Emergency Dentist on the Upper West Side NYC

Whether the timing is convenient for you or not – and it almost never is – a tooth crack or misplaced filling can happen at any point. One minute you’re out to eat with friends, and the next you’ve lost your crown to a particularly hard hors d’oeuvre. Dental emergencies should be treated with the same urgency as any other sort of emergency: with timeliness and respect to the injured area.

When a dental emergency strikes, every minute matters. Our Upper West Side practice is available 24/7 — call us at (212) 580-4520 and we will get you in as quickly as possible, including same-day appointments for urgent situations. Not sure if your situation qualifies as an emergency? Call or use our teledentistry option and one of our doctors will advise you right away.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency on the Upper West Side?

A dental emergency can range in severity and can include the following:

Tooth Pain or Toothache

A tooth that is painful may be a signal from your body that something isn’t right. If you have a toothache that is affecting daily activities like eating and talking, this is a good time to contact an emergency dentist. Generally, the cause of a toothache like that won’t get better on its own. Some common causes of toothaches are:

• cavities
• abscess, or infection
• teeth grinding
• trauma

If you have a toothache in NYC and know or suspect that one of the above applies, give Dental West NYC a call.

Sensitive Teeth

Not quite the same as a toothache, a sensitive tooth is one that hurts when it comes into contact with heat, cold, or pressure/touch. Some people have sensitive teeth as a fact of daily life, but anyone experiencing new, acute sensitivity that lasts longer than a day or two may be having a dental emergency. This could be the result of a cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth. If you’re experiencing acute tooth sensitivity, call Dental West NYC today.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

If you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, call us right away. We’ll get you in to see a dentist quickly and we’ll go over treatment options with you. Whether you need a crown, veneer, or simple bonding, our team at Dental West NYC is here for you.

Dental Trauma

If you’ve fallen, been hit, or run into something and injured your mouth, you may have a dental emergency. Some circumstances, such as facial injury or unconsciousness may call for a trip to the emergency room instead, but some dental-emergency trauma situations may be:

• Severe bleeding of your lips, gums, palate, or tongue tissue
• A broken or badly displaced tooth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Loose permanent tooth
• Jaw fracture

If you have dental trauma in the Upper West Side, know that you should receive care immediately. Give Dental West NYC a call so we can help you resolve your dental emergency.

Dental Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that develops inside the tooth, in the gums, or in the surrounding bone. Abscesses can develop quickly and are considered a dental emergency because the infection can spread if left untreated. Symptoms include severe, throbbing toothache, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, and sensitivity to pressure. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own — call Dental West NYC immediately. We will assess the situation and begin treatment to relieve your pain and clear the infection.

Other Dental Emergencies on the Upper West Side

Consider calling us immediately if you experience any of the following other various instances that qualify as an emergency:

• Broken crown, bridge, or denture
• Filling came out of tooth
• Foreign object (food or otherwise) that is lodged between teeth or between your tooth and gum 
• Exposed nerves
• Swelling of soft tissue or jaw

Nobody should needlessly suffer the pain and discomfort of a dental emergency, which is why our team is around to help.

What To Do During a Dental Emergency

Staying calm and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of a dental emergency. While you call our office at (212) 580-4520, here are the steps to follow:

• If a tooth is knocked out: Pick it up by the crown — not the root. Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep the tooth moist by storing it in a small container of milk or between your cheek and gum, and get to our office within 30 minutes.
• If you have a broken or chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces of the tooth if possible. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling and ease discomfort while you make your way in.
• If you have a toothache or abscess: Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum tissue — this can cause a chemical burn. Rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Call us immediately, as infections require professional treatment.

If you have a lost crown or filling: The exposed tooth may be sensitive. You can temporarily cover it with a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental cement available at most pharmacies until you can be seen.
In any emergency, the most important step is to call us right away. Our team will walk you through what to do and get you in as soon as possible.

In Need of Emergency Dental Care on the Upper West Side? We Can Help Now

When a dental emergency strikes, timely care is crucial. At Dental West NYC, we prioritize your dental health with 24/7 availability and teledentistry options to address urgent needs. Whether it’s a toothache, broken tooth, or another dental trauma, we are here to provide prompt and effective care. Our doctors bring years of experience and a compassionate approach to emergency dental care, with a specific focus on minimally invasive, preventative treatment that preserves your natural teeth wherever possible.

At Dental West NYC, we focus on minimally invasive procedures and prevention to maintain your dental health. Our practice on Manhattan’s Upper West Side offers comprehensive care, including cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. We also provide free fluoride treatments during cleanings to enhance your dental hygiene. Call us at (212) 580-4520 or visit our contact form to schedule an appointment.

FAQ About Emergency Services

What is considered a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, broken or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses or infections, uncontrolled bleeding, and trauma to the mouth or jaw. If you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or have lost a tooth, you should seek immediate dental care.ster recovery compared to conventional surgery.

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

A chipped tooth can be a dental emergency depending on the severity. If the chip is large, causes severe pain, has sharp edges cutting your mouth, or exposes the tooth’s nerve, seek immediate care. Minor chips without pain can typically wait for a regular appointment, though you should still contact your dentist for guidance.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

If you knock out a tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it with water if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist in milk or saliva and get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. Time is critical for tooth reimplantation success.

How do I know if I need emergency dental care?

You need emergency dental care if you have severe, uncontrollable pain, significant bleeding that won’t stop, a knocked-out tooth, a serious infection or abscess, or trauma to your jaw or face. When in doubt, contact your dentist immediately to describe your symptoms and receive guidance on whether you need urgent treatment.

What are common dental emergencies?

Common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, abscessed teeth, broken or cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, broken braces or wires, soft tissue injuries to gums or tongue, and jaw injuries. Many emergencies can be prevented through regular dental checkups, wearing mouthguards during sports, and practicing good oral hygiene.