Before and After
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate professional attention to relieve pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth. Left untreated even for a few hours, many dental emergencies can escalate quickly — a localized infection can spread, a saveable tooth can be lost, and moderate discomfort can become severe.
Common situations that qualify as a dental emergency include:
Severe or persistent toothache — throbbing pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter medication
Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth — time is critical; re-implantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes
Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth — especially when sharp edges cause lacerations or the nerve is exposed
Dental abscess or infection — a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent drainage and antibiotic treatment
Lost crown or filling — leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, damage, and bacteria
Bleeding or severely swollen gums — particularly following trauma or as a sign of acute infection
Facial or jaw trauma — injuries that may involve fractured bones or deep lacerations
If you’re experiencing any of the above, don’t wait. Call our office immediately — we prioritize emergency patients and will guide you on the right steps to take before you arrive.
Our Office in New York City
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Dr. Lazare’s Upper East Side practice is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental situations with speed, skill, and compassion. Here are the most common emergencies we treat:
Severe Tooth Pain or Toothache
Intense, persistent tooth pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care. It can signal an infection, a cracked tooth, an exposed nerve, or advanced decay. Prompt diagnosis is essential — pain that seems manageable can indicate a serious underlying condition that worsens rapidly without treatment.
Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth
Whether caused by a sports injury, biting down on something hard, or an accident, a broken or cracked tooth needs immediate attention. Fractures can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth and, if the nerve is exposed, cause significant pain. Depending on severity, treatment may involve dental bonding, a crown, or other restorative options.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency — and one where minutes matter. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted and stabilized, the better the chances of saving it. If you lose a tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and either place it back in the socket or keep it moist in milk or saliva while you call us immediately.
Lost Crowns or Fillings
When a crown or filling falls out, it leaves the underlying tooth structure exposed and vulnerable to bacteria, temperature sensitivity, and further damage. While not always immediately painful, it should be treated as urgent — especially if the area is sensitive or if the crown itself can be temporarily re-seated to protect the tooth during transit to our office.
Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that forms in the tooth root or surrounding gum tissue. Symptoms include throbbing pain, facial swelling, fever, and a foul taste in the mouth. This is a serious condition — oral infections can spread to the jaw, neck, and beyond if not treated urgently. Same-day care is critical.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
While minor gum bleeding during brushing can be common, heavy or unexplained bleeding — especially after trauma — requires prompt evaluation. Severe gum swelling may indicate an acute periodontal infection or abscess that needs immediate drainage and treatment to prevent spread.
Trauma to the Mouth or Jaw
Any significant trauma to the mouth, teeth, or jaw — from a fall, sports injury, or accident — should be evaluated as soon as possible. Even if nothing appears broken, internal damage to teeth roots, surrounding bone, or soft tissue may not be immediately visible. We use digital imaging to assess injuries thoroughly and quickly.
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What to Do in a Dental Emergency
The actions you take in the first minutes of a dental emergency can significantly affect the outcome of treatment. Here’s a practical guide for the most common situations — and remember, your first call should always be to our office for real-time guidance specific to your situation.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root
If dirty, rinse gently with water — do not scrub or use soap
If possible, carefully reinsert it into the socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place
If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist: store it in a small container of milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum
Call us immediately and come in within 30 minutes if at all possible
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area
If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to reduce swelling
Save any large tooth fragments — bring them to your appointment
Avoid chewing on that side until you’ve been seen
Toothache or Suspected Abscess
Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and soothe inflammation
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen is preferable for dental pain as it reduces inflammation)
Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this can cause chemical burns to soft tissue
Do not attempt to drain a swelling yourself — call us immediately if you have facial swelling or fever
Lost Crown or Filling
If you have the crown, try to place it back over the tooth using a tiny amount of dental adhesive (available at pharmacies) or even a dab of toothpaste as a temporary measure
Do not use super glue
Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods on that side
Call our office to arrange a same-day or next-day appointment
Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injury
Apply firm, gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth for 10–15 minutes
Rinse with cold water
If bleeding does not stop within 15–20 minutes, or if the injury is severe, seek emergency care or go to the nearest emergency room while calling us
Whatever the situation, don’t hesitate — call our office at (212) 861-2599 for immediate guidance. Our team will walk you through the right steps and get you in as quickly as possible.
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OUR SERVICES
Explore our full range of dental services
At Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry and Smile Design, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your long-term oral health and smile goals.
From advanced cosmetic enhancements to preventive care and biomimetic restorative techniques, each treatment is delivered with precision and a deep respect for preserving what's healthy and natural.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry on the Upper East Side
How can I prevent future dental emergencies?
While not all emergencies are preventable, there are meaningful steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk:
Attend regular check-ups and cleanings every six months so problems are caught early
Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports or recreational activities
Avoid using your teeth as tools — don’t bite nails, open packaging, or chew ice
Address teeth grinding (bruxism) with a custom night guard before it leads to cracks or fractures
Replace old, worn fillings and crowns proactively before they fail unexpectedly
Maintain excellent oral hygiene at home: brush twice daily, floss daily, and use an antibacterial rinse
If dental anxiety has kept you from attending regular care, we can help. Read our guide on ways to combat dental fears, anxieties, and phobias — our team is trained to make every visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Can you help with dental emergencies after hours?
We understand that dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Our office offers extended hours and we make every effort to accommodate same-day emergency calls during regular business hours. For guidance outside of office hours, our voicemail provides instructions and we do our best to return urgent calls promptly. If you are experiencing a severe medical emergency — such as difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling — please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?
We work with many dental insurance plans and will do our best to verify your coverage before treatment begins. For procedures not covered by insurance, or for patients without coverage, we offer flexible financing options to ensure that cost is never a barrier to receiving urgent care. Please call our office and we’ll discuss your specific situation in detail.