What To Do in a Dental Emergency in Orlando (Before You Reach the Dentist)

Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. A cracked tooth during dinner or a sudden throbbing toothache at night can leave you wondering what to do next. Knowing the right first steps can protect your teeth and help you stay calmer until you're seen.

At BrightSmiles Dental in Orlando, we reserve time for same-day emergency visits. Below, you'll find what counts as a dental emergency, what you can do at home, and when it's safer to go straight to the ER.

What is a dental emergency?

In general, you're dealing with a dental emergency if you have:

• Severe or constant tooth pain
• A knocked-out or loose adult tooth
• A broken or cracked tooth with pain or sharp edges
• Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums
• Bleeding that doesn't stop
• Signs of infection like fever, bad taste, or difficulty swallowing

If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or feel very ill, skip the dentist and go straight to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Sudden toothache or throbbing pain

A toothache is your body's way of saying something isn't right. Cavities, cracks, and infections are common causes.

What to do right away

• Rinse gently with warm water to clear the area.
• Use floss to remove trapped food between teeth.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever you normally use, as directed on the label, if it's safe for you.
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time.

Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums—it can burn the tissue. Call a dentist the same day if the pain is moderate to severe, wakes you up at night, or is accompanied by swelling or fever.

Broken or chipped tooth

Even small chips are worth checking. Cracks can let bacteria inside the tooth and lead to pain or infection later.

• Rinse gently with warm water.
• Save any broken pieces and bring them with you.
• Use a cold compress on the cheek if there's swelling or bruising.
• Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax so they don't cut your tongue or cheek.

Knocked-out adult tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Your best chance of saving it is usually within 30–60 minutes.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
2. If dirty, gently rinse with water—do not scrub or remove attached tissue.
3. If you can, place the tooth back into the socket and gently bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
4. If you can't reinsert it, place it in milk, saliva in a clean container, or a tooth preservation kit.
5. Call a dentist immediately and say you have a knocked-out tooth.

Swelling, abscess, or a “pimple” on the gums

Swelling, a painful bump, or a bad taste in the mouth can signal an abscessed tooth. This is a serious infection that often needs more than antibiotics alone.

• Call a dentist right away.
• Take pain relievers as directed, if safe for you, and keep your head elevated.
• Go to the ER immediately if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing or you have a high fever.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown is usually not dangerous, but the tooth underneath can become sensitive or break further.

• Save the crown if it came off and bring it with you.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can sometimes protect the tooth until your visit.

ER vs dentist: where should you go?

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, severe facial trauma, or cannot control bleeding. For most other problems—like toothaches, broken teeth, and abscesses—calling a dentist first is the best step.

Not sure if it's an emergency? Call.

When in doubt, call your dentist. Our team at BrightSmiles Dental in Orlando can ask you a few quick questions and help you decide whether you need same-day emergency care, a next-day visit, or a routine appointment.