A dental emergency is frightening — and knowing what to do in the first 30 to 60 minutes can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Whether you're dealing with a knocked-out tooth, a throbbing abscess, or a broken crown, this guide walks you through exactly what to do right now. Dr. Chakrapani Nannapaneni, DDS at Frisco Dental Hub holds emergency appointment slots every open day for situations just like yours — call (972) 276-4888 immediately.
Is It a Dental Emergency? (Quick Guide)
Not every dental problem requires rushing to a dentist at midnight — but some do. Here's how to tell the difference:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Severe, unrelenting toothache
- Dental abscess or facial swelling
- Cracked tooth with sharp pain
- Lost crown on a painful tooth
- Broken jaw or significant trauma
- Lost filling with no pain
- Chipped tooth with no pain
- Loose crown with no pain
- Mild tooth sensitivity
- Broken retainer or night guard
It takes 30 seconds to describe your symptoms over the phone, and Dr. C's team will tell you whether you need to come in today. We'd rather help you decide than have you wait on something serious. Call (972) 276-4888 any open day.
Knocked-Out Tooth — Act Within 60 Minutes
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is the most time-sensitive dental emergency. The periodontal ligament cells on the root begin dying within minutes of leaving the socket. Replantation is most successful within 30 minutes — and still possible up to 60 minutes if the tooth is stored correctly. Every second counts.
- Step 1 — Pick it up by the crown: Handle the tooth only by the white biting surface. Never touch the root — the cells on the root surface are what allow the tooth to reattach.
- Step 2 — Rinse gently if dirty: Run it briefly under clean water for 10 seconds. Do not scrub, use soap, or wrap it in tissue.
- Step 3 — Try to reinsert it: If it's an adult tooth and you can do so without forcing, gently push it back into the socket facing the correct direction. Bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- Step 4 — If reinsertion isn't possible, store in milk: Place the tooth in a small container of whole milk, or tuck it between your cheek and gum (not recommended for young children who might swallow it). Do NOT store in water — it destroys the root cells rapidly. Do NOT let it dry out.
- Step 5 — Call (972) 276-4888 and get here immediately: Tell us it's a knocked-out tooth — we will see you right away.
Baby (primary) teeth should NOT be replanted — doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, call us for guidance and to check for injury to the surrounding area.
Severe Toothache — What to Do While You Wait
A toothache that is severe, throbbing, or keeping you up at night is not something to push through with painkillers. It almost always means the nerve is involved — either from deep decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection. Here's how to manage the pain until you can be seen:
- Rinse with warm salt water: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 8 oz of warm water. Swish gently for 30 seconds. This helps reduce inflammation and flush out bacteria.
- Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 400–600 mg every 6–8 hours with food reduces both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also help. Follow package directions. NOTE: do not place aspirin directly on the gum — it causes a chemical burn to soft tissue.
- Cold compress on the cheek: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Do not apply ice directly to the tooth — it will worsen sensitivity.
- Avoid hot, cold, and sweet foods/drinks: Temperature extremes will aggravate an inflamed or infected nerve significantly.
Do not place aspirin directly on the gum tissue — it causes a painful chemical burn. Avoid putting clove oil directly into an open or exposed pulp chamber, as it can cause further irritation. And never ignore a severe toothache hoping it will go away — if the nerve is infected, the bacteria can spread to your jaw, neck, or bloodstream.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Whether you cracked a tooth biting down on something hard, or a portion of a tooth broke off, the right steps depend on the severity. Here's what to do immediately:
- Rinse your mouth: Use warm water to clean the area gently.
- Save any broken pieces: Place them in a small container with milk or saliva and bring them to the appointment. We may be able to use them.
- Cold compress for swelling: Apply to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 off.
- Cover a sharp edge: If the broken tooth has a jagged edge cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it temporarily with a small piece of dental wax (available at CVS or Walgreens) or sugarless gum.
Treatment depends on how severe the fracture is. A minor chip with no pain can often be repaired with tooth-colored bonding in one visit. A crack that extends into the dentin typically requires a dental crown. A crack that reaches the pulp (nerve) may require a root canal first, then a crown. A tooth split vertically below the gumline often cannot be saved and requires extraction.
