Tooth Pain at Night? Here's What to Do Before Morning

Introduction

Dental emergencies can be painful, unexpected, and overwhelming. At MediDental Care in Astoria, we specialize in fast, compassionate treatment when you need it most. This guide covers the most common dental emergencies we see and how you can prevent them—so you’ll know what to do before the pain starts.

Need help now? Book an emergency visit instantly.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving:

• Severe pain
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• A knocked-out or broken tooth
• Swelling or infection

Untreated dental infections can lead to life-threatening complications, necessitating immediate care in an emergency department.

These issues require immediate attention from an emergency dentist near you, especially in Astoria, where MediDental Care offers same-day appointments.

Top 7 Dental Emergencies We See at MediDental Care in Astoria

1. Severe Toothache

Possible causes:

• Cavities
• Abscesses
• Periapical abscess
• Cracked teeth

Quick relief:

• Rinse with salt water
• Use a cold compress
• Avoid aspirin on gums
• Root canal treatment

Prevention tips:

• Brush, floss, and visit us regularly

2. Chipped or Broken Teeth

Causes:

• Biting hard objects
• Trauma or falls
• Tooth fractures
• Dental restoration issues

What to do:

• Save broken pieces
• Rinse mouth with warm water
• Apply gauze if bleeding

Prevent it by:

• Wearing a mouthguard
• Avoiding ice and hard candy

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

First steps:

• Hold the tooth by the crown
• Try to reinsert or place in milk
• Call our office immediately

Time is critical! Seeing an emergency dentist in Astoria within 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

4. Dental Abscess

Symptoms:

• Throbbing pain
• Swollen face or gums
• Fever or foul taste
• Issues related to dental pulp

Actions:

• Do not pop it
• Rinse with salt water
• Contact us ASAP
• Address abscess formation promptly

Prevention:

• Treat cavities early
• Don’t ignore gum disease

5. Lost Filling or Crown

Temporary solution:

• Use dental cement from a pharmacy
• Avoid chewing on that side

Permanent fix:

• Book a repair visit at MediDental Care

Avoid future issues by:

• Getting fillings checked annually

6. Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injury

Common causes:

• Aggressive brushing
• Injury or gum disease

What to do:

• Apply gauze with pressure
• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide or salt water
• Seek help if bleeding doesn’t stop

7. Cracked Tooth

Signs:

• Pain when biting
• Sensitivity to hot/cold
• Issues with the tooth root

Quick steps:

• Avoid pressure on the area
• Use a cold compress
• Schedule with an emergency dentist near you in Astoria
• Address traumatic injuries immediately
• Take action for lost or injured permanent teeth
• Explore various treatment options

Causes of Dental Pain

Dental pain can stem from various sources, each requiring different approaches for relief and treatment. One of the most common culprits is dental caries, or tooth decay, which is a bacterial infection that eats away at the tooth enamel, leading to cavities and significant discomfort. Dental infections, such as abscesses, can cause severe pain and swelling, often requiring prompt attention to prevent further complications. Traumatic dental injuries, like a knocked-out tooth or fractured teeth, can result in immediate and intense pain, necessitating urgent care to save the tooth and alleviate discomfort. Periodontal disease, which affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, can also be a source of persistent pain and discomfort. Recognizing these causes early and seeking timely dental treatment can help manage pain effectively and prevent more serious dental issues.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Brush & floss dailySee your dentist every 6 monthsWear a night guard if you grind your teeth Use protective gear during sports Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candy

Stay proactive—catch problems early before they turn into emergencies. Early treatment of dental issues can prevent them from escalating into emergencies.

Emergency Dental Care Options

When faced with a dental emergency, knowing your care options can make a significant difference in managing pain and preventing further complications. You can visit an emergency room for temporary relief from symptoms like pain and swelling, but keep in mind that ERs may not provide definitive treatment for dental problems. Contacting a dentist’s office for after-hours emergency care is often a better option, as they can offer more specialized treatment. Urgent care dental facilities are another excellent choice, providing immediate treatment for dental emergencies such as severe pain, infections, or traumatic dental injuries. Seeking prompt emergency dental care is crucial to address the issue effectively and avoid long-term damage.

When to Call MediDental Care for an Emergency

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait:

• Unbearable pain
• Swelling or signs of infection
• Tooth knocked out or broken
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Book an emergency dental visit now.
MediDental Care – Your trusted emergency dentist in Astoria

After-Hours Emergency Care

Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, which is why after-hours emergency care is essential. Whether it’s a weekend, holiday, or evening, it’s important to contact a dentist’s office or an urgent care dental facility as soon as possible if you experience a dental emergency. Many dentist’s offices have an emergency phone number or an answering service that can provide guidance on managing the situation and scheduling an appointment for treatment. Immediate treatment is vital to prevent further complications and alleviate pain and discomfort. While regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help prevent many dental emergencies, accidents can still occur, and knowing what to do can make all the difference.

FAQs

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Any severe pain, broken teeth, trauma, or infection requiring immediate care.

Can I visit the ER for dental emergencies?

Only for major trauma. For most dental issues, it’s faster and more effective to visit an emergency dentist near me like MediDental Care.

How fast can I be seen at MediDental Care?

We offer same-day emergency appointments in most cases. Call us or book online here.