Tooth Pain? How to Know When You Need an Emergency Dentist
Tooth pain is never fun, but sometimes, it’s more than just a passing ache, and the pain gets bad enough that visiting an emergency dentist becomes the only solution.
Not sure if it’s time to seek emergency dental care? At DPI Dental, we’ve helped many patients figure out when discomfort is normal and when it’s a sign something needs to be done.
If you’re unsure whether to ride it out or visit your closest walk-in emergency dentist clinic, keep reading. This guide is for you.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not all tooth pain translates to a dental emergency, but there are some signs that should never be ignored.
Sudden pain, visible damage, or anything that causes your face to swell up could point to a dental emergency that needs quick attention.
At DPI Dental, we offer same-day emergency dentist appointments and work hard to make space for patients in pain. We know how important it is to act fast when you’re dealing with a true tooth pain emergency.
When to Call an Emergency Dentist
Here are a few dental emergency symptoms where it’s better to call us now, not later:
- Tooth pain that wakes you up at night
- Cracked or broken teeth, especially if you see a sharp edge or exposed nerve
- Swollen face or jaw that feels warm or painful to the touch
- Knocked-out teeth (yes, we can sometimes save them if you act fast!)
- Bleeding that won’t stop after dental work or an injury
If you’re searching for a walk-in emergency dentist, we have two offices ready to help, one in Howard Beach and one in Stuyvesant Town.
What to Do for Severe Tooth Pain
If you’re in serious pain but can’t get in right away, here’s what we recommend:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers (avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding)
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Keep your head elevated, even while resting
- Avoid very hot or cold food and drinks
- Do not place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can cause burns
Wondering, “why does my tooth hurt so bad”? Tooth pain is brutal, but unless you have trouble breathing or signs of infection spreading (like swelling near the eyes or throat), it’s usually better, and faster, to call a dentist like us instead.
Why Call DPI Dental for Emergency Care?
At DPI Dental, we treat tooth pain seriously. Dr. Paul Ilan and our team have years of experience helping patients get out of pain quickly and comfortably.
We offer same-day emergency appointments, work with most major insurances, and know how to handle everything from cracked teeth to urgent infections.
If you’re in pain, give us a call or book an appointment online. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on and get you in as soon as possible.
FAQ's
How do I know if I need an emergency dentist?
If the pain is severe, your face is swollen, or something feels “off” in your mouth, it’s best to call us. We’ll talk you through your symptoms and help you decide what to do next.
Can I just walk in for an emergency?
We try to accommodate walk-ins when we can. If you’re in pain, call either office, and we’ll do our best to find you a same-day spot.
What if the pain only happens at night?
Pain that wakes you up is usually a sign something deeper is going on. We recommend scheduling a visit as soon as possible, and if you can do it with a 24-hour emergency dentist, even better.
Should I go to the ER for dental pain?only happens at night?
Go to the ER if you have trouble breathing, swelling near your throat or eyes, or a high fever. Otherwise, dental pain is best treated by an emergency dentist like us.
Can Tooth Pain Be Life-Threatening?
Yes, serious mouth infections can spread, but it’s not common. This is especially true if they aren’t treated. Never ignore swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing.