Not every tooth problem needs a same-day visit — but some can’t wait. Use this guide to decide what to do, and what to do right now while you get help.
Go to the ER (or call 911) if you have:
- Swelling of the face or jaw that is spreading toward the eye or neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- A high fever with tooth or jaw swelling
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- A possible broken jaw after an injury
These can be signs of a serious infection or injury.
Call your dentist today if you have:
- A knocked-out adult tooth. Pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and try to put it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Get to a dentist as fast as possible — ideally within an hour.
- Severe toothache that keeps you up at night
- A broken or cracked tooth, especially with pain
- A swollen gum or a pimple-like bump on the gum (possible abscess)
- A lost crown or filling with pain
It can usually wait a day or two if:
- A small chip with no pain
- A lost filling with no pain
- Mild sensitivity to cold
Still call and book — small problems get bigger and more expensive.
What to do while you wait
- Rinse with warm salt water.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine as directed on the label.
- Don’t put aspirin directly on the gum — it can burn the tissue.
- Save any broken pieces of tooth and bring them with you.
Emergency dentist in Hialeah
Enjoy Dental sees dental emergencies Monday through Saturday, including Friday evenings until 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays until 3 p.m. We accept Medicaid and most PPO plans, and we speak English and Spanish.
Call (305) 871-9111 and tell us it’s urgent. More on our emergency dentist page.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you think it’s life-threatening, call 911.