Dental Emergency in Tampa? What to Do First (and When to Call Us)

If you have a dental emergency in Tampa, call Carrollwood Smiles at (813) 269-4000. We see emergency patients the same day, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, and walk-ins are welcome. Here's what to do in the meantime for the most common emergencies.

Knocked-out adult tooth

Time matters most here. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if a dentist sees you within about 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part you chew with). Don't touch the root.
2. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water for a few seconds. Don't scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
3. If you can, gently push it back into its socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
4. If you can't put it back, keep it moist in a small cup of milk, or hold it in your mouth between your cheek and gum (adults only).
5. Call us right away at (813) 269-4000 and come in.

For a knocked-out baby tooth, don't try to put it back in, since that can damage the adult tooth underneath. Call us so we can check your child.

Severe toothache

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
2. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food.
3. Hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 off.
4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label. Don't put aspirin directly on your gums; it can burn the tissue.

A toothache that keeps you up at night or comes with swelling or fever often means an infection. Call us for a same-day visit.

Broken or chipped tooth

1. Save any pieces you can find and bring them with you.
2. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
3. Use a cold compress to keep swelling down.
4. Avoid chewing on that side, and call us.

Small chips can usually be repaired with bonding. Larger breaks may need a crown.

Swelling or a dental abscess

A swollen gum, a pimple-like bump near a tooth, a bad taste, or fever can be signs of an abscess, a pocket of infection. Rinse with warm salt water and call us the same day. Don't wait for it to drain on its own; the infection can spread. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown if it came out. You can buy temporary dental cement at most pharmacies to protect the tooth for a short time. Avoid chewing on that side, and call us to have it repaired or re-cemented.

Cut lip, tongue, or cheek

Rinse with water and press a clean, damp cloth firmly on the area. If the bleeding doesn't stop after about 15 minutes, go to the ER.

What happens at your emergency visit

We'll take an X-ray, find the cause of the pain, and explain your options before any treatment. Many emergencies, including extractions, are treated the same day in our office, with no referral needed. New emergency patients pay $40 for the exam and X-ray, credited toward same-day treatment (limited time offer). We're in network with most PPO plans and offer CareCredit, Sunbit, and an in-house discount plan.

After hours? Call (813) 269-4000 and leave a message. After-hours calls are monitored, and we'll get back to you to schedule your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is a broken tooth an emergency?

A broken tooth that hurts, has a sharp edge cutting your tongue, or shows pink or red in the center should be seen the same day. A small chip with no pain can usually wait a day or two.

Can I just go to urgent care for a toothache?

Urgent care can help with pain, but it can't fix the tooth. A dentist can find and treat the cause, often in the same visit.

Do you take walk-ins for dental emergencies?

Yes. Emergency walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. Calling ahead at (813) 269-4000 helps us get you in faster.

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Call us or see a dentist about your specific situation.