What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem in your mouth that causes strong pain, swelling, bleeding, or damage to teeth and gums, and that should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications. Many emergencies can be treated the same day to relieve pain and help save your tooth.
Common dental emergencies we treat
Severe toothache or throbbing pain
Pain that wakes you up at night, gets worse when you bite, or does not improve with pain medication can indicate deep decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. In many cases, treatment may include a filling, root canal, or sometimes an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.Dental abscess with facial swelling
Swelling of the face or gums, a pimple‑like bump on the gums, bad taste, or fever can be signs of an acute dental infection. In these cases, we prioritize relieving your pain and controlling the infection: we clean the area, may open and drain the abscess when necessary, prescribe antibiotics when indicated, and plan the definitive treatment (most often a root canal or, in some cases, an extraction) to remove the source of the infection and prevent it from coming back.Broken, cracked, or fractured teeth
Teeth can break from biting something hard, trauma, or old fillings failing. Small fractures can sometimes be repaired with bonding or a filling; larger fractures may need a crown or root canal plus crown. If the fracture goes too deep, the tooth may need to be removed and later replaced with an implant or bridge.Knocked‑out (avulsed) tooth
When a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical. If possible, gently rinse it (without scrubbing), place it back into the socket, or keep it in milk or saline, and come to the office immediately. In some cases, the tooth can be repositioned and splinted and may need root canal treatment afterward.Loose or displaced tooth after trauma
A tooth that has been hit and feels loose or “moved” in position is also an emergency. We evaluate the tooth, reposition it if needed, and stabilize it. Follow‑up and possible root canal therapy may be required depending on the damage.Lost fillings, broken crowns, or broken bridges
If a filling falls out or a crown breaks or comes off, the tooth can be sensitive and more vulnerable to fracture or decay. We can replace the filling, recement or replace the crown/bridge, and protect the tooth from further damage.Gum emergencies and soft tissue injuries
Cuts, tears, or injuries to the lips, cheeks, or gums, as well as acute gum infections or abscesses around teeth or implants, can be painful and may need urgent care. We clean the wound, control bleeding, assess if sutures or antibiotics are needed, and plan follow‑up periodontal care.
Root canal treatment as an emergency solution
When the nerve (pulp) of the tooth is inflamed or infected, a root canal treatment can relieve pain and help you keep your natural tooth. During this procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, and the canals are filled and sealed with a rubber‑like material called gutta‑percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to protect it so you can chew comfortably again.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Kendall, Miami, do not wait until the pain gets worse. Call our office during business hours, and our team will guide you on the next best step and do everything possible to see you the same day. Whether you need relief from a toothache, treatment for an infection, or help after dental trauma, we focus on keeping you comfortable, explaining your options clearly, and protecting your long‑term oral health.
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Call our office as soon as you notice severe pain, swelling, trauma, or broken dental work.
If possible, bring any broken pieces or knocked‑out tooth with you.
Do not apply aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can irritate the tissue.
Use cold compresses on the outside of the face for swelling and take over‑the‑counter pain medication if you can tolerate it, following the package instructions, until we can see you.
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We offer same‑day appointments for most dental emergencies whenever possible, so you can be seen quickly and get out of pain. If you call during office hours with an emergency, we do our best to fit you in the same day.Description text goes here
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IYou should go to the emergency room (or call 911) if you have dental pain or swelling together with any signs that your overall health or breathing could be at risk, such as: difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads quickly in your face or neck, uncontrolled bleeding, high fever, feeling very sick or weak, chest pain, or trauma to the face or jaw that might include a broken jaw. In these situations, hospital emergency doctors can first stabilize you and protect your airway; once the emergency is under control, you can follow up with a dentist to treat the tooth or dental problem that caused it.
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If a tooth needs a root canal and you choose not to have it, the main alternative is to remove the tooth. In that case, we will discuss replacement options such as a dental implant, a bridge, or (in some cases) a removable partial, so you understand the pros and cons of each choice. Our goal is always to save your natural tooth when possible, but if the prognosis is poor or you prefer extraction, we help you plan a solution that protects your bite, function, and smile.Description text goes here
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Over‑the‑counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce dental pain temporarily, as long as you are not allergic to them and your physician has not restricted their use. However, antibiotics should never be started or kept “just in case” without a proper exam and prescription, because using the wrong antibiotic, wrong dose, or taking them when they are not needed can delay correct treatment, hide serious symptoms, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The safest approach is to keep basic pain relief at home, follow the instructions on the label, and call our office as soon as possible so we can diagnose the cause of the problem and prescribe any specific medication only if it is truly indicatedItem description
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Not always. Pain can decrease temporarily if an infection drains or if the nerve inside the tooth dies, but the underlying problem (decay, crack, or infection) usually remains and can still spread or flare up again. It is important to get evaluated even if the pain goes away, especially after strong pain or swelling, so we can check the tooth, rule out hidden infection, and prevent a more serious emergency later on.Item description
If you are unfortunately in need of our dental emergency services, do not hesitate to call our office and we will do our best to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible.
