Emergency Care

Whether it is a broken tooth or dental pain that keeps you up all night, our staff will always try to get you in as soon as possible to address your dental emergencies.
A young women looking upset and in pain while holding her cheek.

Fast & Compassionate Emergency Dental Services in Washington Heights NYC

At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we understand dental emergencies can happen when least expected. We offer immediate and professional emergency dental care to relieve and address urgent dental concerns. We’re conveniently located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, across the street from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Knowing when to seek emergency care, including potentially life-threatening situations and specific dental emergencies that require immediate attention, is essential. Our experienced team can provide prompt treatment and alleviate discomfort in non-life-threatening dental emergencies. 

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Dental issues can be overwhelming, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell if you’re experiencing a dental emergency or an urgent dental issue that can wait for a normal dental appointment. Let’s take a look at some of the most common dental emergencies.

Life-Threatening Condition: When to Head to the Emergency Room

In potentially life-threatening situations, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately. This includes:

  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Severe bacterial infections
  • Injury resulting in broken facial bones
  • Signs of concussion such as vomiting or confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • High fever

 

In that case, it is critical to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room without delay. These situations require immediate medical attention to ensure your safety and well-being. We’ll be here to restore your smile once you’re safe and your health is stable.

What to Do for Broken or Loose Teeth

A dental emergency involving broken or loose teeth should be addressed promptly. In some cases, broken teeth can be salvaged, while loose teeth may require stabilization to promote root healing. You can use orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges until you can be seen by an emergency dentist. 

Depending on the severity of the damage, our skilled professionals will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.

After emergency dental care is delivered and pain is resolved, our team can help restore your smile with a wide variety of dental and cosmetic restorations including dental implants, crowns, veneers and more.

What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out

Adult teeth that have been knocked out should be addressed by an emergency dentist within half an hour for the best outcome. Even if a tooth is partially dislodged, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Here is what to do for a fully dislodged tooth:

  • Avoid touching the root of the tooth. Pick it up by the crown only.
  • Gently rinse in room temperature water, but do not scrub it.
  • If possible, gently place the tooth back in the socket, being sure it’s turned the right way.
  • If you cannot replace the tooth, put it in a clean container of milk or hold it inside your mouth, in the base of your cheek. Plain water works in a pinch.
  • You can gently bite on a clean piece of gauze or a moist tea bag to control bleeding until you can see an emergency dentist.

What to Do for a Toothache

Toothaches can happen for many different reasons, and not all are emergencies. If you have a toothache, call your dentist so they can get more information and help you figure out the best way to proceed.

Persistent and painful toothaches can indicate underlying issues such as a severe cavity or infection. Our dental team will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays, to identify the cause of your toothache and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate your pain and address the underlying problem.

What to Do If a Filling or Crown Falls Out

While not immediately life-threatening, a lost dental restoration exposes sensitive tooth structures, which can cause serious pain. Left untreated, this can lead to complications such as cavities or infections.

If possible, try to save the lost filling or crown and bring it with you to your dental appointment. This will allow us to see exactly what happened, and in some cases we may be able to replace your crown without making a new one, which can save you money.

Seeking prompt care is essential to protect and cover these vulnerable areas. Our experienced team will quickly identify the issue and provide effective treatment options to restore your tooth’s function and integrity.

Dental first aid tips: Stay calm, save any lost crowns, teeth, or tooth fragments, avoid touching the root of a knocked out tooth and rinse it gently, call us for emergency dentistry in Washington Heights, NYC

Immediate Relief with Fort Washington Dental Associates

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency near the Washington Heights area of NYC, we’re here for you! Our emergency line will always reach at least one of our expert emergency dentists, so you’ll never be left without prompt and reliable care.

Prompt Evaluation and Treatment

At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing fast and accurate emergency services. When you contact us regarding a dental emergency, we will promptly evaluate your situation and provide the necessary treatment to alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health.

Years of Experience and Expertise

With our many years of experience, you can trust our skilled professionals to deliver high-quality emergency dental care. We understand the urgency of your situation and will work efficiently to address your needs and provide effective solutions.

When faced with a dental emergency, immediate attention and professional care are crucial. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, our dedicated team is ready to provide prompt relief and effective treatment for various dental emergencies. Whether you have a broken or loose tooth, a persistent toothache, or a missing filling, we are here to alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health. Contact us today to address your dental emergency and receive the care you need to regain your smile and peace of mind.

Book an appointment today.

Iliana Cepero
Iliana Cepero
23:13 16 Jan 24
Dr. Lee was incredibly kind, clear, and thorough when I went for a consultation. Doctors who spend time explaining things to a patient and giving them the best and most affordable options do not abound these days. He is very smart too. Strongly recommended!
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Our Care Philosophy

A patient-centric approach to excellent dentistry.

At Fort Washington Dental Associates, your dental health is our top priority. Our treatment philosophy is simple yet profound – we prioritize the patient’s long-term dental health over everything. From thorough examinations to honest and transparent discussions about your dental health, treatments and pricing, we strive to ensure that every visit is comfortable, informative, and beneficial. Join our family of satisfied patients who appreciate our thoroughness, friendly approach, and non-judgmental environment.
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Book an Appointment With Us Today

Contact Fort Washington Dental Associates for an appointment today and experience the difference of a dental office totally dedicated to you.