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Oral health

Is it a dental emergency? What needs care today, and what can wait

A simple guide to which dental problems need same-day care, which can wait a day or two, and when to go to the emergency room instead.

Published · Updated · 3 min read

When something goes wrong with your teeth, it isn’t always obvious whether you need to be seen right away. Some problems can safely wait for a regular appointment. Others get worse quickly, and prompt care can save a tooth. Use this guide to decide, and when in doubt, call us.

Go to the emergency room or call 911

Some situations need a hospital rather than a dental office:

  • Swelling of the face, jaw or neck that is spreading quickly.
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing.
  • Heavy bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure.
  • A possible broken jaw or a serious injury to the face or head.

Call us right away for same-day care

  • A knocked-out adult tooth. Every minute counts. See what to do in the first hour.
  • A tooth that is loose or pushed out of position after an injury.
  • Severe toothache, especially pain that keeps you awake or throbs.
  • Swelling of the gum or face, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or fever. These can be signs of infection.
  • A badly broken tooth, especially if it is painful or bleeding.

Call us soon, within a day or two

  • A small chip without pain.
  • A lost filling, or a crown that has come off. Keep the crown, and avoid chewing on that side.
  • A broken denture, bridge or other appliance. Don’t try to glue it yourself.
  • Mild sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes.
  • A sore spot from a denture or a broken wire.

These still need attention, as a small problem can turn into a bigger one, but they usually aren’t urgent.

What we do when you call

Tell us what happened and how you’re feeling. We’ll make every effort to see you as soon as possible, and new patients with a dental emergency are welcome. At the visit, we find the cause of the problem, relieve your pain, and explain your options for treatment. If you’re in pain while you wait, our toothache guide has tips for safe relief.

Preventing emergencies

Many emergencies can be avoided. Wear a sports mouthguard for contact sports, a night guard if you grind your teeth, don’t chew ice or open packages with your teeth, and keep up with regular checkups, which catch weak or cracked teeth early.

Learn more about Emergency Treatment at SmileNY Dental, or call us at (212) 593-1499.

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