Emergency Dental Care Tampa
If you have a non-life-threatening dental emergency, please call our emergency number 786-529-4387.
When you have a dental emergency — whether it's caused by a sudden accident or chronic disease — your teeth and/or the tissues of the mouth that surround them need to receive proper care right away. As with any type of medical emergency, it's important to be aware, before you're actually in the situation, of what you can do to ensure the best outcome.
Traumatic Dental Injuries
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires quick thinking and immediate action. You'll increase the chances that the tooth can be saved if you pick it up without touching the root, gently clean it off with water, and put it back in its socket facing the correct way. Hold it in place with gentle pressure as you rush to the dental office or emergency room. If you can't replant it immediately, tuck it between the patient's cheek and gum, or carry it in a container of cold milk.
For a more traumatic injury such as a tooth that has been moved or loosened, treatment needs to occur within six hours. However, if there is uncontrollable bleeding, go immediately to the ER. Fortunately, other dental injuries that happen most frequently are less severe. The most common traumatic dental injuries are chipped teeth. If a tooth is chipped, try to find any pieces that have come off, as it might be possible to reattach them. Make an appointment for an office visit as soon as possible, and bring the pieces with you.
Learn more about Traumatic Dental Injuries.
Tooth Pain
Acute or persistent tooth pain always signals a need for an urgent visit to the dental office. The most common cause of dental pain is tooth decay, a bacterial infection that can spread through many parts of the tooth, and even into the gum tissue. Sometimes, tooth pain indicates that you may need a root canal treatment — a procedure that not only relieves the pain of an infection deep inside the tooth, but also can keep the tooth from having to be removed. Other times, pain may be caused by a loose filling or sensitive tooth. The only way to know for sure what's causing your tooth pain is to make an appointment at the dental office right away.
Gum Emergencies
Injuries and infections involving the soft tissues of the mouth may also require emergency treatment. The tissues of the gums, tongue, or cheek lining can be damaged by accidental bites, falls, sports injuries, and scalding liquids. They may also suffer injury from foreign bodies that become lodged below the gum line, and they can develop painful and potentially serious abscesses. A periodontal (gum) abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by an infection and is usually quite painful. Abscesses require immediate attention at the dental office.
Any injury to the soft tissues of the mouth should be rinsed with dilute salt water. If there is visible debris, it should be cleared. Bleeding can usually be controlled by pressing a clean, damp material to the area for 10-15 minutes. If this does not work, go to the emergency room immediately.
A foreign body lodged beneath the gum line can sometimes be gently worked out with dental floss or a toothpick. But if this can't be accomplished easily, make a dental appointment so the area does not become damaged and/or infected.
Learn more about Gum Emergencies
Orthodontic Emergencies
Although there can be discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment, there are only a few true orthodontic emergencies. They include trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth. Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face, and severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas can also be orthodontic emergencies. In any of these situations, seek immediate care from the dental office or emergency room — whichever is your best option. For loose, broken or irritating pieces of orthodontic hardware, please call the dental office for advice.
Emergency Dental Care in Tampa, FL
When Something Goes Wrong With Your Teeth, It Never Happens at a “Good” Time
A toothache that kept you awake. A cracked tooth after lunch. A crown that suddenly popped off before an important meeting. These situations can throw your day off completely, and the last thing you want is to wait and hope it gets better. You need help now, and preferably from an emergency dentist Tampa patients feel comfortable calling in moments like this.
At Sunshine Dentistry, we know how scary it can be to have dental pain. Our team works quickly, speaks clearly, and puts your comfort first. Even if you're not sure how bad the problem is, you'll be met with compassion and a plan that seems doable and realistic.
What Emergency Dentistry Really Means
Emergency dentistry isn’t just about pain (though that’s usually what brings people in). It’s about protecting your overall oral health when something unexpected happens. A deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a spreading infection can get worse faster than you might think, which is why fast evaluation matters.
As a Tampa emergency dentist, we regularly see patients for:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Teeth that have cracked, chipped, or broken
- Knocked-out or loose teeth
- Swelling around the gums or jaw
- Broken crowns, fillings, or bridges
- Cuts or injuries to the inside of the mouth
Your visit focuses on figuring out what’s going on, calming the pain, and giving you a clear path forward.
