Emergency Dentist: Prompt Relief When You Need It Most
In a bustling metropolis as big as New York City, many people encounter dental emergencies. From severe toothaches to cracked or knocked-out teeth, these incidents can be painful and even dangerous if not treated promptly. Luckily, there are emergency dentists available to provide quick, same-day care for patients in need of urgent treatment.
The primary purpose of emergency dental services is to keep conditions such as tooth damage, pain and other ailments from worsening or permanent harming a patient’s teeth. The goal is to keep these issues from escalating into a medical emergency that may require hospitalization. Emergency dental services are also important to help patients avoid unnecessary stress, discomfort and expense by preventing the situation from getting out of hand.
Some situations that qualify for an ad hoc dental appointment are severe pain, broken or chipped teeth, a knocked-out tooth and uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth. Severe tooth pain is usually caused by an infection or irritation to the central portion of a tooth called the pulp. This can be the result of a cavity that extends into the pulp or it can be the result of trauma such as a tooth fracture.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing that you should do is rinse your mouth with warm water to clear out any debris. Afterwards, you should place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication to ease the symptoms. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything that is hot or cold as this could further exacerbate the pain and swelling.
Uncontrolled Bleeding from the Mouth
If your gums are bleeding heavily, this is another dental emergency that requires immediate attention. The reason why this condition is considered to be a dental emergency is that it can lead to more serious health problems, like a blood clot in the neck or brain, as well as uncontrolled bleeding in the stomach.
A Knocked-out Tooth
Depending on the timing of the knocked out tooth and your ability to schedule an emergency appointment, your dentist may be able to reinsert it in the socket. If they can’t re-insert the tooth, they may have to splint it between the adjacent teeth. If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will advise on other options to treat the issue during your emergency appointment.
Taking good care of your teeth and avoiding bad habits that can hurt them is the best way to prevent unwanted emergency appointments. Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations as well as avoiding habits such as smoking, chewing ice and excessively hard foods can go a long way to keeping you healthy and free of pain or other dental issues.