Emergency Dental Care: What to Do and Where to Go in Rochester

Oct 24, 2025 | Dental Care

If you are in pain or dealing with a dental emergency, a trusted emergency dentist in Rochester, NY can help you get the care you need right away. Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular office hours, and they rarely come with a warning. But when they happen, you need to know what to do and where to turn for immediate help. 

Dealing with a dental emergency? 

Contact us today for a same-day appointment slot. 

What counts as a dental emergency?

Not all dental issues require same-day care, but some do. Knowing the difference can help you avoid complications later on and ensure you are getting the right care at the right time for your teeth. 

When is it time to call an emergency dentist?

You should reach out to an emergency dentist in Rochester, NY if you’re experiencing: 

  • Intense or throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t go away 
  • A knocked-out, cracked, or broken tooth 
  • Facial swelling or signs of infection 
  • Bleeding that won’t stop 
  • Trauma to the mouth or jaw 

If you’re unsure whether or not you need an emergency appointment, err on the side of caution. Call a dentist who offers emergency care and explain your symptoms. They can help you decide if you need to come in right away. 

What are common types of dental emergencies?

Some of the most common dental emergencies we treat at Full Heart Dentistry include: 

  • Severe, sudden toothaches 
  • Broken crowns or fillings 
  • Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth 
  • Infections and abscesses 
  • Dental trauma from sports or falls 

Getting treatment right away can help relieve pain and prevent the need for more extensive treatments later on. 

What should you do before you get to the dentist?

When a dental emergency happens, you may not be able to see a dentist right away. You may need to wait for their office to open the next morning or even just wait a few hours until your appointment time. There are things you can do before you see the dentist that can help protect your teeth and reduce your discomfort. While you wait to be seen, you can try: 

  • Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed
  • Applying a cold compress to your cheek to reduce the swelling 
  • Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean 
  • Avoiding chewing on the side of your mouth that hurts 

If you’ve lost a tooth, keep it moist in a small container of milk or saliva and bring it with you. In some cases, your dentist may be able to reattach it. 

What should you avoid doing in a dental emergency?

  • Don’t ignore swelling or signs of infection 
  • Don’t wait too long to call the dentist 

Dental infections can spread quickly, and damaged teeth will get worse without professional care. When in doubt, call the dentist. 

When should you go to the ER instead?

While most dental emergencies can be treated in a dental office, there are some cases where a hospital visit is the safest choice. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

  • Facial swelling that affects your ability to breathe or swallow
  • High fever with a dental infection
  • Severe trauma to the face or jaw

In any other case, your emergency dentist can provide the appropriate care—often faster and with less waiting than the ER.

Where can you find trusted emergency dental care in Rochester?

When you are in pain, the last thing you want to do is wait days for an appointment. Full Heart Dentistry offers emergency dental services designed to provide fast, compassionate relief. 

What makes Full Heart Dentistry different? 

Patients looking for a walk-in dentist in Rochester, N,Y or urgent care options choose us for our: 

  • Same-day and next-day emergency appointments 
  • Gentle, compassionate approach to dental care 
  • Focus on comfort for anxious patients 
  • Clear explanations and honest treatment plans 
  • Skilled providers experienced in restorative dentistry 

We understand that dental emergencies are stressful. Our goal is to make your visit as calm and pain-free as possible, no matter how urgent the situation may be. 

Need emergency dental care in Rochester?

Dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and you should not have to wait too long for relief. The team at Full Heart Dentistry is here to help you feel better fast. 

We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies and offer care that’s gentle, compassionate, and focused on relieving your pain as quickly as possible. Let our supportive dental team get you through this stressful moment. 

Contact our office now to schedule a same-day emergency dental visit. 

FAQs About Emergency Dental Care in Rochester

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain, knocked-out or broken teeth, swelling, or signs of infection. If you’re unsure, call an emergency dentist in Rochester, NY to describe your symptoms.

What should I do if I chip or break a tooth?

If you break or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth, apply a cold compress, and call your dentist. Bring any tooth fragments with you for possible repair.

Do emergency dentists take walk-ins in Rochester, NY?

Some do! At Full Heart Dentistry, we do our best to accommodate emergency patients with same-day or next-day appointments.