No matter how well you take care of your teeth, a dental emergency can happen to anyone. So what are you supposed to do when one happens to you? Dr. Peter Auster of Cosmetic Dentistry Associates, a dentist in Rockland County, NY discusses dental emergencies and what to do if you experience one.
A dental emergency is anything that happens to your teeth that needs to be taken care of immediately. It’s usually accompanied by pain or discomfort. If you experience a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is to call our office. Below are common dental emergencies and how you can handle them until you’re seen in the office.
Tooth pain is never something that you should ignore, particularly if it comes on suddenly or is sharp. It can be caused by many different conditions. Usually, you may not even be able to tell what’s causing it until the tooth is examined by a dentist. These conditions include severe tooth decay, an abscess, or an infection. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, take over the counter painkillers. Use a cold compress if you experience any swelling.
It’s natural to have panic be your first reaction when an adult tooth is knocked out. However, it’s important to remain calm and retrieve the tooth if you’re able to. Make sure you avoid touching the tooth root and pick it up only by the crown. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris on it, but don’t scrub the tooth. Place it in a cup of milk or your own saliva to preserve it for as long as possible.
Bring it with you to the office. Dr. Auster will assess the tooth and see if it’s viable for replacement. If it isn’t, there’s no need to worry. Our office offers many options for tooth replacement. In particular, we recommend dental implants. They’re the most natural-looking and feeling option for replacing missing teeth.
What you should do about a broken restoration depends on the restoration in question. For a broken or missing dental crown, try to retrieve the restoration. Don’t try to glue or place the crown back onto your tooth by yourself. Usually, a crown isn’t able to be replaced. We’ll make a new custom crown for your tooth.
If you have a broken denture or dental bridge, retrieve all the pieces and bring them to the office with you. Dr. Auster will examine them and determine if the restoration can be fixed or if a new one will have to be made.
If you have a dental emergency, call us immediately. For other services and concerns, call us or schedule an appointment online.
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