Dental emergencies never happen at a good time. They happen on a Saturday morning, during a holiday dinner, or right before a big work presentation. And in that moment, it’s hard to think clearly.
That’s why we put together this guide. If something goes wrong with your teeth, we want you to know exactly what to do. Keep this handy, and if you’re ever in doubt, call us. We’d rather answer a question than have you wait in pain.
First: Stay Calm and Call Us
Whatever happened, take a breath. Most dental emergencies aren’t life-threatening, but they do need prompt attention. Call our Tampa, FL, dental office at 813-733-6981 as soon as you can. If it’s after hours, our voicemail will tell you how to reach us or where to go for urgent care.
Now let’s go through the most common situations and what to do for each one.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
This one’s time-sensitive. You have about 30 to 60 minutes to get the tooth back in place for the best chance of saving it.
Here’s what to do:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Don’t touch the root; it’s delicate.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Don’t scrub it, and avoid using water if you can.
- Try to put it back in the socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it there.
- If you can’t get it back in, put it in a cup of milk or saline. Don’t put it in water.
- Call us immediately and get to our office as fast as you can.
A Broken or Chipped Tooth
Maybe you bit down on something hard, or maybe you took a fall. Either way, a broken tooth needs attention.
- Save any tooth fragments in a clean container.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Call us so we can get you in and repair the damage.
A Severe Toothache
A toothache that won’t quit usually means something’s wrong, often an infection or a cavity that’s reached the nerve.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen if you can safely do so.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there’s swelling.
- Don’t put aspirin directly on your gums. It can burn the tissue.
- Call us. A toothache rarely goes away on its own, and waiting usually makes it worse.
A Lost Crown or Filling
This isn’t usually an emergency, but it does need prompt care.
- Save the crown if you still have it.
- Keep the area clean by rinsing gently.
- If the tooth is sensitive, use a little dental cement from the drugstore, or temporary toothpaste as a substitute.
- Avoid chewing on that side.
- Call us to schedule a repair. Don’t wait too long; the exposed tooth can become damaged or infected.
Swelling in Your Face or Jaw
This one’s serious. Swelling that spreads to your face, neck, or under your eye can signal an infection that’s spreading. That’s a medical emergency.
- Go to the nearest emergency room if the swelling is severe or you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
- If it’s mild, call us right away. We’ll get you treated, which often includes antibiotics and addressing the source of the infection.
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Apply firm pressure with gauze for 10 to 15 minutes. If bleeding continues after that, head to the ER. Persistent bleeding can signal a bigger issue.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Nobody plans for a dental emergency. But knowing what to do can make a huge difference. Save our number in your phone, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
Call us at 813-733-6981 or request an appointment online. We’re proud to serve our neighbors here in Tampa and the entire Hyde Park community.