What is a dental emergency?
There are many types of dental emergencies. They’re often caused by biting on something too hard or by injuries from sports or other activities. Other times they’re caused by infections.
Some common dental emergencies include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Soft tissue injuries
- Abscesses in the gums
- Lost fillings, veneers or crowns
- Jaw pain
- Broken or lost dentures
Sometimes you may experience extreme tooth pain, and no matter the cause, this is also considered a dental emergency.
What do I do if I have a broken tooth?
Minor cracks in teeth don’t usually cause much pain, but if a big part of your tooth breaks off, it can be quite painful. If you have a broken tooth, call Dr. Malkis as soon as possible. He can determine if the tooth's pulp is in danger and if it requires a root canal treatment.
You may not be able to get to the office right away in the case of an emergency so, in the meantime, you should:
- Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water
- Apply pressure with gauze or a tea bag on any bleeding areas for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops
- Apply an ice pack to the cheek or lips to help reduce swelling and relieve pain
- Cover the part of the tooth in your mouth with temporary dental cement found at most drugstores
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- If a tooth has come out, place it in milk or between your cheek and gums while on the way to the dental office
What should I do for extreme tooth pain?
The best way to stop severe tooth pain is to see the dentist as soon as you can. Severe tooth pain can be caused by tooth decay, a crack in your tooth, or a loose filling. It also can be caused by damage to the pulp inside your tooth.
Dr. Malkis can determine why you’re having pain and put a stop to it as quickly as possible.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
While sometimes dental emergencies surprise us and can’t be avoided, here are a few prevention tips that might help:
- Wear a mouth guard while participating in sports or recreational activities
- Avoid biting into things like popcorn kernels, ice, and hard candies
- Always use scissors to cut, never your teeth
- Routine dental visits and home care
If you have a dental emergency, such as a broken tooth, extreme tooth pain, or an abscess on your gums, call 914-834-1646 to see Dr. Malkis as soon as possible.
