A broken tooth, severe toothache or injury can be unsettling. The first step is to decide whether you need emergency medical care or urgent dental advice, then contact the appropriate service promptly.
When to seek emergency medical care
Trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or a major facial injury needs urgent medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care rather than waiting for an online appointment response.
Call the dental office
For an urgent dental concern, call Valley Ranch Family Dentistry at (972) 597-2227. Describe what happened, when it began and whether there is swelling, bleeding or an injury. The practice publishes same-day emergency availability; call to confirm whether a visit can be arranged. The website is not monitored as an emergency service.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out
Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the part normally visible in the mouth, rather than the root. Keep it moist and get urgent dental advice. The ADA describes replacing a permanent tooth in its socket if possible, or keeping it in milk or a suitable tooth-preservation product when that cannot be done. Do not force it into position.
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back into the socket. Contact a dentist promptly for advice about the injury. If you are unsure whether a tooth is permanent, explain the child’s age and the situation when you call. Avoid putting a loose tooth in a young child’s mouth because of swallowing or choking risk.
While arranging care
Ask the dental team what is appropriate for your situation. A cold compress may help after some injuries. Do not place aspirin directly on a tooth or gum, and do not use household glue to repair a tooth or restoration. Advice about medicines depends on your health history and the product directions.
Broken restorations and toothache
A lost filling or crown, a cracked tooth or persistent pain should be assessed. Keep any detached restoration safe and tell the office what happened. A photograph or online description does not replace examination, and symptoms can change while you wait.
Planning ahead
Save the office number, keep regular dental appointments and use an appropriate mouthguard for sports. Ask the practice about after-hours instructions at your next visit. For urgent symptoms today, use the phone and describe your concern clearly.
Originally published by Valley Ranch Family Dentistry. Editorial update: September 7, 2026. General educational information; your dentist can discuss how it applies to your own care.
