A dental emergency involves any damage or injury to your teeth or gums. As long as the issue is not life-threatening (at which point you should call 911 or proceed to the emergency room), we can help! In today’s blog, we’re looking at common situations that require care and how our Astoria, NY, patients should respond.
The Risks of Chipped or Missing Teeth
Biting down on a hard piece of food, such as popcorn kernel, could chip or fracture a tooth. An injury on the court or field could lead to a knocked-out tooth. Even if damage appears minor, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Slight damage could lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and infection without treatment.
Responding to Common Emergency Situations
If you chip a tooth, use a piece of gauze or cloth to stem any bleeding. A cold compress against the side of your face could reduce swelling. We also suggest trying to recover any pieces of the tooth. If you can’t, don’t worry, we can still repair your tooth, often in one visit!
If you knock a tooth loose, see us right away. Again, gauze could stem bleeding and a cold compress could control swelling. Treatment is crucial to prevent complete loss of the tooth. If you knock out the tooth completely, then pick the tooth up (by the crown, never touch the root) and rinse it under water. Then place the tooth in a glass of milk or salt water and bring it with you. You can also, if possible, place the tooth back into your socket, biting down very gently to hold the tooth in place until you see us. If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact our team today.
Don’t Ignore A Broken Tooth!
We’re ready to address your dental emergency and restore the health and function of your smile. We have a number of cosmetic and restorative treatments to provide lifelike repair. For more information, schedule a consultation with us by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
