Having a Dental Emergency? Start Here
What to do right now for the most common dental emergencies. Many dental problems can wait until we open, and some need the emergency room tonight.
Go to the Emergency Room For
- Broken Jaw: If you think your jaw is broken, don't move it. Secure the jaw with a towel, necktie or scarf tied to the top of the head. Apply a cold compress to ease pain and swelling, and go to the nearest emergency room.
- Major Swelling: Major swelling in your face or mouth can mean a serious infection. Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Bleeding That Won't Stop: For a cut lip or tongue, rinse with warm salt water and press moist gauze on the area for 15 to 20 minutes. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to the nearest emergency room.
Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do
Knocked-Out ToothTime sensitive
This is extremely time sensitive. Hold the tooth by the crown (the part you chew with) and rinse it if it's dirty. Don't scrub it or remove any tissue attached to it.
If you can, put it back in the socket and hold it in place with gauze. If not, keep it in a container of milk or salt water. Don't let the tooth dry out. The best chance of saving it is within 30 minutes. During office hours, call us right away. After hours, email us.
Crown or Temporary Crown Came Off
This is usually not an emergency, even if it feels like one. Keep the crown in a safe place and bring it to your appointment.
Don't put it back in, and don't wear it overnight. Call us when we open to book a visit.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse any pieces you saved with warm salt water. If the tooth is bleeding, hold moist gauze on the area with gentle, steady pressure and contact us right away: call during office hours, or email after hours. Take a pain reliever as needed.
Toothache
Use dental floss to remove any food stuck between your teeth. If it's swollen, put a cold compress on the outside of your mouth or cheek. Take a pain reliever until you can see us. With major swelling, go to the nearest emergency room.
Lost Filling
Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment. You can leave the space empty and keep it clean by rinsing and brushing as usual, even if it's sensitive.
You can also press drugstore temporary filling material into the hole and bite down to shape it. That should keep you comfortable until you can come in. Take a pain reliever as needed.
Abscess (a Pimple-Like Bump on the Gum)
An abscess is an infection that can show up as a swollen, pimple-like bump on your gum, and it can hurt. Left untreated, the infection can spread through your body.
Unless there's major swelling, it's not an emergency. Call us to book an exam. With major swelling, go to the nearest emergency room.
Cut Lip or Tongue
Rinse your mouth well with warm salt water. Press moist gauze on the bleeding area for 15 to 20 minutes, and hold a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to ease pain and swelling. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to the nearest emergency room.
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are a sign of gum disease, an infection along the gum line. Left alone, it can lead to tooth and bone loss and affect your overall health. Call us for an appointment.
Broken Braces Wire
If a broken wire is poking your cheek, tooth or gum, cover the end with orthodontic wax or a small cotton ball until it can be fixed.
None of These? Email Us
After hours, the best way to reach us is email: info@dentalkorner.com. During office hours, call (516) 515-7310. Dental emergencies are seen the same day at our Great Neck dental office.
- Mon 8:30am – 7pm
- Tue – Fri 8:30am – 5pm
- Sat Closed
- Sun 8:30am – 2:30pm
Want to know how we treat emergencies? See our emergency dentist care.