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Dental problems don’t always happen at a convenient time. Sometimes you might experience a mild ache that quickly turns into something that can’t wait. So, how do you know when a dental issue is an emergency?
We can help! Kaveh Abedini, DMD, Simon Rosenberg, DMD, and our dental team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry on the Upper East Side have expertise in treating dental emergencies and providing guidance for when you need immediate care.
Here, we share five warning signs that indicate you should see us right away:
1. Severe or persistent tooth pain
A little sensitivity to hot or cold can be normal. But intense, throbbing pain that doesn’t go away isn’t. If your tooth hurts constantly, keeps you up at night, or worsens when you bite down, you might have an infection, a deep cavity, or nerve damage.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. If you ignore the issue, the problem may lead to more complex treatment later.
2. Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
Swelling is a major red flag. If you notice puffiness in your gums, cheek, or jaw, especially when paired with pain or fever, you might have an abscess. A dental abscess is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of your body if not treated quickly.
Other signs of infection may include:
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- A small bump on your gums
Don’t ever ignore swelling, even if the pain seems manageable.
3. A knocked-out or loose tooth
If you have a permanent tooth that gets knocked out due to a fall, sports injury, or accident, time matters. Acting quickly can sometimes save the tooth.
Do your best to handle the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it if it’s dirty, and place it back in your tooth socket if possible. If not, keep it in milk and call our practice right away.
A loose permanent tooth in adults is also a concern. Unlike baby teeth, adult teeth shouldn’t feel mobile. Trauma or advanced gum disease may be the cause, and prompt care can prevent tooth loss.
4. Cracked, broken, or chipped tooth with pain
Not every chipped tooth is an emergency. However, if the crack exposes the inner layers of your tooth or causes significant pain, it needs immediate attention. Sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheek, and exposed nerves increase the risk of infection.
Covering the area with dental wax and avoiding chewing on that side can help temporarily, but you should still schedule an appointment with our team as soon as possible.
5. Uncontrolled bleeding after dental work or an injury
Some minor bleeding after dental procedures is normal. But if bleeding continues for more than 10–15 minutes despite applying pressure, it’s time to give us a call. Ongoing bleeding after an injury is also a serious concern and should be evaluated right away.
Trust your instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to take the cautious route. Dental emergencies often worsen when left untreated. Quick action can relieve pain, prevent complications, and save your natural teeth.
When in doubt, contact our practice and explain your symptoms. We can offer professional guidance right away, which can make all the difference in protecting your oral health.
If you have questions about our emergency dental services or an immediate dental concern, call us at 212-988-8822. If you’d rather book an appointment for a nonurgent or less urgent need, click here to request a visit.