Dental Emergency?

Use this guide to determine whether you need immediate treatment or if it can wait until regular office hours. If you're unsure, call us. We'll help you make the right decision.

Call Now: (201) 560-0606
Emergency Guide

Common Dental Emergencies

Review the situations below to understand the level of urgency and what to do next.

This may be an emergency. Severe pain or facial swelling can indicate an abscess — a bacterial infection at the root of the tooth. Infections in this area do not resolve on their own and should be treated promptly.

What to do:

  • Call us immediately at (201) 560-0606
  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth

This is a true dental emergency. A knocked-out permanent tooth (avulsed tooth) can sometimes be saved if treated quickly. Timing and handling are critical.

What to do:

  • Call us immediately at (201) 560-0606
  • Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
  • If possible, gently place it back in the socket
  • If not, keep it in milk or saliva
  • Get to our office within 30-60 minutes if possible

This may need prompt evaluation. If the fracture exposes dentin or the nerve (pulp), the tooth can become painful or infected. Minor chips without pain are usually less urgent.

What to do:

  • If there's pain or bleeding, call us at (201) 560-0606
  • Rinse your mouth with warm water
  • Save any broken pieces if possible
  • Apply a cold compress if there's swelling
  • If it's minor and painless, schedule a regular appointment

Usually not an emergency, but it should be addressed soon. A lost filling or crown exposes the underlying tooth structure, which can become sensitive or vulnerable to decay.

What to do:

  • If there's pain, call us at (201) 560-0606
  • Keep the area clean
  • Avoid chewing on that side
  • If you have the crown, keep it safe
  • Schedule an appointment within a few days

This is an emergency. Bleeding that continues after applying steady pressure may require immediate medical or dental care.

What to do:

  • Call us immediately at (201) 560-0606
  • Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze
  • If bleeding continues after 15 minutes, seek emergency care
  • For severe bleeding, go to the emergency room

This is an emergency. Trauma to the jaw can involve fractures, dislocation, or damage to surrounding structures and should be evaluated immediately.

What to do:

  • If the jaw appears broken or dislocated, go to the emergency room
  • Call us at (201) 560-0606 for follow-up care
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • Avoid moving the jaw if possible

This may indicate an infection or decay. A persistent bad taste can be associated with bacterial buildup or an abscess. It is usually not an emergency, but it should be evaluated soon.

What to do:

  • Call us at (201) 560-0606 to schedule
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • If accompanied by swelling or fever, call immediately

When in Doubt, Call Us

If you're unsure whether your situation requires urgent care, call us. We can ask a few focused questions and determine whether you should come in immediately or schedule a prompt appointment.

Call (201) 560-0606

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795 Franklin Ave #3, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

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Quick Facts About Dental Treatment

(What Patients Should Know)

  • No pain doesn't mean no problem. Early findings are usually the easiest to treat.
  • Digital scans help us see changes sooner and plan care with fewer surprises.
  • On-site 3D printing supports precise crowns, surgical guides, and custom restorative components.
  • PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) uses your body’s own growth factors to support healing after surgical procedures.

© MMXXVI Matthew Krieger DMD

Franklin Lakes, NJ

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