A dental emergency means an injury to a tooth or a compromised restoration that needs immediate attention to avoid painful complications. Our team can offer emergency dental care to repair these issues, and even offer assistance outside of normal business hours. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how you can ease discomfort from a dental emergency.
Common Situations and Complications
Common examples include sudden discomfort, a loose or missing crown or filling, or an injury that damages a tooth. A loose or knocked-out tooth is an issue that needs immediate attention too. Without care, these injuries and painful symptoms could mean the tooth is vulnerable to advanced tooth decay or a dental infection, which will then lead to worsened pain and the risk of a lost tooth. Give us a call and we will arrange for a time to see you and offer treatment.
Addressing Your Injury
If you have a toothache that develops suddenly, floss on either side of your tooth and rinse with warm water. If this fails to remove any lodged objects or ease discomfort, then let us know right away! A cold compress can ease discomfort, and you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Don’t use anything other than floss, as you risk damaging the gums or teeth otherwise.
If a tooth is cracked or chipped, try to recover any pieces you can and bring them with you. If this isn’t possible, we can still repair the teeth. Use cloth or gauze to control bleeding, and a cold compress to ease facial swelling. If a tooth is knocked loose but not out completely, don’t touch it and keep a cold compress on your cheek until we can see you.
If a tooth is knocked out completely, pick it up by the crown, never the root, and place it into the socket and bite down gently to keep it in place. Or, you can place it in a sealed container of milk or salt water. Bring it with you, if we can see you within the hour the chance of saving your tooth is much higher!
Should you have a filling or crown become loose or lost, let us know right away. Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks or items that are very hot or cold, as the exposed tooth is very sensitive! If you have any questions about treating dental emergencies, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Emergency Dentistry?
Our team wants to help you avoid the major complications of an untreated dental injury. If you would like to learn more about protecting and repairing your smile, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
