What should I do in a dental emergency?
Call us at (813) 209-0338 right away — describing what happened lets us give you the right first-aid steps over the phone and reserve time to treat you. For a knocked-out adult tooth, minutes matter: handle it by the crown (not the root), keep it moist in milk or saliva, and get to us as fast as you can.
Severe swelling of the face or neck, uncontrolled bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing belong in the emergency room first — then call us for the dental follow-up. For other dental problems, including cracked teeth and lost crowns, our doctors will assess the cause and discuss pain relief and treatment options.
Emergencies we treat
- Knocked-out or loosened teeth
- Severe toothache or throbbing pain
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Swelling or signs of infection (abscess)
Common dental emergencies
Find guidance for common dental injuries, pain, and urgent care questions.
Emergency visit FAQs
Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or swelling that is growing needs prompt attention. Call a dentist for advice rather than waiting for a routine checkup. A knocked-out adult tooth needs immediate care.
Sources: NHS: Urgent dental care
Call 911 or go to the ER for swelling that makes breathing or swallowing difficult, heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop, or a serious face or jaw injury. Do not wait for the dental office to open.
Sources: NHS: Dental emergencies · NHS: Toothache
Rinse gently with warm water and avoid chewing on the sore tooth. Ask a pharmacist which over-the-counter pain reliever is safe for you, and follow its label. Do not place aspirin directly on your tooth or gums. These steps offer temporary relief; you still need dental care.
Sources: ADA: Dental emergencies · NHS: Toothache
Get dental help immediately—even if our office is closed. Hold the tooth by its chewing surface, not the root. If dirty, gently rinse it with milk; do not scrub it. If it goes back into its socket easily, gently replace it. Otherwise, keep it in milk and bring it with you. Aim to reach a dentist within 30 minutes, but still seek help if more time has passed. Never put a baby tooth back in.
Sources: AAE: Knocked-out teeth · NHS: Knocked-out tooth
Call a dentist, even if the tooth does not hurt. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you find the broken piece, keep it in milk and bring it to your appointment. A cold compress against your cheek can help with swelling.
Sources: ADA: Dental emergencies · NHS: Broken teeth
The cost depends on the exam and treatment you need. Call our office to ask about emergency exam fees and payment options.
Get Emergency Dental Care in Tampa
Call our team about your symptoms or injury so we can help you arrange appropriate care.
3907 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33603
Find us in Tampa, FL
Medically reviewed by Angella Tomlinson, DDS, PA