Dental Abscess — Take This Seriously
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that forms a pocket of pus at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. It is not just painful — it is a genuine medical emergency if left untreated. The infection can spread to your jaw bone, neck, and airway, and in rare cases become life-threatening.
Symptoms of a dental abscess:
- Throbbing, severe toothache that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck
- Visible swelling of the face, cheek, or gum
- Fever — a sign the infection is systemic
- Foul or bitter taste in the mouth (pus draining)
- Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
What to do right now: Rinse with warm salt water to help draw out infection. Take ibuprofen for pain and to reduce inflammation. Call (972) 276-4888 for a same-day appointment. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, and treating the underlying cause (usually a root canal or extraction).
You have significant facial swelling that is spreading rapidly, difficulty breathing or swallowing, high fever (over 103°F), or feel that your airway is being compromised. These are signs the infection has spread beyond the tooth and require emergency hospital care. Call 911 if needed.
Lost Crown or Filling
Losing a crown or filling is alarming, but it's usually not a true emergency unless the exposed tooth is causing significant pain. Here's how to handle it until you can be seen:
- Temporary dental cement: Products like Dentemp or RecaLP are available at CVS, Walgreens, or HEB for about $6–10. You can temporarily re-cement a crown or fill a cavity opening to protect the tooth until your appointment.
- Sugarless gum as a stop-gap: If you don't have dental cement, sugarless gum (not regular — sugar promotes decay) can temporarily fill a cavity opening and reduce sensitivity.
- Avoid chewing on that side: The exposed tooth structure is vulnerable. Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side.
- Keep the crown: If a crown came off intact, store it safely and bring it to your appointment — we may be able to re-cement it.
If the tooth under a lost crown is sensitive to temperature, throbbing, or acutely painful, this elevates it to a true emergency. The tooth may need a root canal before the crown can be replaced. Call (972) 276-4888 so we can get you in same-day.
After-Hours Dental Emergency in Frisco TX
Frisco Dental Hub is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, and Saturday by appointment. Here's what to do if your emergency happens outside of office hours:
- Call (972) 276-4888 and leave a message: Dr. C's team checks voicemail regularly, including outside office hours, for urgent situations. Describe your symptoms clearly and a callback will be arranged as soon as possible.
- For severe swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant trauma: Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. ER physicians can manage acute infection, uncontrolled bleeding, and jaw fractures while you await dental follow-up.
- Saturday appointments: We offer Saturday appointments by arrangement — if you call Friday and describe an urgent situation, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we hold emergency slots specifically for urgent situations — patients who call first thing in the morning describing an acute problem are prioritized. Do not wait days in pain. Call us when we open.
What Does Emergency Dental Care Cost in Frisco?
Cost should never be a barrier to emergency dental care. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect at Frisco Dental Hub:
- Emergency exam: $75–$150. This gets Dr. C's eyes on your situation, identifies the cause, and determines the treatment needed.
- X-rays: $25–$150 depending on how many are needed (single periapical vs. full series). Digital x-rays at Frisco Dental Hub use 90% less radiation than traditional film.
- Treatment cost: Varies by procedure — a simple re-cement of a crown may cost $50–$75; a root canal ranges $800–$1,400; an extraction $150–$450. We provide a written estimate before any treatment begins.
- Insurance: Most PPO dental plans cover emergency exams and x-rays. We accept Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, and Guardian.
- CareCredit financing: 0% APR financing available for qualifying patients. Apply in minutes at the office or online before your visit.
- No insurance? Ask about our in-house membership plan — a flat annual fee that covers your exams, x-rays, and cleanings with discounts on all other treatment.
Have a Dental Emergency? Dr. C Can Help — Right Now.
Call our Frisco TX office immediately — same-day emergency appointments available every open day.
About the Author: Dr. Chakrapani Nannapaneni, DDS graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry and has practiced dentistry since 2003, opening Frisco Dental Hub in 2014. ADA member, Texas Dental Association member, Collin County Dental Society member. 5.0 Google rating · 200+ reviews. 4500 Hillcrest Rd Suite 190, Frisco TX 75035 · (972) 276-4888.