause of dental emergencies. A fall, a sports collision, or biting down on a hard object can instantly damage the tooth structure. The method of repair depends heavily on the severity of the trauma.

Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies. If you act quickly—ideally within 30 minutes—there is a chance the natural tooth can be re-implanted. However, in many cases, the tooth cannot be saved. For these situations, our practice specializes in Dental Implants. These are titanium or zirconia posts that function as artificial roots, providing a permanent foundation for a replacement tooth. Because our doctors utilize advanced 3D planning, we can often provide immediate solutions so you do not have to live with a gap in your smile.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Teeth can crack in various ways. A minor craze line may only affect the outer enamel, while a deep vertical root fracture can threaten the entire tooth. If a significant portion of the tooth has broken off, exposing the sensitive inner pulp, you will likely experience sharp pain. Our restorative team can often save the tooth using Porcelain Crowns. These custom-crafted caps restore the shape, strength, and appearance of the tooth, sealing it against bacteria and preventing further breakage.

Acute Infections and Abscesses

Pain and swelling are often indicators of an underlying infection. Unlike a cut on your skin, a dental infection will not heal on its own and requires professional intervention to prevent it from spreading to the jawbone or other parts of the body.

Periodontal (Gum) Abscesses

As a practice with a board-certified periodontist, Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC is uniquely qualified to treat emergencies related to the gums and supporting bone. A periodontal abscess is a painful pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. To treat this, we utilizePeriodontal Treatmentprotocols that prioritize minimally invasive techniques.

Our doctors are among fewer than 100 in the USA to use the Perioscope, a tiny dental endoscope that allows us to see and clean deep below the gum line without the need for traditional surgery. This technology allows us to resolve severe infections effectively while keeping you comfortable.

If you are experiencing gum swelling or pain, call us at (321) 259-8000for specialized care.

Periapical Abscesses

This type of infection occurs at the tip of the tooth root, usually due to untreated decay or a crack. It often presents as a severe, throbbing toothache that may radiate to the jaw or ear. Diagnosis is key in these scenarios. We useHigh-Tech Dentistry, specifically 3D Cone Beam CT scans, to visualize the infection in three dimensions. This allows our doctors to determine if the tooth can be saved or if extraction is necessary to protect your overall health.

Restoration Failures

Dental work is designed to be durable, but it does not last forever. When a restoration fails, it can leave the underlying tooth vulnerable and sensitive.

Lost Fillings and Crowns

If a filling falls out or a crown becomes loose, the exposed tooth tissue can be incredibly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Furthermore, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised, making it susceptible to decay. Our office can often re-cement a crown if the fit is still good. If the restoration is lost or damaged, we can provide new Tooth-Colored Dental Fillingsor crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Broken Dentures or Bridges

For patients who rely on prosthetics for chewing and speaking, a broken denture is a major disruption to daily life. We offer repairs for Dental Bridgesand dentures. Additionally, if you are struggling with a denture that frequently breaks or fits poorly, we can discuss Denture Stabilizationusing implants to prevent future emergencies and improve your quality of life.

Severe Tooth Decay

Cavities do not start as emergencies, but if left untreated, they can destroy the tooth structure until the nerve is affected. When decay reaches the dental pulp, the resulting pain can be debilitating. In cases where the tooth is too damaged to be restored, extraction may be the only option to eliminate the pain.

However, losing a tooth does not mean you have to lose your chewing ability. For patients requiring multiple extractions or full-mouth solutions, we offer Solid Bite℠ Teeth Replacement. This protocol allows us to replace failing teeth with a fixed, implant-supported arch, often in a streamlined procedure that reduces healing time.

To discuss solutions for severe decay or pain, contact our team at (321) 259-8000.

Managing Anxiety During Emergencies

We understand that the stress of an emergency is often compounded by dental anxiety. Patients who are fearful may delay treatment, worsening their condition. At Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC, we are committed to making urgent care accessible and comfortable.

We offerComfort & IV Sedationfor patients who need help relaxing. Whether you require a simple extraction or complex surgery, sedation allows you to receive the care you need without the fear or memory of the procedure. Our goal is to ensure that your emergency visit is a positive step toward better health, not a traumatic event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my chip is an emergency?

If a chip is small, painless, and does not have sharp edges cutting your tongue, it may not require a same-day visit. However, if the chip is large, causes pain when breathing in air, or exposes the inner layers of the tooth, it is an emergency. You should visit our dentists near you as soon as possible to prevent infection.

Can you treat emergencies for patients with metal allergies?

Yes. We are proud to offer holistic restorative options. If you require a tooth replacement but are allergic to titanium or prefer non-metal solutions, we providemetal-free dental implantsmade from zirconia. These are biocompatible, highly aesthetic, and suitable for patients with sensitivities.

What should I do if I have a soft tissue injury?

injuries to the tongue, cheeks, or lips can bleed heavily. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution and apply pressure with a clean gauze or tea bag to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop after 15-20 minutes, or if the cut is deep, you may need to visit an emergency room. For injuries involving the gums and teeth, call our office at (321) 259-8000.

Do you handle full-mouth emergencies?

Yes. Some patients experience a “terminal dentition” crisis where multiple teeth fail simultaneously due to advanced periodontal disease or decay. In these complex cases, our team can provide full dental rehabilitation, creating a comprehensive plan to remove infection and restore your entire smile, often using immediate-load implant protocols.

Your Partner in Urgent Dental Care

At Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC, we believe that high-quality emergency care requires a combination of compassion and advanced clinical skill. We have served the Melbourne and Brevard County communities since 1980, helping thousands of patients move from pain to wellness.

Whether you are dealing with a broken tooth, a lost crown, or a severe infection, our team is here to support you. We utilize the latest technology to ensure your treatment is precise, efficient, and as comfortable as possible.

Contact ouremergency dentiststoday or call (321) 259-8000to schedule your emergency appointment.