Why Patients Look for an Emergency Dentist in Tampa Florida
Relief You Can Feel Quickly
The first priority is easing the pain. Once you’re more comfortable, it becomes much easier to evaluate what’s causing the problem and what needs to happen next.
Stopping Problems Before They Escalate
A cracked tooth can deepen. An infection can spread. A lost filling can expose the inside of the tooth to bacteria. Seeing an emergency dentist Tampa FL team right away helps protect your long-term oral health—and often saves you from a bigger treatment later.
Support When You’re Stressed
Dental emergencies make people anxious, especially if they don’t know what to expect. Our team keeps the atmosphere steady and calm, explains what we’re seeing, and helps you decide on treatment without pressure.
Some Dental Issues Can Wait
Not every concern needs to be handled the same day, and that’s okay. Small chips, mild sensitivity, or cosmetic concerns usually fit better into a routine appointment. These visits give you the space to talk about things like cleanings, veneers, whitening, or other long-term improvements without the urgency of emergency dentistry.
If you’re unsure, call and describe your symptoms. We’ll help you decide whether you need a Tampa emergency dentistry visit or if scheduling a regular appointment is a better fit.
What Your Emergency Visit Will Look Like
Emergency visits move at a different pace—quicker, more focused, and centered around comfort.
- We talk first. You’ll explain what happened, when it started, and how it feels.
- We take a look. Digital X-rays or photos help us see deeper into the tooth or gum.
- We explain what’s going on. No jargon, no confusion—just a clear explanation of the problem.
- We treat what we can today. That may involve a temporary repair, medication for infection, a replacement filling, or starting root canal therapy.
- We plan the next step. If you need a crown, implant, or follow-up visit, you’ll know exactly what comes next.
Our goal is to get you out of pain and moving toward stable, lasting health.
Taking Care of Your Mouth After Treatment
After your emergency visit, your mouth may need a bit of extra care while it heals.
- Brush gently around the treated area.
- Avoid crunchy or chewy foods until everything feels normal again.
- Use a nightguard if you clench or grind—many emergencies start there.
- Keep up with routine cleanings so small issues don’t turn into urgent ones.
Call us if anything feels unusual, even after the initial treatment. Small changes can matter.
Why People Choose Sunshine Dentistry for Emergency Care
A dental emergency can make anyone feel uneasy, and having a steady, compassionate team makes a real difference. Patients trust us because we respond quickly, explain things clearly, and are gentle. You won't ever feel rushed, ignored, or unsure of what's going on.
Our team is here to help you whether you need an emergency dentist in North Tampa, emergency dentistry in Tampa, or just someone to talk to when you're in pain.
FAQ: Emergency Dentistry Tampa FL
What counts as a dental emergency?
Anything involving strong pain, swelling, bleeding, or a damaged or loose tooth should be treated quickly. If you’re unsure, call—we’ll help you figure it out.
Can I get a same-day appointment?
Most of the time, yes. We leave room in our schedule so an emergency dentist in Tampa can see urgent cases as soon as possible.
Will the treatment hurt?
Modern numbing techniques make emergency care surprisingly comfortable. Most patients feel relief soon after the visit begins.
What do I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Hold it carefully, keep it moist (milk works well), and call immediately. Quick action gives the tooth the best chance of survival.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
Costs depend on the treatment needed. You’ll receive an estimate before anything is done, and we’ll help you understand insurance coverage.
Can a severely cracked or infected tooth be saved?
Often, yes. Root canal therapy, crowns, or temporary stabilization can preserve a tooth. If it can’t be saved, we’ll discuss replacement options like implants.
What if a filling or crown falls out?
Avoid chewing on that side and call promptly. Many restorations can be repaired or replaced the same day.
Do you treat patients outside the immediate Tampa area?
Yes. Many families looking for an emergency dentist in Tampa Florida—including those in North Tampa—visit our office for urgent care.
Need Emergency Help Now? Call Us.
If something hurts or feels wrong, don’t wait. Call our Tampa, FL office at (813) 269-9360 to schedule your emergency visit. We’re here to help you feel better quickly, safely, and with a team that truly cares.
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