A dental emergency can happen to everyone, even if they follow a strict oral healthcare routine. While brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help prevent them, sometimes a dental emergency just happens. So what do you do in this situation? Dr. Ira Goldberg of Morris County Dental Associates, a dentist in Succasunna, NJ, offers some advice.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem that needs immediate attention. These aren’t issues that you’ll want to wait to get treated. If you’re experiencing one, it’s important to call us immediately. Below, Dr. Goldberg lists some common dental emergencies and how you can help them before you’re seen in the office.
Severe Tooth Pain
Dental pain is never something you should ignore, particularly if it’s sharp or comes on suddenly. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, many of which need to be diagnosed by a professional to be known. These include tooth decay, a dental abscess, or another infection in the tooth. Take over the counter pain medication to help ease the pain and use a cold compress if you experience any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Your first reaction to an adult tooth getting knocked out may be panic. But it’s important to try and stay calm so you can retrieve the tooth. Be sure to pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Gently rinse it off to get rid of any dirt or debris. Then, place the tooth in a cup of milk or your own saliva to preserve it.
When you get to the office, Dr. Goldberg will evaluate the tooth and see if it’s viable for replacing. If not, don’t worry too much. Our office offers a variety of replacement options for missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. They both look and feel the most natural in your mouth. There’s a reason they’re considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Broken Dental Restoration
For a broken dental restoration, what to do depends on the restoration. For a broken or missing dental crown, try to retrieve all of the pieces. Often, it’s difficult to repair dental crowns, but we can take a look. Never try to replace the crown or glue it back in yourself. If the crown can’t be repaired, a new dental crown will be custom-made for you.
For a broken dental bridge or denture, make sure you gather all of the pieces. Dr. Goldberg will determine whether or not it’s better to repair your restoration or replace it. If the restoration is unable to be fixed, a new one will be crafted for you.
Your Emergency Dentist in Succasunna, New Jersey
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately. If you want to schedule an appointment to try and prevent an emergency in the future, call us or schedule one online!