Protecting your smile from infection and disease is fairly straight-forward; brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to help control plaque buildup, and maintain a healthy diet to limit feeding the bacteria within dental plaque. Topped off with a regular schedule of dental checkups and cleanings (at least once every six months or sooner), these tenets can help keep your smile healthy and bright. Protecting your teeth from structural damage, however, is not as simple, considering dental trauma can often signal an emergency situation. Luckily, your smile isn’t helpless against damage; with a little preparation, quick action, and the help of your Astoria dentist, you can increase your chances of saving your smile in a dental emergency.
When Your Tooth Hurts
Not all dental emergencies are the same, but regardless of the situation, your participation can help determine the outcome. If an injury is the source of your emergency, then your tooth’s trouble is likely no mystery. However, if your tooth aches suddenly, finding out why is a priority. If no damage is visible, carefully floss around the tooth to remove any potentially lodged debris. Call our office and schedule a visit with Dr. Leibowitz if the discomfort continues. In the meantime, an ice pack or cold compress can help relieve aching and reduce swelling.
When Your Tooth is Damaged
Sometimes, dental damage is obvious even if you aren’t aware of the event that caused it. Amazingly, your tooth’s structure does not contain the living cells necessary to repair itself like other parts of your body, such as bone. You can, however, increase the chances of saving your tooth through professional dental care. If your tooth is chipped or broken, rinse your mouth with warm water, then collect and rinse the broken piece(s) as quickly as possible. Call Dr. Leibowitz immediately to schedule an emergency visit, and bring the broken part of your tooth with you to our office. If the tooth is fully knocked out, you can place it in a small container of milk or salt water to help preserve it, but successful reattachment depends on seeing Dr. Leibowitz within the hour. Partially knocked-out teeth should not be disturbed, or you may risk completely removing it.
Emergencies and Other Dental Services in Astoria
If a dental emergency threatens your oral health, call us immediately to schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Leibowitz. You can contact our Astoria dentist office by calling (718) 728-8320. Located in the 11106 area, we proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
