CALL US

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Need to know what to do in a dental emergency? Get fast, expert care from Smile4Me Dental Care, a leading dentist in Astoria.

Dr. Iosif Khaimov
Invalid Date
0 min read
Dentist Performing Treatment On Teenage Boy Lying In Dental Chair Showing What To Do In A Dental Emergency During Professional Oral Care

Every year, roughly 2 million Americans find themselves in hospital emergency rooms due to dental pain. This staggering number highlights how important it is to know what to do in a dental emergency. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately after an oral injury can mean the difference between saving a tooth and dealing with lasting complications. That's why our team at Smile4Me Dental Care is committed to guiding you through those critical moments.

In this blog post, we'll share essential tips on handling common dental emergencies and explain how Smile4Me can help protect your smile when the unexpected happens.

What Is Considered to Be a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are urgent oral health problems that require immediate attention to stop pain, control bleeding, prevent infection, or save a tooth. While not every issue demands a same-day visit, understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency helps you act quickly when it really counts.

Broken, Cracked, or Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is broken, cracked, or completely knocked out, it’s essential to seek treatment right away to prevent permanent damage. Prompt dental care can increase the chances of saving the tooth and avoiding further complications like infection or misalignment.

Severe Tooth Pain

Persistent or throbbing tooth pain that doesn't go away with over-the-counter medication is often a sign of a deeper issue, such as nerve exposure, infection, or advanced decay. This type of pain is more than just discomfort; it signals that urgent dental treatment is needed.

Dental Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection, often resulting in swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the face or body and may even become life-threatening.

Lost Crown or Filling

When a crown or filling falls out, it leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, damage, or decay. Getting it replaced with an emergency filling as soon as possible helps protect the tooth and relieve pain.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency


When a dental emergency strikes, it can be overwhelming but quick action can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or sudden swelling, here’s what to do before professional help is available.

Stay Calm and Manage Symptoms

Panicking during a dental emergency can make the situation feel worse and lead to rushed or harmful decisions. Take a moment to breathe deeply, assess the injury, and focus on keeping your mouth as still and undisturbed as possible until you can get professional care.

Protect the Tooth or Injury

If a tooth is knocked out or damaged, handle it carefully by the crown, not the root, and keep it moist in milk or saliva. For chipped or broken teeth, avoid chewing on that side and save any fragments you can find.

Contact Your Dentist

Call your dentist immediately and explain what happened; they can tell you if you need to come in right away or take additional steps at home. The sooner you call, the better your chances of saving the tooth or preventing complications. Our office is open 6 days a week; call us at (718) 400-4400.

When to See a Dentist vs. Going to the ER

When it comes to a dental emergency, knowing whether to visit your dentist or head to the ER can save you time, money, and stress. You should go to the emergency room if you’re experiencing symptoms like uncontrollable bleeding, facial trauma, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that affects your airway; these are signs of potentially life-threatening conditions.

However, for most dental issues, your best option is to see a dentist as soon as possible. Dentists are specifically trained to treat oral health problems and can usually address the issue more efficiently and affordably than the ER.

How to Manage Your Dental Emergency Before Seeking Help

If you're experiencing pain, bleeding, or swelling, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your mouth before you get to the dentist.

Rinse with Warm Salt Water

Mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and rinsing gently can help clean the affected area and reduce inflammation. This is especially helpful for soft tissue injuries, gum irritation, or suspected infections.

Apply a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time can reduce swelling and help numb the pain. This is effective after trauma, such as a knocked-out or cracked tooth.

Call an Emergency Dentist ASAP

The most important thing you can do is call your dentist right away—even if the pain subsides temporarily. Early contact allows them to prepare for your visit and guide you on what to do before you arrive.

Visit the Trusted Emergency Dentist in Astoria Today

You need a team that’s ready to act fast and treat you with care if you’re experiencing a dental emergency; that’s exactly what we offer at Smile4Me Dental Care. We provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental services to relieve pain, stop infection, and restore your smile. Whether it’s late at night or over the weekend, our emergency dentists open on Sunday to ensure you never have to wait in pain.

Dental Emergencies We Treat

As the leading dentist in Astoria, we’re prepared to handle a wide range of urgent dental issues with expert care and same-day service.

  • Severe Tooth Pain

  • Knocked-Out or Loose Teeth

  • Dental Abscess or Swelling

  • Lost Fillings or Crowns

  • Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries

  • Broken Dentures or Dental Appliances

  • Bleeding After Extractions

Conclusion: Seek Help for Your Dental Emergency ASAP

In conclusion, a dental emergency can happen unexpectedly, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in saving your smile and avoiding further complications. Whether it's a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or a lost crown, taking quick action and contacting a professional is key.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, book an appointment online or walk into Smile4Me Dental Care in Astoria for same-day treatment and expert care.

FAQs About What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

How do I know if my situation is urgent or can wait?

If you’re experiencing severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s urgent and requires immediate dental attention.

What should I avoid doing during a dental emergency?

Avoid placing aspirin directly on gums, using sharp objects to dislodge debris, or ignoring pain that could indicate a serious issue.

Can over-the-counter medication help with severe tooth pain?

Yes, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can temporarily reduce pain and swelling until you’re able to see a dentist.

FAQs About Smile4Me Dental Care

Do you accept walk-ins for dental emergencies?

Yes, we gladly accept walk-ins and prioritize patients dealing with urgent dental concerns.

Are you open on weekends?

Absolutely! We offer flexible scheduling and have emergency dentists available on Sunday to make care more accessible.

Is your office equipped for children’s dental emergencies?

Yes, our team is experienced in treating children and provides gentle, prompt care tailored to young patients in urgent situations.