Examples of Common Dental Emergencies

Most people don’t expect to see a dentist more than twice a year, unless they’re having cosmetic dentistry or restorations done. But sometimes, accidents happen. An emergency dentist can provide prompt care for common problems like a cracked tooth, severe toothache, or knocked-out tooth.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is clinically referred to as an avulsed tooth. If you lose a permanent tooth, time is of the essence. You need to get to the dentist’s office within an hour for the best chances of re-implantation. First, locate the knocked-out tooth. Only pick it up by the white part, which is the crown. You can rinse the tooth with water, but don’t scrub it. Try to reinsert it in its proper place, making sure the crown faces the right way. If this isn’t possible, you can protect the tooth with a tooth preservation kit, available at drugstores and some supermarkets. If this kit isn’t readily available, place the tooth in a cup of milk while you get to the dental clinic.

Cracked Tooth

If you have a minor chip on a tooth, it can wait a few days to receive a dentist’s attention. But if you have severe chipping or a cracked tooth, you should see a dentist right away. A severe crack may indicate damage inside the tooth. The dentist will likely take an x-ray to assess the possible internal damage. If the pulp has sustained trauma, then you may need a root canal and a crown.

Toothache

Toothaches can be extremely distressing, particularly if they’re severe enough to interfere with normal oral functions. Some toothaches are caused by large particles of food wedged between the teeth. If possible, try to gently floss the area to see if your toothache lessens. If flossing doesn’t help or you’re unable to floss, seek emergency dental care. The dentist may determine that the toothache is caused by any of the following:

• Oral abscess
• Tooth decay
• Gum infection
• Damaged filling
• Tooth fracture

Park 56 Dental has dentists on call after hours to provide emergency dental care to patients in NYC. If you need prompt assistance during office hours, call (646) 783-3529, and we’ll get you in right away. Our highly trained providers have access to the latest medical technology to perform accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans.