Dental Emergencies: Know When to Call an Emergency Dentist and What to Do

Dental emergencies can strike at the most inconvenient times—late at night, during a holiday, or out of the blue. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or severe swelling, knowing how to act quickly can save your smile and prevent serious complications. At Dr. I Dental, we’re here to guide you through these urgent situations with expert care and compassion. Read on to learn the signs of a dental emergency, what to do before you reach us, and why timely treatment matters.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue requires an immediate visit, but certain symptoms demand urgent attention. Here are the top signs you should call an emergency dentist:

•  Severe Toothache: Persistent pain that doesn’t ease with over-the-counter medication could signal an infection or abscess.

•  Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth dislodged by injury needs prompt care—time is critical for saving it.

•  Broken or Chipped Tooth: If the damage exposes the inner tooth or causes bleeding, it’s an emergency.

•  Uncontrolled Bleeding: Trauma to the gums or mouth that won’t stop requires immediate help.

•  Swelling or Abscess: Significant swelling in the face, jaw, or gums may indicate a spreading infection.

•  Lost Filling or Crown: If it causes pain or sensitivity, it needs quick repair to avoid further damage.

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call your dentist for advice—better safe than sorry!

What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist

Time matters in a dental emergency, but staying calm and taking the right steps can make a big difference. Here’s what to do:

•  For a Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and use a cold compress on your cheek to ease pain. Avoid eating hot, cold, or sugary foods.

•  For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum, and get to a dentist within an hour.

•  For a Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply gauze to control bleeding, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

•  For Swelling or Abscess: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face and avoid pressing on the area. Contact a dentist immediately, as this could signal a serious infection.

•  General Tip: Avoid self-treatment with sharp objects or home remedies that could worsen the injury.

Call Dr. I Dental right away—our team is ready to provide same-day care to relieve your pain and protect your oral health.

Why Act Fast Matters

Delaying treatment can turn a manageable issue into a major problem. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved within 60 minutes. An untreated abscess can spread infection to your jaw, brain, or heart, posing life-threatening risks. Even a broken tooth can lead to nerve damage or infection if ignored. At Dr. I Dental, our emergency dentists are equipped with the latest technology to diagnose and treat issues promptly, ensuring your smile and overall health are safeguarded.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While some emergencies are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk with these habits:

•  Brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent decay and gum issues.

•  Wear a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth at night.

•  Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens.

•  Schedule regular checkups to catch problems early.

Why Choose Dr. I Dental?

At Dr. I Dental, we understand the stress of a dental emergency. Our experienced team offers same-day appointments if schedule permits, and compassionate care. Using advanced tools like digital X-rays, we ensure fast, accurate treatment tailored to your needs. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to ease your mind.

Facing a dental emergency? Don’t wait—contact us at (929)209-2736 or book online at www.dridentalpc.com for immediate help. We’re here when you need us most!

Stay Prepared

Keep our contact information handy and know the location of your nearest emergency dentist. Dental emergencies can be unsettling, but with the right knowledge and quick action, you can protect your smile. Trust Dr. I Dental to be your partner in oral health emergencies—call us today!

Author

Dr. Emmanuil Ilyayev Dr. Emmanuil Ilyayev is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. He did his residency at Woodhull hospital in Brooklyn. He is a third generation dentist, following the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle. Dr. Ilyayev is focused on preventative care and educating his patients. He is gentle and has amazing bedside manners. He is a licensed dentist in New York and Florida. He is a well-rounded dentist and is up to date with the current trends in dentistry. He is trained to offer a variety of services including changing silver fillings into white fillings safely using a rubber dam, bonding, biocompatible crowns (Caps), bridges, restore implants, Invisalign, complete smile makeovers, root canals, whitening, veneers, dentures, and deep cleanings. He specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Dental Pain. His office is also a snoring center where he helps people put an end to snoring by providing state of the art mouth pieces resulting in increase in airway making it easier to breathe.