How to Deal With a Dental Emergency
Got a cracked tooth or a cut in your mouth? It could require immediate dental care. Find out what to do in these 11 dental emergencies.
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, a significant dental injury, severe tooth pain or painful swelling, contact a dentist promptly. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist and get to a dentist right away, because the first hour matters most. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading quickly in the face or neck, or serious bleeding that won't stop.
Should I call a dentist or go to the emergency department?
Call 911 or go to an emergency department for breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading swelling or a serious injury such as a possible broken jaw or head injury. For a painful tooth, a chipped tooth or a broken restoration without these danger signs, contact a dentist for guidance. Our emergency dental care page explains how we handle urgent visits.
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
For a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown, the part normally visible in the mouth, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with cold water without scrubbing. If you can, gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. Don't force it. If it won't go back, keep it moist in milk, in an approved tooth-preservation solution, or inside the cheek of an adult or older child who won't swallow it. Don't store it in plain water or wrap it dry. Then see a dentist immediately. [1, 2]
Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket. A child still needs prompt dental evaluation after the injury.
What if a tooth cracks or a crown comes out?
Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling. Keep any recovered crown or fragment and contact the dentist. Do not use household glue. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until you receive instructions. Read why a damaged tooth may need a crown for background after the urgent problem is assessed.
What can I do for a toothache while arranging care?
Rinse with warm water and gently remove trapped food with floss if you can do so comfortably. Do not place aspirin against the tooth or gums, because it can burn the tissue. [2] Our tooth-pain guide can help you describe the symptoms, but it does not replace an examination.
How do I reach our Jacksonville office?
Call the office at 904-398-1549. Explain the injury or symptoms, when they began and whether there is swelling. When someone is in pain, we try to see them the same day if we can.
The practice also has an on-call phone and text line, 904-762-5616. It may not be answered right away, so don't rely on it for an immediate response. For breathing or swallowing problems or rapidly spreading swelling, call 911. Please don't send sensitive health information by text.
If you can't reach us and the problem is urgent, see another available dentist or urgent care provider rather than waiting through worsening symptoms. Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. You can also contact us online for non-urgent questions.
Sources
Fouad AF, Abbott PV, Tsilingaridis G, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 2. Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dent Traumatol. 2020;36(4):331-342. doi:10.1111/edt.12573 (retrieved via PubMed)
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Dental emergencies. Accessed October 6, 2026.
American Association of Endodontists. Knocked-out teeth.
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. First aid for a knocked-out permanent tooth.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.
10 Biggest Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Are your teeth tender? From acidic foods to certain toothpastes, a number of culprits could be to blame.
Tooth sensitivity usually means dentin, the softer layer under the enamel, has been exposed. Gum recession, worn enamel, decay, a cracked tooth or a worn filling are the most common reasons, and recent dental work or whitening can cause it temporarily. A short zing with cold that fades quickly is often from exposed dentin. Sensitivity that lingers or centers on one tooth should be checked.
What can cause tooth sensitivity?
Ten possibilities to discuss with your dentist include:
Exposed roots from gum recession
Loss of enamel from wear
Brushing too forcefully
Acid from food, drinks or reflux
Tooth decay
A cracked tooth
A worn or damaged filling
Gum disease
Recent restorative treatment
Recent whitening
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis or a ranking of which cause is most likely for you. Tell the dentist whether one tooth or several are affected and whether the discomfort stops quickly or lingers. Our guide to why a tooth hurts explains what those patterns tend to mean.
Can certain foods make it worse?
Yes. Acidic, sugary, very cold and very hot foods are the usual triggers, and acidic foods can wear enamel over time. Our post on foods to avoid with sensitive teeth covers the common ones and how to enjoy them with less discomfort.
Can toothpaste help?
Desensitizing toothpaste can help some forms of sensitivity, but it does not repair a crack or cavity. Use it as directed and discuss persistent symptoms. Our toothpaste guide explains how to compare products.
What if the sensitivity began after a filling?
Recent treatment belongs in the history. Read our guide to pain after a filling and contact the treating dentist if the symptoms worsen, linger or occur when you bite. Do not assume every new symptom is part of normal healing.
What if I also grind my teeth?
Mention clenching, morning jaw discomfort and changes in your bite at the appointment. Our bruxism information explains how tooth wear and jaw symptoms are evaluated. A night guard does not take the place of finding the cause of a painful tooth.
When should I have sensitive teeth checked?
Arrange an examination for recurring sensitivity, a single painful tooth or discomfort that interferes with eating. Review emergency dental care if pain is severe or comes with swelling.
Discuss sensitive teeth in Jacksonville
Call CJ Henley, DMD at 904-398-1549 or contact us. Bring the names of products you use and explain when the symptoms started. A comprehensive dental examination can connect the symptom pattern with the condition of the teeth and restorations.
Sources
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Sensitive teeth. Accessed October 6, 2026.
Cunha-Cruz J, Wataha JC, Heaton LJ, et al. The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States. J Am Dent Assoc. 2013;144(3):288-296. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0116 (retrieved via PubMed)
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.