A sudden, sharp toothache; a spot of bleeding when you brush your teeth; severe accidental damage to one or more teeth. A dental emergency can mean different things to different people at different times in their lives. But what’s constant is the need to seek immediate treatment from your dentist as soon as an emergency occurs. Today, we help you understand what’s really a dental emergency and warrants a visit to the dentist so you can be better prepared if you experience one.
What Dental Emergencies Mean
- Toothaches – Not all toothaches are emergencies. However, most of the time, a toothache will grow worse if not addressed and can eventually lead to an emergency need for treatment. If your toothache is severe and is accompanied by swelling and/or bleeding around the tooth, then call your dentist immediately to determine if it’s an emergency.
- Cracked or broken tooth – They may be the strongest parts of your body, but when a tooth is cracked or broken, it won’t heal itself. The nerves and blood vessels at the center of the tooth (in a chamber called the pulp) can be exposed by the damage, leading to a heightened risk of devastating tooth infection. If your tooth is cracked or broken, then your dentist can place a crown over it to prevent further damage and protect the tooth from infection.
- Knocked-out tooth – A knocked-out tooth (or avulsed tooth) can lead to immediate pain as well as swelling and bleeding in that area of your gums. The good news is that, in many cases, an avulsed tooth can be replanted by your dentist if you can make it to the office within an hour or so. If not, then your dentist can advise you on what to do next, such as choosing an appropriate replacement for the tooth.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY(including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
