Emergency dental care is the swift treatment of urgent dental issues that cause severe pain or discomfort or pose an infection risk. These issues typically can't wait for a regular dental appointment and need immediate attention.
This article explores the essentials of emergency dental care and the types of dental emergencies. Keep reading for information to help you find emergency dental services in West New York, `New Jersey, and Teaneck, New Jersey.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Several situations qualify as dental emergencies. Here are the most common ones:
Acute Toothache
This can indicate an underlying problem, such as an infection, decay, or abscess. Intense and persistent toothache need urgent attention to help alleviate the pain and stop the spread of infection.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Accidents or biting into something hard can result in cracked or chipped teeth. These can be painful and expose the inside layers of the tooth to bacteria that can cause infection. Urgent care is needed to prevent further damage and infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is totally knocked out, immediate action is necessary. The likelihood of saving the tooth is much higher if it's reinserted within an hour of the accident.
Lost Crown or Filling
Losing a crown or filling can uncover and expose the affected tooth to potential damage and infection. It can also be painful.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is an acute infection that often forms at the root of a tooth or in the space between the gum and a tooth. It can cause intense swelling, pain, and fevers, and immediate treatment is needed to prevent the infection from spreading.
Broken Braces and Wires
Damaged braces or wires can cause pain and injury to the inside of your mouth. Cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax, a cotton ball, or gauze until you can access treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, or cheeks that result in bleeding, tears, or cuts require urgent care. Clean the area with warm water and apply pressure with gauze or a cloth to stop the bleeding while waiting to see the dentist.
How to Handle Dental Emergencies
When you're confronted with a dental emergency, being aware of how to react can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to handle common dental emergencies
For a severe toothache or a broken tooth, flush your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any food particles. Keep any broken pieces of the tooth and apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to help reduce swelling.
Handle knocked-out teeth carefully. Try to avoid the roots when handling the tooth. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water; do not scrub or remove any of the tissue fragments.
If you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it hydrated by putting it in a container of milk, a saline solution or use a tooth preservation product.
If you have lost a filling or a crown, cover the exposed area with dental cement or a piece of sugarless gum for protection. Try not to eat on the affected side to prevent more damage and pain. If a crown is lost, try to keep it and bring it to the dentist.
An abscess can be serious. Flush your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) multiple times a day to help reduce pain and draw out infection. You can also use over-the-counter pain relief as needed.
If you have broken braces and wires, cover any wires that are poking your cheek or gums with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze. Do not cut the wire, as you may accidentally swallow it.
Emergency Dental Treatments
Emergency dentists offer several treatments depending on the type of emergency. This can include:
- Emergency root canal procedures
- Tooth extraction
- Dental bonding
- Re-implantations
- Infection treatment
Prevention: Dental Emergency Tips
Have a kit with essentials like gauze, dental floss, dental cement, and pain relievers. Also keep the contact information of your dentist here.
Daily brushing and flossing, together with regular dental check-ups, can help to prevent dental emergencies.
Don't chew on ice, hard candies, or non-food items like pens and pencils.
Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities will protect your teeth from injury.
How to Access Urgent Dental Services
A dental emergency can be stressful as well as painful. Here's a guide on how to find emergency dental care when you need it most.
Contact Your Regular Dentist
Many dental practices have emergency protocols and can provide immediate advice or fit you into their schedule for urgent care. Some dental offices offer after-hours services or have an emergency contact number for situations that occur outside of regular office hours.
Search Online
Use search engines to find emergency dental services in your area. Phrases like "emergency dental care near me" or "urgent dental care [your location]" can help you find options. Check websites of professional dental associations for directories of emergency dentist services.
Visit a Walk-In Dental Clinic
Many cities have walk-in dental clinics that accept patients without appointments for urgent dental issues. These clinics are able to provide immediate care for dental emergencies.
Go to an Emergency Room (ER)
If you can't find a dentist and the pain is unbearable, head to the nearest ER. While ERs may not have a dentist on staff, they can help with pain relief and treat severe infections.
Dental Insurance Providers
Contact your dental insurance provider. They can usually provide a list of in-network dentists who offer urgent care.
Ensuring Proper Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dental care is crucial when you are faced with a dental crisis. In any dental emergency, the quicker you act, the better the outcome is likely to be. Don't delay in seeking professional dental trauma treatment.
If you need emergency dental care, the team at Complete Dental Works has years of experience and is equipped to handle all types of dental issues. Contact us now to schedule your consultation appointment and get the personalized care you deserve.