For urgent dental situations, please call 9-1-1 for further assistance!
Identifying & Navigating Dental Emergencies
You might be wondering, what constitutes a dental emergency? What should I do before going to a dental office?
We understand that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. If you are experiencing severe discomfort or dental problems that require immediate attention, our emergency treatment services are here to help.
When a dental issue strikes unexpectedly, it can be scary. Knowing how to recognize a true dental emergency — and how to respond quickly and safely — can make all the difference in saving a tooth, reducing pain, and avoiding complications. Below is a guide to help you assess common dental emergencies and what your next steps should be to get help from a professional dental care team.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every toothache or loosened crown is an emergency. But some situations require prompt attention. Here are some red-flags that suggest you should call your dentist immediately:
Situation | Why It’s Urgent | What You Might Experience |
Severe tooth pain or throbbing ache | Could signal deep decay, abscess, or infection | Pain that disrupts sleep, swelling, sensitivity to hot/cold or pressure |
Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth | The sooner a tooth is replanted, the better the chance it survives | The entire tooth is out of the socket |
Broken, cracked, or fractured tooth | Can expose nerve or lead to infection | Sharp pain when chewing, sensitivity, visible crack or chip |
Lost crown or filling | Exposes vulnerable tooth structure | Pain or sensitivity, jagged edges, exposed dentin |
Object stuck between teeth | Can damage gums or roots | Sharp poking pain, swelling or bleeding |
Dental injury to jaw, face, or soft tissues | Could be accompanied by breaks or internal damage | Swelling, bleeding, difficulty opening mouth, bruising, misalignment |
If you’re uncertain whether your situation is an emergency, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call our office. We’ll help you decide whether to come in right away or wait for your scheduled appointment.
6 First-Aid Strategies While Waiting for Treatment
Here are safe steps you can take immediately after a dental injury or sudden pain — before reaching our office:
- Manage pain and swelling
• Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water)
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (unless contraindicated)
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling on the cheek or jaw - For a knocked-out tooth (avulsion)
• Pick it up by the crown (top part), not the root
• Rinse gently if dirty (do not scrub)
• Try to reinsert into socket if possible, gently biting on gauze or clean cloth
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk, saline solution, or inside the cheek (if no swallowing risk) - Cracked or fractured tooth
• Rinse mouth gently
• Use cold compresses
• Avoid biting on that side
• Save any broken pieces, rinse and bring them with you - Lost crown/filling
• Rinse crown or filling
• If it still fits loosely, you can try temporarily placing it back using dental cement or sugar-free chewing gum (if no pain)
• Avoid sticky or hard foods until treated - Soft tissue injury (gums, lips, tongue)
• Rinse with warm water
• Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to control bleeding
• Use cold compress externally to reduce swelling - Avoid risky behaviors
• Don’t use the injured area for chewing
• Avoid sharp, hard, or extremely hot foods
• Don’t delay too long — even if pain lessens, infection or further damage can creep in
What to Expect When You Arrive at Our Office
At Dr. Keith L. Schwartz & Associates, your emergency visit will be handled promptly and compassionately. Here’s what our team typically does:
- Rapid assessment & diagnosis
We’ll take a brief history, examine the area, often with intraoral cameras or digital imaging to help identify root fractures, abscesses, or bone involvement. - Stabilization & pain control
Your comfort is our priority. We’ll deploy local anesthesia, numbing gels, or other sedation as needed. - Treatment plan
Depending on the issue, we may:
• Reposition or splint loosened teeth
• Replant a knocked-out tooth (if available)
• Place or replace temporary crowns/fillings
• Repair with bonding, crowns, root canal therapy, or surgical treatment
• Prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories if infection is present - Follow-up care
We’ll schedule any necessary further treatments (e.g., final restorations), monitor healing, and provide at-home care instructions.
4 Prevention & Long-Term Tips
1) Protect your mouth
Wear a mouthguard during sports (especially contact sports).
2) Avoid chewing hard items
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other non-food items.
3) Prioritize oral hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay that can weaken tooth structure.
4) Ensure early detection
Schedule regular checkups and cleanings, enabling early detection of potential problems
When to Get Help — Right Away
For urgent dental situations, please call 9-1-1 for further assistance!
- You’ve knocked out a tooth
- You have unbearable pain or swelling
- You feel numbness, fever, or you see signs of spreading infection
- You cannot sleep or eat due to the pain
- You have a serious injury to your jaw, face, or gum tissue
If you are in or around Coral Springs, Florida, Dr. Keith L. Schwartz & Associates is here to help. Contact us immediately at (954) 427-6453 or via our website request form. Emergencies are seen as quickly as possible, because your oral health—and your peace of mind—matters to us.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing what to do in those first critical moments can save you pain, money, and even your smile. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken crown, or a knocked-out tooth, quick action and a call to your dentist make all the difference. At Dr. Keith L. Schwartz & Associates, we’re here to provide compassionate, same-day care when you need it most. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a bigger problem—reach out at the first sign of trouble and let our team help you get back to comfort and confidence.
Looking for an emergency dentist in Coral Springs, FL?
Dr. Keith L. Schwartz & Associates provides prompt, reliable care for dental emergencies including severe tooth pain, broken or chipped teeth, lost crowns or fillings, knocked-out teeth, and more. Our office proudly serves patients throughout Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, and the greater Broward County area.
Contact us today for same-day dental emergency appointments and trusted family dental care close to home.