What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue needs same-day attention, but many are more urgent than people realize, and waiting can turn a manageable problem into a much bigger one. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we see.
What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?
The very first step in any dental emergency is the same: call 718-550-3541 right away, or come to our office immediately if you’re already nearby. From there, what you do in the next few minutes can genuinely affect how well we’re able to treat you, especially for a knocked-out tooth. The guidance below is meant to help you respond in the moment while you’re on your way to us, it isn’t a substitute for being seen.
- Stay as calm as possible and call 718-550-3541 right away
- Save any broken pieces, a lost crown or filling, or the tooth itself if it’s been knocked out
- Avoid chewing on the affected side until you’ve been seen
- Don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own, especially for swelling, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth
If a Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, the white part you’d normally see, and avoid touching the root
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water for a few seconds, do not scrub it or dry it off
- If you can, gently place it back in its socket facing the right way and hold it in place
- If it can’t go back in, keep it moist by storing it in a container of milk, or hold it in your cheek, do not store it in tap water
- Get to our office as soon as possible, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes, since the chances of successfully saving the tooth drop quickly after that window
If a Tooth Is Broken or Chipped
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Save any broken pieces of the tooth if you can find them
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area to help with swelling
- Avoid chewing on that side and call 718-550-3541 as soon as possible, even small cracks can worsen or expose the nerve
If You Have a Severe Toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Gently floss around the tooth in case food or debris is trapped and contributing to the pain
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if there’s any swelling
- Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly against the gum or tooth, this can actually burn the tissue
- Call 718-550-3541, especially if the pain is severe, doesn’t ease up, or comes with swelling or fever
If a Crown or Filling Falls Out
- Hold on to the crown or piece if you still have it
- If the tooth is sensitive, a small amount of over-the-counter dental cement or even sugar-free gum can be used to temporarily cover the exposed area
- Avoid chewing on that tooth until it’s repaired
- Call 718-550-3541 to schedule a repair as soon as possible, an exposed tooth is more vulnerable to further damage the longer it goes untreated
If You Notice Swelling or Signs of Infection
- Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day
- Call 718-550-3541 right away, a dental infection that’s left untreated can spread and become a more serious health issue
- If swelling is severe, spreading toward your eye or neck, or comes with a fever, seek emergency medical care right away in addition to reaching out to us
If You Have Bleeding or an Injury to the Mouth
- Apply firm, gentle pressure to the area with clean gauze or a clean cloth
- Hold the pressure steady for 10 to 15 minutes without repeatedly checking it
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to help with swelling
- If bleeding doesn’t slow down after direct pressure, or the injury looks severe, go to the emergency room in addition to calling 718-550-3541
Having a Dental Emergency? Call Us Right Away
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, don’t wait, call 718-550-3541 right away and we’ll get you in the same day whenever possible. You’re also welcome to come directly to our office in Flushing, NY at 143-05 41st Ave, Flushing, NY 11355.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Call Infinity Smiles right away, or come directly to our office if you’re already nearby, we offer same-day appointments for urgent situations.
From there, specific steps like saving a knocked-out tooth or a broken piece and avoiding chewing on the affected side can make a real difference before you’re seen.
Do you accept same-day emergency dental appointments?
Yes, we set aside time to see emergency patients the same day whenever possible.
Call as soon as you notice a problem so we can get you in quickly and start treatment before it becomes more serious.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, and try to place it back in its socket, or keep it moist in milk if you can’t.
Time is critical with a knocked-out tooth, so call us immediately and try to get to our office within an hour for the best chance of saving it.
Does dental insurance cover emergency dental treatment?
Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of an emergency exam and any necessary x-rays, though coverage for treatment varies by plan.
Our team can help you understand your coverage before treatment, so you know what to expect.
