Emergency Treatment

How to Know When a Dental Problem Is an Emergency

Dental pain and injuries fall on a spectrum from mild annoyance to conditions that require immediate professional attention. Severe, persistent pain; uncontrolled bleeding; large fractures that expose the tooth’s inner tissues; or a tooth that has been completely knocked out are all reasons to seek urgent care. Even swelling that affects breathing or swallowing should be treated as an emergency and addressed right away.

Not every toothache needs emergency treatment, but prompt assessment matters. A sudden intensification of pain, fever, or spreading swelling often signals an active infection or tissue damage that can worsen rapidly without intervention. Acting quickly can reduce the risk of complications and increase the chances of saving the natural tooth.

When time is of the essence, a dental team trained in urgent care can triage symptoms, provide pain relief, and stabilize the condition. At Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental, we focus on rapid, evidence-based responses designed to protect oral health and overall well-being while minimizing discomfort for patients of all ages.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat Every Day

Dental emergencies present in many ways. The most frequent issues include intense toothaches, chipped or fractured teeth, and dislodged restorations such as fillings or crowns. Wisdom tooth complications can produce acute pain and swelling, while broken or poorly fitting dentures can cause sore spots and difficulty eating. Any of these problems can disrupt daily life and require timely attention.

Abscesses and other infections are particularly important to recognize. An abscess may cause throbbing pain, swelling, sensitivity to touch, or fever, and left untreated it can spread to adjacent tissues. Similarly, sudden swelling, persistent bleeding of the gums, or soft-tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, or cheeks should be examined quickly to rule out infection and start appropriate care.

We also evaluate suspicious bumps, patches, or lesions inside the mouth that appear suddenly or do not resolve within a few days. While many oral changes are benign, any unexpected lesion warrants professional evaluation to ensure it is not a sign of a more serious condition.

What Happens During an Emergency Visit

An emergency dental visit begins with a focused assessment to determine the severity and source of the problem. Your dental team will ask about symptoms, recent injuries or dental work, and any underlying medical conditions or medications that could affect treatment. This triage process helps prioritize care and tailor interventions to the patient’s immediate needs.

Examinations often include digital imaging—such as intraoral X-rays or cone-beam CT when needed—to identify fractures, root involvement, or the presence of infection. These diagnostic tools allow clinicians to make accurate treatment plans with minimal delay. Pain control and infection management are top priorities: providers may use local anesthesia, prescribe appropriate medications, or perform procedures to relieve pressure and discomfort.

Treatments during the first visit are focused on stabilization. That can mean repairing a chipped tooth with bonding, replacing a lost filling temporarily, adjusting or re-basing a denture, or performing a root canal when nerve involvement is evident. In some cases, extraction is the safest option. When a tooth must be removed, your team will discuss replacement options and plan follow-up care to restore function and appearance.

Throughout the visit, clinicians explain the reasoning behind each decision and provide clear aftercare instructions so patients know what to expect in recovery and when to return for definitive treatment.

Immediate Steps You Can Take Before You Arrive

Some simple actions taken at home can reduce pain and protect oral tissues before professional care is available. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to cleanse the area and reduce bacterial load. Use cold compresses on the outside of the face to limit swelling and relieve pain—apply for 10–15 minutes at a time with breaks in between.

If a tooth has been completely dislodged (avulsed), time is critical. Handle the tooth only by the crown, avoid touching the root, and if possible, hold it gently in its socket or store it in milk or saline and get to a dentist right away. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding from soft-tissue injuries, and avoid placing aspirin directly on a painful tooth or gum area, as this can irritate tissues.

For temporary relief of pain, over-the-counter analgesics as directed can be helpful, but they do not replace professional treatment. Avoid using hard food or chewing on an injured side, and do not attempt to force a fractured piece back into place. These measures are intended to stabilize the situation until you can be seen by a dental professional.

Recovery, Follow-Up Care, and Preventing Future Emergencies

After an emergency intervention, follow-up care ensures complete healing and long-term success. This may include finishing restorative work—such as placing a permanent crown or filling—completing root canal therapy, or fabricating a replacement tooth when extraction was necessary. Regular post-treatment visits allow the team to monitor healing, evaluate function, and make adjustments as needed.

For patients who are vulnerable to recurrent problems, preventive strategies can reduce future risk. Night guards can protect teeth from grinding, while repairs to poorly fitting dental appliances can prevent sores and instability. Maintaining routine dental checkups and prompt evaluations of new symptoms helps catch small issues before they become urgent.

Modern restorative options, including dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable prostheses, make it possible to restore comfort and function after tooth loss. Your clinician will explain the advantages and typical course of each option and guide you through the sequence of care to restore a healthy, confident smile.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency or are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent attention, contact us for more information. Our practice is prepared to provide timely, professional care and help you navigate the best path forward for your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental emergency?

