What to Do in a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can happen at any time. A knocked-out tooth, sudden severe pain, or a bad swelling needs fast action.

The first thing to do is always call your dentist. If you are in Nashville and need help right now, Dental Faith offers emergency dental care with same-day appointments when possible. Call or text (615) 285-3949.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Not every tooth problem is an emergency. But some situations need care right away.

According to Cleveland Clinic, a dental emergency includes: severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, badly cracked tooth, dental abscess, and bleeding that will not stop.

Things that can usually wait: a small chip with no pain, mild tooth soreness, a broken brace wire, or food stuck between teeth. When in doubt, call your dentist. They will tell you what to do.

Dentist vs. Emergency Room: Quick Guide

Go to Your Dentist	Go to the ER
Severe toothache	Broken jaw
Knocked-out tooth	Heavy uncontrolled bleeding
Cracked or broken tooth	Swelling blocking breathing
Lost crown or filling	High fever with facial swelling
Dental abscess	Trauma with possible broken facial bones

The ER can give pain medicine and antibiotics. They cannot do fillings, crowns, or tooth repair. You will still need to see a dentist after.

Severe Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Floss gently to remove any trapped food. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

Important: Do not put aspirin directly on your gum. It can burn the tissue.

Swelling in your face can mean infection. Do not wait. Call your dentist. Dental Faith handles toothache relief with urgent appointments.

Knocked-Out Tooth

You have a narrow window to save it. According to Delta Dental, the best chance is within 30 minutes, though up to one hour may still work.

Steps to take right now:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root.

2. Rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it.

3. Try to place it back in the socket if possible. Do not force it.

4. If you cannot, store it in milk or hold it in your cheek.

5. Get to a dentist immediately.

If it is a child’s baby tooth, do not try to put it back. Call the dentist for guidance.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water. Save any tooth pieces you can find. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call your dentist right away.

Even if there is no pain, a crack can get worse fast. Bacteria enter quickly. Dental Faith treats broken teeth and cracked teeth with gentle, same-day care. A dental crown may be needed to fully restore the tooth.

Dental Abscess or Facial Swelling

An abscess is a serious infection near the tooth root or gum. Signs include a pimple-like bump on the gums, bad taste, swelling, and sometimes fever.

Rinse with warm salt water to ease discomfort. Call your dentist immediately. If the swelling spreads to your jaw or neck, or you have trouble breathing, go to the ER right away.

Infections do not go away on their own. Waiting too long can lead to larger health problems. Our restorative dentistry team can treat the infection and help save the tooth.

Lost Filling or Crown

Keep the area clean. You can use over-the-counter dental cement or sugar-free gum as a short-term seal. Do not use super glue.

Call your dentist as soon as possible. A missing crown leaves your tooth exposed to damage and pain. Dental Faith can replace dental crowns and dental bridges quickly.

Bleeding Tongue, Lip, or Gums

Rinse gently with warm salt water. Apply clean gauze and press firmly for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth.

Mouth wounds can look worse than they are because the mouth has many blood vessels. If bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes, go to the ER.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

You cannot prevent every accident. But these steps help lower your risk:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or contact activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.
• Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• Schedule regular cleanings to catch problems early.

Dental Faith uses digital impressions and modern imaging to spot issues before they become emergencies. Good preventive dental care in Nashville is the best long-term investment.

Emergency Dentist in Nashville You Can Trust

Dental Faith has served Nashville families since 2013. Dr. M. Paula Fedler has over 20 years of experience and holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Tennessee Dental Association (TDA).

Our entire team speaks English and Spanish. We serve Nashville, Brentwood, and Antioch. We offer gentle care for patients of all ages, including those with dental anxiety.

Hablamos Español. No matter where you are from, you are welcome here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental emergencies are stressful. You do not have to go through them alone. Call or text Dental Faith at (615) 285-3949. We serve Nashville, Brentwood, and Antioch. Same-day appointments available. Bilingual care in English and Spanish.