Dental emergencies can take place in an instant, leaving people of all ages frightened and in pain. Unfortunately, a
hospital emergency room may not always be the best place to go when you need urgent dental care.
At Nawrocki Dental, we know that prompt treatment is the best way to alleviate discomfort and give your teeth the
best chances of survival – that’s why Dr. Gary Nawrocki, your emergency dentist in Cocoa Beach, welcomes
in urgent cases as soon as possible. If you or a family member is experiencing an emergency situation, contact our
dental office right away for emergency dentistry in Cocoa Beach, FL. Our team also sees patients from Merritt
Island, FL and other surrounding areas. When it comes to providing quality urgent dental care when you need it most,
you can count on
Nawrocki Dental of Cocoa Beach.
Why Choose Nawrocki Dental of Cocoa Beach for Emergency Dental Care?
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
One-Stop Shop for A Wide Variety of Dental Treatments
Friendly Dental Team Focused on Your Comfort
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Step 1: Call us as soon as you can.
The sooner you call us, the sooner we can schedule you for a same-day emergency appointment. Over the phone,
one of our team members will walk you through what to do to manage your situation until you can reach us.
Step 2: See Dr. Nawrocki for an exam.
When you arrive, your Cocoa Beach emergency dentist Dr. Nawrocki will work quickly to evaluate your
condition and alleviate any pain you’re experiencing. Then, he’ll fully explain which service(s)
he recommends and create a custom treatment plan with you.
Step 3: Get the urgent dental care you need.
Once you’ve agreed to a treatment plan, our experience team will jump into action. Whether you need a
filling, dental crown, root canal, tooth extraction, or something else entirely, your comfort will always be
our top priority as we get your oral health back on track.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Unsure if your situation qualifies as an emergency? Give us a call anyways. There are a wide range of
circumstances that require urgent dental care, and not all of them are easy to identify. If you’re in
pain, your tooth has been damaged, or if you’re experiencing any worrisome symptoms in your smile, we
encourage you to contact us right away. We’ll help assess your concerns over the phone and schedule an
appointment accordingly, whether that’s for the same day or in a few days. Below, you’ll find some
of the most common dental emergencies we treat.
Understanding the Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
The cost of your dental emergency visit will depend on a few key factors. This includes what the issue is and what
treatment option is necessary to provide you with lasting relief. We’d be happy to walk you through your options so
you can make the best decision possible for your smile, and our team is more than happy to assist with financial
questions. Until your visit, here are some things that you should take into consideration.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
When determining the cost of your dental emergency, we must first determine which type of injury has occurred
and the best way to approach it. Generally, if you only require antibiotics or another prescribed medication,
the cost of your treatment will be lower. However, if you need a more complex treatment, like a root canal, you
will be looking at a higher cost. Until you see us, there is no way of knowing how much you will pay to restore
your smile to health.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most of the time, dental insurance providers agree to cover emergency dental services. How much they cover is
based on the type of restorative treatment you need. Some companies with pay at least 50% of the cost, but you
need to contact your insurer to find out the specific details of your plan. Give us a call with your policy
information to find out if we are in-network with your provider. We are happy to be able to file claims for all
dental insurance.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be left completely on your own.
We work with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into
manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. Talk to one of our friendly team members to learn
more about your options.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Not all dental emergencies can be prevented, but when you implement an excellent oral hygiene routine and
eliminate bad habits, like crunching on ice and smoking, you can reduce your probability of experiencing one.