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Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental | Emergency Treatment, CBCT and Laser Dentistry

Toothaches

Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is not quite right and though there are many reasons for oral pain, one of the most common complaints and reasons for seeking urgent dental care is a toothache. Whether you simply need a dental filling, a crown, or require a root canal procedure to save your tooth, we'll alleviate your discomfort and restore the look and function of the involved tooth.

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Dental Trauma

Dental trauma can result in a defect as minor as a small chip in tooth enamel to a more extensive and painful crack or fracture. With sufficient force, a tooth can even be displaced or completely knocked out of its socket. With prompt emergency care, many injured teeth can be restored and saved.

Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental | Crowns   Caps, Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

Wisdom Teeth

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall well-being. Our office provides skilled care to address the complications caused by problematic wisdom teeth.

Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental | Veneers, Dental Implants and Digital Radiography

Broken or Lost Dental Appliances

A broken or lost dental prosthesis or restoration can cause embarrassing gaps in your smile as well as compromise your ability to eat and speak with ease. If you've lost or broken a dental filling, denture, crown, or other dental appliance, you can rely on our office to perform a prompt repair or provide a durable and cosmetically pleasing replacement as quickly as possible.

At the office of Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental, emergency appointments are always available. Of course, in addition to providing top treatment for dental emergencies, we also welcome patients searching for high quality and affordable care. We offer a complete range of the latest and best cosmetic and dental services for every member of your family.

How long do I have to wait for an emergency dental appointment?

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If you are suffering from a toothache or have sustained a dental injury, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible before more serious complications arise. Whether your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as promptly as possible for care.

At the office of Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental, we treat your dental emergency as our top priority. Our caring team will respond to your emergency call right away, making sure you get the gentle, state-of-the-art care you need without delay.

As your trusted emergency dentist in Richmond Hill, we provide the highest quality of care to mitigate the stress, anxiety, and discomfort of dental problems. Our dedicated team will help you start feeling better as soon as we receive your emergency call.

Do I need to go to the emergency room or hospital?

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At the office of Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental, we provide skilled and experienced care to effectively resolve a broad range of dental emergencies, restoring a patient's oral health while protecting their overall wellbeing.

However, even so, specific dental emergencies pose significant threats to one's health. These situations require immediate, emergency room care. Serious and potentially life-threatening dental emergencies include significant oral and facial trauma such as jaw fractures, deep wounds or lacerations to the face and mouth, an abscess or infection that causes widespread facial or submandibular swelling, or affects breathing and swallowing.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost?

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At the office of Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental, we provide prompt, skilled, and experienced care to address dental emergencies. We understand that finances are always a concern and do our best to provide options in care that are both affordable and respect your budget.

Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any existing dental issues, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required.

To help alleviate any additional stress or delay, you can count on our staff to work with you to optimize coverage for your dental care and to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. For patients without insurance, we strive to make things easier as well! We invite you to visit our financial information page or speak to an expert in our business office.

Why choose us for your emergency dental treatment?

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Dental emergencies are often painful and debilitating experiences. For this reason it's important to have an emergency dentist in Richmond Hill, who welcomes patients with urgent dental needs while providing the prompt care required to restore oral health.

Here are just some of the reasons why so many patients choose our office for emergency dental care and to meet their family's dental needs:

  • Skilled and compassionate care for patients of all ages
  • Ultra-modern office designed with patient comfort in mind
  • Professional team experienced in all facets of care
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology
  • Precise and gentle treatment using leading-edge systems of care
  • Careful attention paid to patient input and treatment expectations
  • Detailed explanations of treatment options and every step in care
  • Provision of a broad range of dental services and emergency procedures
  • Recognizes the specific needs of each patient and the unique requirements of every smile
  • Provide patients with the education and tools to establish a strong foundation for optimal oral health

We're dedicated to helping patients enjoy good oral health and beautiful smiles. We look forward to helping you keep your smile in tip-top condition. You can rest assured that our highly skilled office team will provide you the highest quality of state-of-the-art dental care and have you smiling again in no time!

To make an appointment or for more information on our office and the many state-of-the-art services we provide, give us a call today.

What should I do if I have a severe toothache?

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Start by rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to flush debris and help reduce inflammation. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to limit swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label to manage discomfort. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, and do not disturb any area that is swollen or bleeding.

Contact the dental office as soon as possible so a clinician can evaluate the cause and arrange timely care. Tooth pain can signal infection, a fracture, or advanced decay that may require restorative treatment, root canal therapy, or extraction to prevent further problems. Prompt care helps preserve the tooth when possible and prevents complications that can affect your overall health.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

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If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, retrieve it by the crown (not the root), rinse off visible dirt with water if necessary, and try to reinsert it into the socket without forcing it. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk, saline, or inside your cheek, and seek urgent dental care immediately; the chance of successful reimplantation is highest when treatment occurs within an hour.

