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Emergency Dentistry Q & A

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry addresses dental concerns needing immediate attention. Dr. Park and her team recognize that prompt care is essential for a dental emergency. Your oral health and function are at risk without swift intervention. 

Delaying treatment in a dental emergency can lead to further complications, increased pain, and potential long-term damage. Dr. Park and her dedicated team provide timely, effective care to safeguard your immediate well-being and long-term oral health.

Do I need emergency dentistry?

Knowing when to seek emergency dental care is crucial for promptly addressing sudden dental issues that can escalate into more severe problems if left untreated. Signs you may need emergency dentistry include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Bleeding gums or oral tissues
  • Cracked or fractured teeth
  • Lost dental restoration
  • Infection or abscess 
  • Severe oral trauma
  • Jaw pain or lockjaw

If you have symptoms that don’t fit the criteria of a traditional dental emergency, contact Dr. Park and her team for guidance.

What happens after scheduling an emergency dentistry visit?

After scheduling your emergency visit, the team offers guidance on safeguarding your teeth and managing the situation until your appointment.


Knocked-out tooth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, don’t panic. Rinse the tooth gently to remove any debris. Try to insert the tooth back into its socket root-side up or store it in a container of saliva or milk.


Cracked tooth

Depending on the crack’s depth, you may need a cold compress, ice pack, or over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to reduce swelling and pain. Try locating the missing piece of tooth if you can and bring it to your appointment.


Lost filling or crown

If you've lost a dental filling or crown, try to keep the restoration intact and bring it to your appointment. You may experience increased sensitivity or discomfort in the exposed tooth.


Severe toothache

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and use floss to ensure there are no trapped food particles. If there’s no relief, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid taking pain relievers until the team determines your pain’s underlying cause.


Bleeding gums or mouth

Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the bleeding area. Then, rinse your mouth with warm water to prevent infection. If the bleeding worsens, the team may recommend going to the emergency room.

Call Park Dental NYC today or schedule an appointment online to learn about emergency dentistry.