Rock Dental
(212) 332-1020Request Appointment
General Dentistry

Emergency Dental Care in New York, NY

Emergency dental care addresses sudden problems such as severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth and swelling, so pain is relieved and the tooth is protected.

Request an AppointmentCall (212) 332-1020

About Emergency Care at Rock Dental

Our highly trained doctors and staff are ready to manage all of your concerns. We have methods to alleviate the pain and help you feel calm during your emergency dental visit.

If you are facing a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately at (212) 332-1020!

Why Dental Emergencies Should Not Wait

Dental pain rarely gets better by waiting. A toothache that keeps you up at night, a swollen gum or a tooth that has cracked usually points to something that needs treatment, such as deep decay, an infection or an exposed nerve. Getting it looked at promptly typically means simpler treatment and a better chance of keeping the tooth. Waiting tends to give the problem room to spread to nearby teeth and tissue.

Some situations are time sensitive. A knocked-out adult tooth has the strongest chance of being saved when a dentist sees it quickly. If it happens, hold the tooth by the chewing surface, not the root, keep it moist in a cup of milk, and call the office at (212) 332-1020 right away. If you have swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or bleeding that will not stop, go to the nearest emergency room.

What to Expect at an Emergency Dental Visit

When you call, a member of our team will ask about your symptoms so they can advise you on what to do next. At the visit, your dentist will examine the area and may take a digital X-ray to find the source of the problem. The first priority is typically to get you comfortable, which may involve numbing the area, treating an infection or placing a temporary restoration to protect a damaged tooth.

Once the pain is under control, your dentist will explain what caused it and what treatment is recommended, such as a filling, a root canal, a crown or an extraction. Some problems can be resolved in one visit and others need a follow-up. You will go home with instructions for caring for the area. If you feel nervous, let our team know. The practice offers nitrous oxide to help patients feel calmer during treatment.

Emergency Care

Common Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe or lasting tooth pain, swelling in the gums or face, a knocked-out or loose adult tooth, a broken tooth with sharp edges or pain, bleeding that continues, and a lost filling or crown that leaves a tooth sensitive are all reasons to call. If you are unsure, call the office at (212) 332-1020 and our team will advise you.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Pick the tooth up by the chewing surface and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water without scrubbing. Keep it moist in a cup of milk and call the office at (212) 332-1020 immediately. Time matters with a knocked-out tooth, so make the call before anything else.
Should I go to the ER or the dentist for a toothache?
Most dental problems, including toothaches, broken teeth and lost fillings, are treated by a dentist, since emergency rooms generally do not perform dental procedures. Go to an emergency room or call 911 for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to your face or jaw.
What can I do for tooth pain until I'm seen?
Call the office first at (212) 332-1020. In the meantime, rinsing gently with warm salt water and holding a cold compress against your cheek can help. An over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed on the label may ease discomfort. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, and avoid very hot, cold or hard foods.
I lost a filling or crown. Is that an emergency?
It is usually not dangerous, but the exposed tooth can be sensitive and is more likely to chip or decay, so call the office soon. If you still have the crown, keep it safe and bring it with you. Try to chew on the other side and keep the area clean until your dentist can look at it.
Glossary

Terms You May Hear

Abscess
A pocket of infection in or around a tooth or gum that often causes swelling and throbbing pain.
Avulsed tooth
The dental term for a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket.
Temporary restoration
A short-term filling or covering that protects a damaged tooth until a lasting repair can be made.
Keep Reading

  • Root Canals

    A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, relieving pain and allowing adults to keep a natural tooth that might otherwise be lost.

  • Extractions

    A tooth extraction removes a tooth that is too damaged, infected or crowded to keep, relieving pain and protecting the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.

  • Cracked Tooth Repair

    Cracked tooth repair finds and treats cracks in a tooth, easing pain when you chew and protecting the tooth from infection or loss.

  • Nitrous Oxide

    Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild inhaled sedation that helps nervous patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment while staying awake.

Appointments

Request an appointment

We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Request an appointment today!

Request an Appointment(212) 332-1020

Location

630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1865
New York, NY 10111
Get Directions