At the office, the dentist will assess the tooth, reposition and stabilize it with a splint if appropriate, and monitor healing with follow-up visits. Additional treatments such as root canal therapy, antibiotics, or protective restorations may be needed to support long-term success.

How should I handle a chipped or fractured tooth right away?

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Rinse your mouth with warm water and collect any tooth fragments if possible; store fragments in milk or saline and bring them to your appointment. Control bleeding by applying gentle pressure with gauze and apply a cold compress externally to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on the affected side until you are seen.

The appropriate restorative option depends on the size and location of the fracture and whether the tooth’s pulp is involved. Small chips are often repaired with dental bonding, while larger breaks may require crowns or veneers, and fractures that reach the nerve could necessitate root canal treatment to save the tooth.

What should I do if a filling or crown comes loose or falls out?

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If a filling or crown becomes loose or dislodged, save the restoration and rinse your mouth gently to remove debris. Protect the exposed tooth by applying dental cement designed for temporary use or clean, soft wax available at pharmacies, and avoid chewing on that side until you can be evaluated.

Leaving a tooth unprotected increases sensitivity and the risk of decay or further structural damage, so schedule an urgent appointment to have the restoration evaluated and replaced. The dentist will determine whether a new filling, a recemented crown, or a more extensive restoration is needed to restore form and function.

How do I know if swelling or a bump in my mouth is an emergency?

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Any swelling in the face, jaw, or mouth that is increasing, is accompanied by fever, or makes swallowing or breathing difficult should be treated as an emergency. Localized swelling, severe pain, or a tender, fluctuant bump on the gum often indicates an abscess or infection that requires prompt attention to prevent spread.

Treatment commonly includes drainage of the infection, prescribing antibiotics when indicated, and addressing the underlying cause with root canal therapy, extraction, or other restorative care. Advanced imaging such as digital radiography or CBCT may be used to assess the extent of the problem and guide treatment planning.

What can I expect if a wisdom tooth is causing acute pain or infection?

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Wisdom tooth pain may stem from impaction, pericoronitis (infection of the surrounding tissue), or decay in a hard-to-clean area. Initial care focuses on controlling infection and pain with cleaning, warm rinses, and possibly antibiotics, while the dentist evaluates the tooth’s position and the best long-term solution.

If removal is the recommended option, the dentist will explain the extraction process, anesthesia or sedation choices, and the expected recovery timeline. Follow-up care includes managing swelling and discomfort and monitoring healing to prevent complications.

What counts as a dental emergency and when should I seek immediate care?

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A dental emergency generally includes severe, uncontrolled pain; significant trauma such as a knocked-out tooth; swelling that affects breathing or swallowing; persistent bleeding that does not stop with pressure; and rapidly spreading infection. Less urgent but still time-sensitive issues include lost restorations, acute localized infections, and severe sensitivity that interferes with daily life.

If you experience symptoms that threaten airway, breathing, or circulation, seek emergency medical care immediately by calling emergency services. For urgent but nonlife-threatening dental problems, contact the dental office right away to arrange an emergency appointment and receive guidance on interim care.

What happens during an emergency dental visit?

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An emergency visit typically begins with a focused history and clinical examination to identify the source of pain or injury and assess for signs of infection or other complications. The dentist will often take diagnostic images using digital radiography or CBCT when appropriate to evaluate underlying structures and plan treatment accurately.

Treatment may include temporary measures to control pain and infection, such as drainage, suturing, stabilization of fractured teeth, or placement of a temporary restoration, followed by a definitive plan for care. At Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental the team will discuss options, expected next steps, and any necessary referrals to ensure comprehensive follow-up.

How can I safely manage pain before I see a dentist?

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Use over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to package directions and consider alternating them if appropriate and recommended by your healthcare provider. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling, and rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe tissues and clear debris.

Avoid placing topical painkillers directly on the gums unless directed by a clinician, and do not use sharp objects to probe or remove fragments from a damaged tooth. Contact the dental office for specific guidance tailored to your situation if pain worsens or is accompanied by fever or swelling.

How can I reduce the risk of future dental emergencies?

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Regular dental checkups and preventive care help identify and treat decay, unstable restorations, or developing problems before they become emergencies. Protective measures such as wearing a custom night guard for bruxism or a properly fitted sports mouthguard during athletic activity can prevent fractures and tooth loss.

Addressing small issues promptly—such as replacing failing fillings, treating cavities early, and monitoring wisdom teeth—reduces the likelihood of acute problems. If a tooth is lost, modern replacement options including dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable prostheses can restore function and protect adjacent teeth from additional stress.

Get in Touch

Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental

112-10 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419

Park One Dental

1601 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 354-0033

Hours of Operation

Monday
9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Thursday
9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday
9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Saturday
9:30 am - 3:30 pm