Even when we do our best to keep our teeth healthy, emergencies can happen. At his practice, Dr. LoPresti offers essential oral emergency care to patients in and around the Upper West Side and Staten Island. Dr. LoPresti can resolve all your dental concerns quickly and effectively.
Emergency Dental Treatment Q & A
What Types of Situations Are Considered Dental Emergencies?
A dental emergency can be considered any type of situation in which you need immediate or prompt attention from a dentist. Some of the common dental emergencies include:
- Toothaches
- Pain in and around the jaw
- Swollen gums
- Chips, cracks, or broken teeth
- Lost or loose fillings, onlays, crowns, or veneers
- Abscesses
- Lost or broken implants, dentures, or bridges
- Lost teeth
What Should I do if a Tooth is Knocked Out?
One of the most serious dental emergencies is when a tooth or teeth are knocked out. If you have a tooth fall out or knocked out due to trauma, you will need to visit the dentist immediately in order to preserve the chances of saving the tooth. Without touching the root, try to place the tooth back in its socket. It is important to remember to avoid touching the root because it could become damaged making it impossible to save. If you cannot place the tooth in the socket, try to keep it between your cheek and gums. If that is also not an option, you may place the tooth in a glass of milk. Time is of the essence, so be sure to get to the dentist right away.
How Can I Avoid a Dental Emergency?
Healthy teeth are less prone to experiencing a dental emergency. To keep your teeth and gums healthy you should always be sure to take care of them with routine visits to the dentist as well as regular brushing and flossing. When you are playing sports or are engaged in an activity where your teeth or mouth could be prone to impact you should be sure to wear a protective mouthguard. Lastly, avoid using your teeth to pry off lids and avoid chewing on hard candies or ice.