When a dental emergency rises, which includes pain in your smile or damage to a tooth, then you should contact us as soon as possible. We can schedule a time to meet with you quickly and address the problem. However, you can take a few steps in the immediate aftermath of your injury to alleviate discomfort. Let’s look at how you can be prepared for dental emergencies.
Addressing Damaged Teeth
If you chip a tooth, then see if you can pick up any pieces and bring them with you to the office. If not, we can still repair your tooth. You should rinse your mouth with warm water and use a gauze or piece of cloth to stem any bleeding. A cold compress against the side of the face can reduce swelling. If you receive an injury to the mouth but don’t notice any damage, consider scheduling a checkup to make sure there isn’t a dental fracture, which could be invisible to the naked eye.
If you knock-out a tooth, then remember to pick the tooth up by the crown (visible portion) and never touch the root. Rinse it under running water to wash away any dirt, but leave tissue in place. Put the tooth in a glass of salt water or milk and bring it with you.
When to See the Dentist
While some reasons to see us are obvious, such as a broken or knocked-out tooth, other dental emergencies can include sudden, unexplained pain or an object lodged between your teeth that you cannot remove with floss. We can identify the cause of your discomfort and also safely remove any objects stuck between your teeth.
What If My Restoration is Loose or Lost?
See us right away and in the meantime, try to avoid any sugary foods or drinks, or very hot/cold foods or drinks, as this could lead to discomfort due to the exposed tooth.
Do You Have a Dental Emergency?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, our team can address problems with your smile, whether you have chipped teeth or unexplained pain. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.