Dental emergencies can occur at any time and often come out of nowhere. It’s important to know what constitutes a dental emergency and how to find an emergency dentist near me when you need one. A few common examples include toothaches, lost fillings, and broken teeth. These issues should never be ignored and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, call an emergency dentist as soon as possible to receive the care that you need.
Toothaches
Tooth pain is a sign of a dental issue, and it can be very painful and disruptive to your life. It is often the result of tooth decay, but it can also be caused by a jaw misalignment called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or trauma to the mouth, like a sports injury.
The pain you feel is triggered by inflammation in the central portion of the tooth known as the pulp. This inflammation can be caused by damage to the enamel or dentin layers, a gum infection, or trauma to the mouth. It can also be caused by food particles or plaque that get stuck in between the teeth or in the gum line.
If you have a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and take over-the-counter pain relievers until you can be seen by an emergency dentist. If the pain is due to an abscessed tooth, then it’s a dental emergency and should be treated immediately. If the abscess is not treated right away, it can spread to other parts of your body and affect your overall health.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
A broken or chipped tooth can be very painful and disfiguring. Luckily, an emergency dentist open on Saturday can usually save the tooth if you act quickly enough. Rinse your mouth and the affected area with a saltwater rinse or warm water and apply pressure to reduce swelling. If you have a knocked out tooth, try to keep it in place and bring it with you to the emergency dentist in NYC.
Loose Tongue
If your tongue becomes loose, it is a dental emergency and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You can soothe it by rinsing with a saltwater solution and applying pressure with a cotton ball. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories will also help until you can be seen by an emergency dentist.
Other signs of a dental emergency include excessive bleeding, visible fractures in the jaw or facial bones, or a head trauma. These situations need to be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible and may require an emergency room visit or trip to the hospital.