A dental emergency never happens at a convenient time. Whether it is a broken tooth during dinner, a

crown that falls off on a Saturday morning, or pain that wakes you up at 3 AM, the first question is always

the same: what do I do right now?



If you are in the Town 'n' Country, Westchase, Citrus Park, or Oldsmar area, this guide covers what

qualifies as a dental emergency, what to do in the immediate moment, when to go to the ER versus calling

a dentist, and how to get same-day care at Modern Day Smiles Tampa on Sheldon Road.

Not every dental problem requires immediate attention, but these situations do:

Severe Tooth Pain

Pain that is constant, throbbing, or keeps you from sleeping or eating is not something to tough out.

Severe tooth pain usually signals an infection, an abscess, or a crack that has reached the nerve. Left

untreated, a dental infection can spread to surrounding tissue and, in rare cases, become a systemic

health risk.

What to do now: Take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen is generally most effective for dental

pain). Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks on the affected side. Call a dentist for a same-day appointment.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

A tooth that has cracked, chipped, or broken -- whether from biting something hard, a fall, or an impact --

needs attention quickly. If the break exposes the inner layer of the tooth (you may see pink or red tissue,

or experience sharp pain), this is urgent.

What to do now: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure

with gauze. Save any tooth fragments if possible. Call a dentist immediately.



Knocked-Out Tooth

A tooth that has been completely knocked out (avulsed) is a time-sensitive emergency. The best

outcomes occur when the tooth is reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes.

What to do now: Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root. If possible, gently place it back

in the socket without forcing it. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva. Get to a dentist

immediately.

Lost Crown or Filling

A crown or filling that falls out leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable to further damage and

sensitivity. While not always as urgent as a knocked-out tooth, it should be addressed within a day or two.

What to do now: If you have the crown, you can temporarily place it back over the tooth using

over-the-counter dental cement or even a small amount of toothpaste. Avoid chewing on that side. Call

your dentist to schedule a repair.

Dental Abscess or Swelling

A visible swelling on the gums, face, or jaw, especially if accompanied by fever, is a sign of a dental

abscess. This is an infection that requires prompt treatment and often antibiotics in addition to dental

intervention.

What to do now: Rinse with warm salt water to help draw the infection toward the surface. Do not attempt

to pop or drain the abscess yourself. Call a dentist or, if swelling is severe and accompanied by difficulty

breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room.

Hospital emergency rooms are equipped to handle medical emergencies, but most are not set up to

provide definitive dental treatment. Here is a general guideline:

Go to the ER if:

• You have facial swelling that is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow

• You have uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth that will not stop with pressure

• You have a jaw fracture or suspected jaw fracture

• You have experienced significant facial trauma (car accident, sports injury, fall)

Call a dentist if:

• You have a broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth

• You have severe tooth pain

• You have lost a crown or filling

• You have a dental abscess with localized swelling

• You have a loose or damaged dental restoration



In most dental emergency situations, a dentist can provide faster, more targeted treatment than an ER.

Emergency rooms will typically manage pain, prescribe antibiotics if there is infection, and refer you to a

dentist for follow-up. Going directly to a dentist who can see you the same day often resolves the problem

in a single visit.

At Modern Day Smiles Tampa, we understand that dental emergencies cannot wait for next week's

opening. Our office on Sheldon Road reserves availability for same-day emergency appointments so

patients in the Tampa area can get the care they need when they need it.

What to expect when you call with an emergency:

1. Our team will assess the urgency of your situation over the phone

2. We will schedule you for the earliest available appointment, often the same day

3. On arrival, we will perform a focused examination and any necessary imaging

4. We will address the immediate problem -- whether that means pain management, temporary

stabilization, or definitive treatment

5. If additional follow-up care is needed, we will schedule it before you leave

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Learn about All-on-4 options near Sheldon Road

Modern Day Smiles Tampa is centrally located at 7002 Sheldon Road, making it easily accessible for

patients throughout:

• Town 'n' Country -- minutes away on Sheldon Road

• Westchase -- a short drive via Linebaugh Avenue or Hillsborough Avenue

• Citrus Park -- accessible via Gunn Highway or Sheldon Road

• Oldsmar -- a straight shot down Hillsborough Avenue

• Greater Tampa -- conveniently located off Veterans Expressway

Dental emergencies get worse with time, not better. A cracked tooth can split further. An infection can

spread. A knocked-out tooth has a narrow window for successful reimplantation. The sooner you get

professional care, the better the outcome.

Call or schedule online

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Modern Day Smiles Tampa 7002 Sheldon Road, Tampa, FL 33615

Call us immediately for same-day emergency dental care, or visit moderndaysmiles.com to find our

contact information.