Reviewed by Dr. Hailey Molina, DMD | Drift Dental | Last updated October 2026
Quick answer: For a dental emergency, call your dentist right away. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have swelling that is spreading across your face or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a fever along with facial swelling, bleeding that won't stop, or a possible broken jaw. If an adult tooth has been knocked out, keep it moist and get to a dentist as quickly as you can, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour.
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A sudden toothache, a cracked tooth at dinner, or a knocked-out tooth during a game can leave you wondering what to do and where to go. Here's how to tell what's an emergency, what to do in the meantime, and when you need the ER instead of the dentist.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
Some symptoms are medical emergencies, not just dental ones. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have:
- Swelling that is spreading to your face, jaw, or neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- A fever along with facial swelling
- Bleeding that won't stop after applying firm pressure
- A possible broken jaw or a serious injury to your face
A dental infection can spread to deeper tissues if it isn't treated, which is why spreading swelling should never wait. The ER can manage these serious problems, but it usually can't treat the tooth itself, so follow up with your dentist as soon as you can.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Call us right away if you have:
- A severe or persistent toothache
- A knocked-out tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth that is painful or bleeding
- Swelling in your gums or a bump on the gum near a painful tooth, which can be a sign of infection
- A lost crown or filling with pain
Some problems are less urgent, such as a small chip without pain, mild sensitivity, or a lost filling that doesn't hurt. These can usually wait for your next available appointment, but call us if you're not sure.
What to Do Until You Can Be Seen
Toothache. Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any food stuck between your teeth. Hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label. Don't place aspirin or any other pain pill directly against the tooth or gum, because it can burn the tissue.
Knocked-out adult tooth. Time matters. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water. Don't scrub it or use soap.
- If you can, gently place it back into the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a cloth.
- If you can't put it back, keep it moist in a cup of milk or a tooth-preservation product. Older children and adults can also tuck it inside the cheek, as long as they're careful not to swallow it.
- Get to a dentist right away, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour, and bring the tooth with you.
If a baby tooth is knocked out, don't put it back in the socket. Call your dentist for guidance.
Cracked or broken tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek to help with swelling. Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you.
Cut or bitten lip, tongue, or cheek. Clean the area gently and apply firm pressure with a clean cloth. A cold compress can help with swelling. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to the emergency room.
Lost crown or filling. Keep the crown or filling and call us so we can tell you what to do until your visit.
What to Expect at an Emergency Visit
We'll ask about your symptoms and examine the area and take X-rays to find the cause. Our first goal is to relieve your pain and treat the urgent problem. Depending on what we find, you may need follow-up treatment, and we'll explain your options and costs before we begin.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of an emergency visit depends on what's needed, such as an exam, X-rays, and treatment. Dental insurance may cover part of an emergency exam and treatment, so have your benefits verified if you can. Like any procedure at Drift Dental, treatment can be financed through one of our patient financing options. Approval and terms vary from patient to patient.
How to Help Prevent Dental Emergencies
- Wear a mouthguard for sports
- Treat teeth that are showing signs of breaking down
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and pens
- Don't use your teeth to open packages
- Keep up with regular checkups so small problems are caught before they become emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER or the dentist for a toothache?
For most dental pain, call your dentist first. Go to the ER if you have spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, a fever with swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
The pain may come and go, but the cause usually doesn't go away by itself. If the toothache went away, it may be that the cause has progressed to a point that the tooth is no longer alive. Though it may not hurt, there may still be an underlying cause or infection. It is important to have tooth pain evaluated in a timely manner to prevent swelling and infection, and emergency room visits.
How quickly do I need to be seen for a knocked-out tooth?
As quickly as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour. The sooner the tooth can be put back, the better the chance of saving it.
What if my child knocks out a tooth?
For a baby tooth, don't put it back in the socket. Call your dentist for guidance. For a permanent tooth, follow the same steps as above, but don't tuck the tooth in a young child's cheek because of the risk of swallowing it.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes, we offer same-day exams for dental emergencies, and try to complete treatment if possible. Our goal is to keep you healthy and out of pain. You can call 772-324-7824 or contact us online to book a same-day appointment.
Need to Be Seen?
Dealing with a dental emergency in Stuart, FL? Call Drift Dental at 772-324-7824 and tell us what's going on, and we'll tell you the best next step.
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