Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies don’t run on a schedule, and in Williamsburg we understand that. When these problems arise, we will make the time for you by staying late, shifting appointments and focusing on getting you out of pain!

Patient Stories

img Follow us on Instagram @grandstreetdental
Load More

What to expect

What to Expect

Whatever the dental emergency, you should be seen as soon as possible! Call our office in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and we’ll do our very best to get you in that day to be treated and feeling better in no time.

Oral health is no joke. Let’s review what is and what isn’t a dental emergency.

DENTAL TRAUMA

Dental trauma can cause sudden dental issues that require emergency dental care! If your permanent tooth falls out of your mouth due to injury, Dr. Plotnick suggests to gently clean off the root, if still in tact, and try to replace it in the socket in the appropriate orientation as soon as possible. If you can replace the tooth within 30 minutes, research shows a much higher percentage of keeping your original tooth and avoiding further complications! Other tips include storing the tooth in saliva (like in your cheek), or milk. You should not wait over two hours to be seen by an emergency dentistry professional; these injuries require immediate attention.

Dental trauma involving a broken tooth or knocked out tooth is a dental emergency. If you are experiencing severe toothache, please come into our Williamsburg, Brooklyn, office ASAP. We will do our absolute best to squeeze you into that day’s schedule.

DENTAL ABSCESS

Dental abscess is a dental emergency and should be treated immediately. Dental swellings could spread and become dangerous if not treated properly, causing severe pain and further complications.

BLEEDING GUMS

If your gums are spontaneously bleeding, yet you have regular cleanings and checkups, you may be in need of emergency dental services. Please visit your medical doctor immediately to check the status of your health, and let Dr. Plotnick at Grand Street Dental know as soon as possible. Bleeding gums could be a symptom of more serious health conditions.

BROKEN CUSP OF A MOLAR

Unless you’re in extreme pain, a broken cusp of a molar is not a dental emergency. For these cases, we will book you at our next available spot and offer recommendations for over the counter pain relief to alleviate pain.

What To Expect

30 minutes or longer

To properly evaluate the problem an X-ray of the affected area, along with a 15 to 30 minute examination, is necessary to truly definte the issue at hand. Within those 30 minutes, Dr. Plotnick will evaluate your dental situation and give you a clear plan of what needs to be done to have you feeling comfortable again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common dental emergency?

The most common dental emergencies are trauma as a result of falling or an accident, resulting in a broken tooth or the need for a root canal caused by a deep cavity.

How long can you wait with tooth pain?

If your tooth pain lasts for more than 2 days, you should visit your dentist. If you are experiencing throbbing pain, bleeding, fever, swelling, or chills contact your dentist immediately.

What are the signs and symptoms of a dental emergency?

Signs and symptoms that you are experiencing a dental emergency include: Uncontrollable bleeding, severe, throbbing tooth pain, swelling of the face, loose tooth, or tooth that has to come out, chipped, broken, or loose crowns and fillings.

What happens if you do not seek treatment for a dental emergency?

If you ignore your dental emergency, the problem could significantly worsen. This can lead to more invasive and expensive procedures to solve the problem. Not seeking treatment for a dental emergency can also lead to permanent damage.

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral injury or condition requiring immediate attention to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth. Some of the most common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe infection/abscess, fractured teeth, or uncontrolled bleeding. Swelling, intense pain, and trauma to the face and jaw may also require emergency treatment from a dentist.

What should I do immediately after a dental emergency?

Immediately after a dental emergency, you will want to call your dentist, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. For a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist (in milk or saliva) and do not touch the root, if possible.

How do I manage pain before I see the dentist?

To manage tooth pain before a dentist visit, use over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 15-minute intervals, and rinse with warm salt water. You can also elevate your head to reduce pressure and avoid any foods (hot or cold) that could irritate or further harm the area.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?

Go to the emergency room (ER) for dental issues that involve severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrollable bleeding, or severe facial trauma/dislocated jaw. The healthcare providers there will be able to provide pain relief, stop bleeding, and get you to a point where you are stable. A dentist visit still usually needs to happen after your ER visit.

Is it a dental emergency if I don’t feel any pain?

Yes, a dental emergency can exist without pain. While pain is a common indicator, emergencies often involve conditions like a knocked-out tooth, a lost crown/filling, or a broken tooth that require immediate care to save the tooth and prevent infection. If you don’t feel pain, the issue is still an emergency.

How do I know if I have a dental abscess?

A tooth abscess causes severe, throbbing pain that can radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear. Other common symptoms include intense sensitivity, gum swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. An abscess requires attention as soon as possible.

What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate action (within 30 to 60 minutes) to save it. When the tooth is knocked out, you’ll want to pick it up by the crown (top), not the root, and gently rinse dirt off with milk or water. Do not scrub it. If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not working, keep it moist with milk or saliva.

See All

Alexandra N.

I have never wanted to go to the dentist in my life but this visit changed that! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and the office is such a calming space. The care I received was attentive and everyone made me feel informed.

Eric T.

"She seems to genuinely care about her work and her patients -- she's an excellent listener, clearly works hard to make patients feel comfortable and overcome nervousness about potential pain (which was especially appreciated when I needed a large + scary crown replacement), and gives great advice."

Verified Patient

"Very professional, knowledgeably, and courteous dentist. Spends time to discuss your concerns/answered questions. Dental hygienist was very good/thorough..."

Read More Reviews »

    Office Hours

  • Mon9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri9:00 am - 5:00 pm
instagram
  • ® 2025 Grand street dental all right reserved aaaaa
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Site Design: WILD FUTURE
Call Us Direction
CONTACT US
CONTACT US