Emergency Dentist in Cooper City: What to Do for a Toothache, Broken Tooth or Swelling

If you are searching for an emergency dentist in Cooper City, the most important step is to call a dental office as soon as the problem starts and describe what is happening. Severe or throbbing pain, a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth and facial swelling all deserve prompt attention. This guide covers what to do in the meantime and how to tell a dental emergency from a medical one.

The advice below is general first aid, not a diagnosis. It cannot replace being examined, so when in doubt, call.

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any problem that involves severe pain, infection, bleeding or injury to the teeth or mouth that should not wait. Examples include severe or throbbing tooth pain, a broken or chipped tooth, a knocked-out tooth, swelling or signs of infection, and a lost filling or crown.

If you are unsure whether it counts, call us. We will tell you honestly and, when possible, arrange for you to be seen. You can also read about our dental emergency care.

What should I do for a severe toothache?

For a severe toothache, call a dentist promptly and, in the meantime, rinse gently with warm water and clean between the teeth to remove any food that may be stuck. Pain that is strong, throbbing or keeps you awake can point to a problem inside the tooth, such as deep decay or an infection, and it usually does not resolve on its own.

• Avoid placing aspirin or other tablets directly against the gum, which can irritate the tissue.
• A cold compress on the outside of the cheek may help with discomfort.
• If you take over-the-counter pain medicine, follow the label and your own doctor’s advice.
• A toothache that fades suddenly is not always good news, so still get it checked.

Depending on the cause, the dentist may recommend a filling, a root canal or, in some cases, an extraction. Those decisions are made after an examination.

What should I do if I break or chip a tooth?

If you break or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth gently with warm water, save any pieces you can find and call a dentist. A small chip may be mostly cosmetic, but a larger break can expose the inner part of the tooth, which may be sensitive and can lead to infection.

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth if there is swelling.
• If a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it carefully until you are seen.
• Avoid chewing on that side so the tooth does not break further.

A lost filling or crown falls in the same category. Keep the crown if you can, and call us rather than trying to glue it back yourself.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

If a tooth is knocked out, call a dentist immediately, because time matters and quick action can often save the natural tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, the white part, and not by the root.

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown only.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with water without scrubbing and without removing any tissue attached to it.
3. Keep it moist, in milk or inside your cheek, and never let it dry out. Do not wrap it in a tissue.
4. Get to a dentist as quickly as possible, bringing the tooth with you.

Baby teeth are different: they are usually not put back in place. Still, call a dentist so the injury can be checked.

Is swelling in the face or gums an emergency?

Yes, swelling in the face or gums, especially with fever or a bad taste in the mouth, can mean an infection and needs prompt attention, so call a dentist. A tooth infection can spread, which is why it should not be left to see whether it passes.

Do not try to drain or press on a swelling yourself. A cold compress on the outside of the face may make you more comfortable while you arrange care.

When should I go to the ER instead of the dentist?

Go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911, if swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or if you have a serious injury to the head, face or jaw. These can be life-threatening problems that a dental office is not set up to manage.

• Call a dentist for toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, a lost filling or crown, or localized swelling.
• Go to the ER for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious facial injury.

An emergency room can stabilize you, but it usually cannot repair the tooth, so you will likely still need a dentist afterward.

How can I reach Jonari Dental in an emergency?

Call Jonari Dental at (754) 296-3800 as soon as the problem starts. We add emergencies into the schedule when possible, and the earlier you call, the more likely we are to find you an early time. When you call, tell us what happened, when it started and whether there is swelling or fever.

Our team in Cooper City speaks English and Spanish. For more detail on how we handle urgent visits, see our dental emergency page, where you can also find ways to ask about payment options.