Emergency Dentist NYC

Severe Toothache

Pain is nature’s way of saying something is wrong. While a dull chronic toothache might be a cavity, intense, throbbing pain that radiates to your jaw, neck, or ear, or pain that keeps you up at night is considered to be a dental emergency.

This often indicates nerve damage or an advanced infection that will not resolve on its own.

Broken Tooth

If a large part of the tooth is missing, the nerve is exposed, or you are experiencing sharp pain, this requires immediate treatment to save the tooth and stop the pain.

Important: If a large part of the tooth is missing, there is pain, or the nerve is exposed, this must be treated as a critical emergency.

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

This is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies. If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, we may be able to re-implant it if you act fast (ideally within 30 min to 1 hour).

What to do: Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. Rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it moist in a glass of milk or saliva. Come straight to our office.

Facial Swelling & Abscess

A dental abscess forms as a pocket of pus in the gums or at the base of a tooth. Untreated decay, failed root canal or periodontal disease can cause abscess. Signs may show as a “bubble” or “pimple” of pus. Sudden intense pain, or pain that increases if one lies down are signs of an abscess.

Do not ignore this. If left untreated the infection can spread leading to fever, swollen glands, and intense pain. We treat this by draining the infection and prescribing antibiotics.

Jaw Pain & Trauma

Jaw pain can range from TMJ spasms (clenched jaw) to trauma. If you have a “locked jaw” (unable to open/close mouth) or have suffered a blow to the face, let us assess it immediately.

Important: If you suspect a fractured jaw or are experiencing jaw pain on the left side coupled with chest pressure, please go to a hospital ER immediately.

Post-Surgical Complications

While some discomfort is normal after surgery, certain symptoms require immediate attention. These include uncontrolled bleeding that won’t stop with pressure, signs of infection (fever or worsening swelling), or loose sutures/implants.

Dry Socket: Intense pain 2-3 days after an extraction often indicates “Dry Socket” (where the blood clot dislodges). If pain radiates to the ear or you have a bad taste, call us.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

• Cracked teeth present as thin vertical lines going through the enamel. Often caused by bite problems.
• Minor chips can be caused by grinding, hard foods, or mild trauma.

We can often restore the tooth with bonding, veneers, or crowns.

Lost Crown, Filling, or Bridge

If a restoration falls out, your tooth becomes exposed.

Keep the crown or veneer safe (like in a Ziploc bag) and don’t chew on that side until you see us.

While not always painful, we need to replace the restoration quickly to prevent the remaining tooth structure from breaking.

Bleeding Gums | Loose teeth

Untreated gum disease can result in swollen, bleeding, painful gums and loose teeth. Do not postpone seeing our periodontist if you experience these symptoms. Untreated periodontal disease can spread to other tissues and eventually result in tooth loss.

Important: If you have not had a dental cleaning and exam, start here. Dental cleaning is often the first step in managing your gum health.

Soft Tissue Injury

Minor cuts to the lip, tongue, or cheek can happen accidentally.

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Apply pressure with gauze if there is some minor bleeding.

Important: If bleeding doesn’t stop, give us a call.