What do you do when faced with a dental emergency situation? First, if the problem is life threatening, contact 911 to proceed to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, any pain or injury related to the teeth or gums should be directed to your dentist. We can offer treatment, as well as tips to ease discomfort prior to seeing the doctor.
Dental Emergencies
- Chipped Tooth: If you chip a tooth then you should see your dentist right away. In some cases, the problem is purely cosmetic. However, if the damage is severe enough to expose the layers of dentin beneath the enamel, then cavities and infections can form. You can apply a cold compress to the side of your face and use gauze to stem any bleeding while you wait to see the dentist.
- Objects Caught Between Teeth: If a object becomes stuck between your teeth, try to remove it with floss. If this fails to dislodge the object, the see your dentist right away. Never use anything other than floss, as you could end up damaging your gums and making a minor emergency much, much worse.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If you knock-out a tooth, pick it up by the crown (never touch the root). Either place it back into the socket or into a glass of milk and bring it to the office with you. You can use gauze to control bleeding and a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Loose/Lost Filling: If you lose a filling, contact us right away. If a filling becomes lose, you shouldn’t delay treatment. Make an appointment and we can place a new restoration. A loose or lost one can lead to tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of discomfort, as well as decay.
- Toothache: A sudden toothache could be a sign of trouble, especially if the pain persists for several hours. Give us a call and schedule a visit!
Do You Need Emergency Dentistry?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can see you and offer treatment for dental emergencies. 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.
