What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

Riverside Dental Care • August 19, 2025

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, it's essential to act quickly and effectively to minimize pain, avoid long-term damage, and restore your smile. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken filling, knowing what to expect during an emergency dental visit can help reduce stress and ensure you receive the right care.


At Riverside Dental Care, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful and often occur without warning. Our team, led by experienced professionals, is here to provide urgent dental care when you need it most. Located in the Upper West Side of New York, NY, we offer emergency dentistry services that prioritize your comfort, health, and long-term oral well-being. This guide will walk you through what you can expect during an emergency dental visit, how to handle dental emergencies, and why Riverside Dental Care is a great choice for your urgent dental care needs.


For more information, visit our Emergency Dentistry page.


Understanding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can involve any sudden dental problem that requires immediate care.

Common dental emergencies include:


  • Severe toothaches
  • Knocked-out or loose teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Lost fillings or crowns
  • Abscesses and infections
  • Soft tissue injuries (cuts on the gums, cheeks, or lips)

In many cases, a dental emergency may occur as a result of an accident or injury. In other cases, the pain or issue may develop due to an underlying dental condition, such as untreated cavities, gum disease, or a fractured tooth.


Knowing when to seek urgent dental care is crucial. If you experience sudden or severe pain, bleeding, or swelling, you should contact a dentist immediately. Riverside Dental Care is here to provide prompt and professional care for your dental emergencies.


Immediate Actions to Take During a Dental Emergency

When a dental emergency strikes, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure you’re prepared for your visit to the dentist:


1. Contact Your Emergency Dentist Right Away

At Riverside Dental Care, we understand that emergencies require fast action. Contact us immediately to let us know you need urgent care. Our team is available to help you and will make every effort to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible. Whether it’s a weekday or weekend, we’re ready to help. Learn more about our emergency care services by visiting our Emergency Dentistry page.


2. Describe Your Symptoms Clearly

To help us prepare for your visit, provide a detailed description of your symptoms. This includes:


  • The type of pain you’re feeling (sharp, dull, throbbing, etc.)
  • The location of the pain (specific tooth, gums, jaw)
  • Any recent injuries, such as a fall or accident


The more information you provide, the better we can prepare to address your emergency.


3. Manage Pain and Swelling While You Wait

While you’re waiting to see your emergency dentist, here are some tips to manage your discomfort:


  • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Cold Compress: If swelling is present, applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or jaw can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
  • Avoiding Certain Foods: Refrain from eating hard or sticky foods that could irritate the affected area further.

If you’re unsure of what to do, call us at Riverside Dental Care, and we’ll guide you through managing the emergency until you can be seen.


What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you arrive at Riverside Dental Care, we’ll take the time to ensure you’re comfortable and explain the treatment options available to address your emergency. Here’s what to expect:


1. Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis

First, we will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to assess the nature of the emergency. This may include:


  • Medical History Review: We’ll ask about your overall health, any medications you’re taking, and any allergies that could affect treatment.
  • X-rays: To understand the full extent of the issue, we may take digital X-rays. This helps us identify any underlying problems that may not be visible during a visual exam.
  • Visual Inspection: We will closely examine the affected tooth, gums, and surrounding areas to determine the cause of the pain or damage.

2. Treatment Plan and Options

Once the diagnosis is complete, we’ll explain the treatment options available to you. These may include:


  • Restorative Procedures: If you have a cavity, a lost filling, or a broken tooth, we may place a new filling, a crown, or use bonding to restore the tooth.
  • Root Canal Treatment: For severe tooth infections, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection and preserve the tooth.
  • Tooth Extractions: In cases where a tooth is severely damaged or infected and cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted.
  • Pain Management: We’ll discuss pain management options, including local anesthesia or medications to relieve discomfort during and after the procedure.

3. Immediate Care

We will proceed with the treatment based on the severity of the emergency. If the issue is urgent and requires immediate action, we’ll take care of it during the visit. Some common treatments include:


  • Pain relief: Administering local anesthesia or over-the-counter medications for immediate relief.
  • Restorative care: Placing fillings, crowns, or bonding materials to repair damaged teeth.
  • Antibiotics: If there’s an infection, we may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.


After the treatment is completed, we’ll provide instructions on how to care for the treated area and help manage any discomfort while healing.


4. Post-Treatment Instructions

Once the emergency treatment is done, you’ll receive clear instructions on how to care for the affected area, including:


  • Dietary Recommendations: Avoiding certain foods and drinks that could irritate the treated area.
  • Oral Hygiene Tips: How to properly care for your teeth and gums following the treatment, such as using a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoiding vigorous brushing around the treated area.
  • Follow-up Appointments: We may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure healing is progressing well.


Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Dental emergencies can take many forms, each requiring different types of treatment. Here are some common dental emergencies we treat at Riverside Dental Care:


1. Severe Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused by cavities, infections, or even gum disease. If you experience a toothache, it’s important to see a dentist immediately to address the cause of the pain and avoid further complications.


For immediate relief, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and use over-the-counter pain medications until you can get to our office. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation.


For more information about toothaches and how to manage them, visit our page on Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them.


2. Knocked-Out Teeth

If your tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it there until you can see a dentist. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, store it in a glass of milk or saliva until your emergency dentist can reimplant it. The sooner you seek care, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.


3. Broken or Cracked Teeth

If you have a cracked or broken tooth, it’s essential to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and to contact your emergency dentist right away. In some cases, we can restore the tooth with a filling, crown, or bonding. For severe fractures, a root canal may be necessary.


Visit our Understanding Different Types of Tooth Fractures page for more information.


Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk:


  1. Routine Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups enable your dentist to identify problems early, before they escalate into emergencies.
  2. Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
  3. Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on hard foods or objects, such as ice, can crack or break your teeth.
  4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other conditions that may lead to emergencies.

For more tips on preventing dental emergencies, visit our Preventive Tips to Avoid Dental Emergencies page.


Why Choose Riverside Dental Care?

When it comes to emergency dental care in Upper West Side, New York, Riverside Dental Care is here to help. Here’s why we are a great choice for your dental emergencies:


  • Expert Care: Led by Dr. Angelica Silivria, our team has the experience and knowledge to handle any dental emergency efficiently.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest dental technology to provide precise, effective treatment for your emergencies.
  • Convenient Location: Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, we’re easily accessible when you need us the most.

For more about our team and services, visit our A Dentist in New York page.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I tell if I need emergency dental care?
If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s essential to seek emergency dental care immediately.


2. Will my insurance cover emergency dental services?
Most dental insurance plans cover emergency dental care. It’s always a good idea to check with your provider about coverage specifics.


3. What should I do if I lose a tooth?
If you lose a tooth, try to place it back into its socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva and get to a dentist as soon as possible.


4. Can I walk in for an emergency dental visit?
We recommend calling ahead, but if you’re in urgent need of care, we’ll do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible.


5. What should I do if I experience a toothache?
For immediate relief, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication until you can visit the dentist.


Conclusion

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but knowing what to expect during an emergency dental visit can help you feel more at ease. At Riverside Dental Care, we’re here to provide immediate care for your urgent dental needs and ensure that you’re back on track with a healthy smile.


If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact us today or visit our Emergency Dentistry page to schedule an appointment. Your dental health is our priority, and we’re here to help you through any emergency with compassion and care.