You should also keep an eye out for changes in your mouth. Even something minor, like a toothache, can become a
much larger issue without treatment. It is possible that smaller dental emergencies can be resolved with less
costly solutions if treated right away. Ultimately, but receiving regular preventive care and addressing changes
in your mouth immediately, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not every dental emergency in Cocoa Beach can be avoided, you can take some precautions to minimize your risk. In fact, even little changes and additions to your daily routine can go a long way in protecting your teeth from fractures, cracks, and other serious damage. To learn all about how you can reduce your chances of sustaining a sudden dental injury, keep reading!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Simply put, visiting Dr. Nawrocki for biannual checkups and cleanings can go a long way in preventing cavities and infections that turn into painful emergencies. At each visit, our team will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, screening for decay, infection, and oral cancer in the process. During the cleaning portion of your appointment, we will use our special tools to remove built-up plaque and clean the areas of your mouth that may be hard to reach.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
A solid at-home oral hygiene routine is essential. This starts with brushing at least twice a day (for a full two minutes each time) and flossing each morning or evening. It’s also a good idea to incorporate other best practices, like rinsing with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each evening. This added step will help prevent oral health concerns from developing before turning into a serious (and potentially painful) condition.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
While foods and beverages that are high in sugar certainly taste good, they aren’t the best when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth. Don’t worry – you don’t have to eliminate ice cream, soda, and the like from your diet entirely. Instead, focus on adding more nutrient-dense foods to your diet, like fresh fruits and vegetables. These are packed with nutrients that will help keep your oral health in pristine condition.
Wear a Mouthguard
Naturally, it also helps to be gentle with your teeth. If you play sports (even non-contact ones), ask us about making a custom mouthguard to protect your pearly whites from damage. We can also provide you with this custom-made appliance if you chronically grind your teeth at night!
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Out of sheer convenience, you may use your teeth to open a bottle, package, or bag every once in a while. Don’t! This can result in both small chips as well as large fractures, depending on the item. You should also avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, and even your fingernails.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Do you still have questions about what you should do in case you experience a dental emergency in Cocoa Beach?
When you contact Nawrocki Dental, you’ll get in touch with one of our friendly staff members who will walk
you through necessary first-aid guidance and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. For your
convenience, we’ve also answered some common questions that we receive from our patients below.
Should I Visit an ER or My Emergency Dentist?
In the heat of a dental emergency situation, it can be difficult to make the decision of whether or not you
should visit your local ER or emergency dentist. The best way to decide which facilities can best treat your
unique emergency is to assess your situation and determine whether the symptoms you’re experiencing
could be potentially life-threatening. If you have a broken or fractured jawbone, deep facial laceration, or
are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, you’ll need to receive immediate medical attention from
an ER. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to contact our office beforehand so we can advise you on what
first-aid measures to take and treat your issue as soon as possible.
Will My Toothache Go Away By Itself?
As much as you’d like to wish that your toothache will disappear on its own, the likelihood of that
happening is very slim. Often times, toothaches are caused by infections that are hidden deep beneath the
surface of your tooth. When they’re left untreated, they can spread to other areas of your mouth, and
even your body, causing additional damage and medical conditions that may require intensive treatment.
That’s why we recommend visiting an emergency dentist as soon as possible if you experience any oral
pain.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover My Emergency Visit?
Every dental insurance plan is different, which is why it’s always a good idea to contact your
provider before assuming that a treatment will be covered by your benefits. If you have any questions, our
team will be more than happy to help you find the answer. Plus, Dr. Nawrocki accepts various payment forms.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Many patients are worried about visiting an emergency dentist because they’re scared of the possible
diagnosis. One treatment in particular strikes fear into many of our patients—root canal therapy.
Although it has a scary reputation, root canals help many of our patients who come to use in severe pain
with throbbing toothaches. Not only does the treatment take away their toothache, but it also helps preserve
their natural tooth and prevent the infection from spreading to other surrounding teeth.
Some common signs that indicate the need for root canal therapy include:
Excessive oral sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Serious toothache pain
The formation of an abscess (pimple) on the gum tissue
Swelling and/or tenderness around a certain tooth
Of course, it’s important to remember that sometimes, no visible symptoms manifest. That’s why
attending regular checkups here in Cocoa Beach is so important for your ongoing oral health and wellbeing.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
After appropriately numbing the tooth, Dr. Nawrocki will carefully create an opening on top of the tooth and
remove diseased pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria from within with the help of special instruments. Once the
tooth has been completely cleaned, it will be filled with a safe, biocompatible material and sealed shut to
reduce the risk of further infection. Additionally, we strongly recommend the placement of a new, custom
dental crown on top of the treated tooth. This will protect the dental structure from breakage and restore
its full strength and function. Patients may experience some strong sensitivity immediately after the
procedure, but this should subside over time once the tooth has a chance to fully heal.
Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
If any of the following situations are already taking place or seem likely to our Cocoa Beach staff,
extraction is a very real possibility:
The second molars are adversely affected by the wisdom teeth, resulting in higher risks of periodontal
disease and decay.
Cysts and tumors are forming around impacted wisdom teeth.
Bacteria and food are becoming trapped under the gum tissue at a higher rate because of wisdom teeth.
Our team will use digital and panoramic X-rays in order to evaluate the current positioning of your wisdom
teeth and pinpoint potential risk factors. Early evaluations are strongly recommended for younger,
pre-teenage patients so that we can effectively catch and circumvent these concerns right away.
How Do You Remove Wisdom Teeth?
We handle the procedure as comfortably as possible, utilizing local anesthetic and sedation dentistry
techniques as needed to help patient remain at ease. Patients will not be required to stay overnight and
will be provided with all the post-operative instructions they need, as well as a prescription for pain
medication upon request.
Is my toothache a dental emergency?: Considering there are so many causes for toothaches, it’s important to get examined by a dentist as soon as you notice symptoms. While it could be due to minor decay, you could also have an infection. Both are sufficient reasons to call us right away.
How you should handle a toothache: Start by flossing to remove any food debris that could be causing pressure against your teeth. You can also brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out with water. If this does not help, take ibuprofen or a similar over-the-counter painkiller (except for aspirin) and use a cold compress to bring down any swelling. Do not try to pop an abscess if it develops as this can cause your infection to worsen.
How we treat toothaches: We’ll need to examine your tooth a bit more closely to know for sure which treatment will best address it. Services we recommend will vary entirely on the cause of your pain. For example, we could recommend a dental filling, crown, antibiotics and root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, or even an extraction if no other options are available.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?: Chipped teeth are not typically a dental emergency when the damage is very minor. However, you should visit our office as soon as you can to ensure the chip does not get larger. Not only is this likely to occur if you leave the tooth untreated, but your tooth can also develop serious damage or decay.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Do your best to collect any pieces of your tooth that you can and bring them with you to your emergency appointment. Use a cold compress to bring down any swelling and take painkillers to alleviate discomfort.
How we treat chipped teeth: More often than not, tooth-colored composite resin can be enough to restore chipped teeth, especially if it is minor. More significant chips, particularly in front teeth, may be better handled with porcelain veneers instead depending on your preference.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?: Minor damage to teeth is not necessarily a dental emergency, but it should be handled as soon as you can get to our office. Keep in mind that not all cracks are visible, which means a cracked tooth could be the reason you have dental pain and aren’t sure why. This is especially common following a bad fall or sporting injury.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Avoid touching the tooth with your tongue or fingers. You can use a cold compress to bring down swelling or discomfort if present. Take painkillers as needed and avoid biting down too hard to prevent additional damage.
How we treat cracked teeth: When damage is minimal, tooth-colored composite resin could be enough to fill the damage and restore the shape of your tooth. More severe damage may require a crown or an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Very sensitive teeth are considered a dental emergency. Because there are many reasons this can occur, it’s best to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Cocoa Beach right away.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: You don’t want to cause further irritation or pain, so it is best if you consume only lukewarm foods and liquids until it’s time to see our team. You’ll also want to avoid adding any pressure to these teeth, so avoiding bad habits is essential.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: We’ll need to identify the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity to determine how best to treat it. If caused by a cavity, cracked tooth, infection, gum disease, or aggressive brushing, we’ll need to implement one of the following treatment options: fluoride treatment, tooth-colored fillings, periodontal therapy, or root canal therapy.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? A lost tooth in Cocoa Beach is a dental emergency. You should not wait to see our team, as it is a time-sensitive issue that requires immediate attention.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: If faced with a knocked-out tooth, make sure to retrieve it, if possible, and gently rinse off any debris. You can then try to reinsert it into the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place. If this does not work, place the tooth in a container of milk to keep the roots moist. Bring it to your appointment.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: Depending on how quickly you arrive at our dental office, we may be able to re-attach the tooth with the goal of reintegration. However, if too much time passes and we cannot put it back in place, we will need to discuss replacement options, which might include a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? A lost dental crown in Cocoa Beach or a lost dental filling is usually not considered a same-day dental emergency. You can typically wait a day or two before seeing a professional, but you should still plan to call our office to schedule an appointment.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: If you lose a filling or crown, make sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Also, if you have dental cement, you can try to re-attach your crown over the exposed tooth. This is not required, so if you’re not comfortable doing this, simply bring it with you to your appointment. You should also be careful when cleaning your teeth to avoid irritating the exposed tooth structure.
How we treat a lost filling or crown: When treating a lost crown or filling, we will look to see if we can re-attach it. This will depend on if there is any current damage. If it cannot be re-bonded into place, we will need to create a new tooth-colored filling or metal-free dental crown for a seamless and fully protected smile.
Is a broken denture a dental emergency? Absolutely! If you continue to wear a broken denture, you’ll likely start to experience issues with your gums, soft tissues, jaw, and any remaining teeth you might have. Make sure you contact us right away to address the issue right away.
How to handle a broken denture: Denture repair kits are available for purchase at most stores. However, they’re not the best solution in this situation. The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with our office as soon as you notice your denture is broken.
How we treat broken dentures: The treatment method we recommend will depend on the extent of your damage. Based on your situation, we may use composite resin or readjust your denture to ensure it fits properly. In some cases, a replacement will be needed altogether.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? Known as an extruded or partially dislodged tooth, a loose permanent tooth can happen for many different reasons. Maybe it’s because of severe gum disease or physical injury. Even if there’s no pain present, you should schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible to address the situation.
How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: First, you need to give us a call right away to make an appointment. We’ll provide tips over the phone to hold you over until you get to us. Oftentimes, we recommend cleaning your mouth with warm water and avoiding hard or sticky foods.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: If you have a loose dental implant, we might be able to save it with our implant salvage services. On the other hand, a tooth that cannot be saved may need to be extracted. In that case, you’d need to explore your tooth replacement options like dental bridges and dentures.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Since oral injuries can bleed quite a bit, it can be alarming when it happens. If your bleeding is minor, our team may be able to help you. These situations are commonly seen in patients that are active in sports.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Carefully rinse your mouth with water to remove any lingering debris that’s present. To stop the bleeding, you can apply a clean washcloth or gauze to the cut. You can ease your discomfort and reduce swelling by using a cold compress.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: If your wound is small enough, we may be able to simply stitch the wound closed. However, if your cut is large or uncontrollably bleeding after 10 minutes of applying pressure, you should go to your local emergency room for medical attention.
Jaw Pain
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? It depends! Jaw pain can affect your day-to-day life, but that’s not typically considered an emergency. You should give us a call to schedule an emergency appointment if your pain becomes chronic. With our help, you can avoid sudden and serious oral health issues down the line.
How you should handle jaw pain: Take over-the-counter pain medication to manage your discomfort and try to avoid bad habits that can put a strain on the jaw (such as resting your head on your fist, crunching ice, or biting down on anything hard). If you think your jaw is broken or dislocated, you should head to your nearest emergency room first.
How we treat jaw pain: A custom-made mouthguard can be used to help correct what’s causing your pain. It’ll provide relief to your jaw joints as a result of teeth grinding and clenching. Some other solutions for jaw pain include TMJ therapy or wisdom tooth extraction. Of course, the latter is only recommended if your third set of molars is impacted.
Everyone has had something stuck between their teeth at some point in time! Although it’s not considered an emergency if that happens, you may want to seek urgent care if you’re in a great deal of pain. Give us a call and we’ll either help you resolve the situation on your own or pencil you in for an emergency appointment. We’re specially trained to remove foreign materials carefully and effectively as needed.
$190Adult General Cleaning(For Ages 14 & Up)*New Patients Only. Not Valid in cases of periodontal disease.
