The best way to avoid dental emergencies is with preventative care, like routine checkups and teeth cleaning. But even with the best of intentions, unforeseen problems can occur that require immediate treatment. This is when it becomes necessary to seek the help of an emergency dentist near me. Whether it’s a painful toothache or knocked-out tooth, prompt action can save your tooth and reduce the need for costly treatments in the future.
In addition to providing urgent treatment, a NYC emergency dentist is also capable of handling routine concerns like broken or chipped teeth, abscesses that cause pain and swelling, and other dental ailments. While it’s easy to confuse the difference between a regular problem and an emergency, there are some clear signs that you should call an emergency dentist right away.
Toothache — A toothache that is sharp, persistent and that doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter painkillers is a sign of an infection. This could lead to gum tissue damage and other complications. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a walk-in dentist NYC as soon as possible for prompt and effective treatment.
Cracked or chipped tooth
Whether you’ve suffered a sports injury, accident, or fall, a cracked or chipped tooth is a serious dental problem. The crack can range from hairline thin to extensive and may affect one or more teeth. In some cases, the root of the tooth may become exposed and this is an emergency situation that needs to be addressed immediately. Likewise, teeth with large cracks on the biting surfaces of the tooth are also in need of immediate attention.
Knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out tooth is another type of dental emergency that requires immediate attention. This condition is serious and can result in permanent tooth loss if left untreated. After rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying pressure to control bleeding, you should place the tooth in a container of milk or saltwater and make an appointment with an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Abscess — An abscess is an infected pocket of pus located under the gums or in the jawbone. This can lead to extreme pain, swelling and infection of the surrounding tissues. The best way to treat an abscess is by draining it under a local anesthetic at an emergency dental clinic in NYC. This procedure removes the pus and can prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Other Dental Emergencies
Other dental emergencies include a loose or broken wire in your braces that pokes into your cheek, tongue or gums. You should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment to have the end of the wire removed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage or injury. If you’re unable to visit your dentist, you can use a cotton ball to cover the tip of the wire until you’re able to get to an emergency dentist near me. If you have dental insurance, you’ll need to contact your provider for the contact number of an emergency dentist.