Experiencing pain and discomfort in the mouth is one of the most unpleasant sensations. Frequently, people mistake the initial stages of mouth discomfort for intense ear pain. Thankfully, it doesn’t occur frequently, but when it does, it requires attention.
Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining a good condition of dental hygiene. Don’t let the years pass without visiting a dentist. While it may seem obvious, our mouth is interconnected with the rest of our body, and unfortunately, our oral health is often overlooked or considered separate from other body parts. In an ideal world we would never experience any dental pain, however, there are certain cases or situations that require immediate attention from professionals like us.
A dental emergency is the highest classification on a professional scale and often refers to situations where accidents have occurred, necessitating prompt attention to minimize serious medical complications. Urgent matters include severe tooth pain and infections, such as abscesses. Non-urgent conditions, although not immediately life-threatening, still require importance and should be scheduled for discussion and examination to prevent potential long-term damage.
When To Contact Us Immediately
Dental emergencies can be painful and disruptive, and they can sometimes lead to more serious problems if not treated. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common dental emergencies, their causes, and what you should do if you experience one.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache is often caused by a cavity, infection, or gum disease. If you are experiencing severe pain and swelling it is important to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, it could potentially lead to tooth loss. When one of our patients presents these symptoms, we may prescribe antibiotics or perform a root canal procedure to remove the infection.
Knocked-out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention and is most commonly seen after getting injured during impact-based activities, such as playing sports. If you have a knocked-out tooth, it is important to see one of our professionals within an hour of the accident. Our team of dentists may be able to reposition the tooth into the socket, which gives it the best chance of survival or re-implant the tooth. If the tooth is not replaced within an hour, the chances of saving it decrease significantly.
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus that can form around a tooth or in the gums as a consequence of dental cavities (caries). You might identify it by noticing a pale, delicate, bubble-like form in the upper or lower tissues surrounding your teeth with liquid inside. Abscesses can cause severe pain, swelling, redness, and a bad taste in the mouth. If you have an abscess, it is important to see one of our dentists right away. We will drain the abscess and may prescribe antibiotics to help you ease the pain.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive bleeding after a tooth extraction or by a tooth being knocked out completely are common dental emergencies that can affect the nerves. If not stopped after applying pressure in the area, our oral health experts might need to assess the condition and provide guidance on step by step care. You should see one of our emergency dentists, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms such as fever or chills.
Dental Problems that Can Be Self-Managed Temporarily
Sometimes we experience dental discomfort that, while not considered emergencies, can still cause irritation and affect our daily lives. Here are some common dental issues and steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms at home with simple remedies until you can see one of the dental professionals on our team.
Mild Toothache
A mild toothache can be caused by food stuck between teeth, a cavity, or gum disease. To alleviate the symptoms, rinse your mouth with warm water, floss your teeth, or use a slim toothbrush to clean between the spaces (purchase these in a pharmacy). If the pain persists, see one of our dental care practitioners. Follow the steps above until you book, schedule and attend an appointment with us.
Lost Filling or Crown
A filling or crown can become loose or fall out over time. To prevent the discomfort of covering your mouth in public, we recommend maintaining regular dental visits to avoid any potentially embarrassing issues. However, if you do lose a tooth, try to glue it back in place with denture adhesive. If you can’t glue it back in place, book an appointment with one of our dental specialists to have it replaced.
Gum Irritation
Gums can become irritated if you brush your teeth too hard or if you have a condition or disease you’re unaware of. To alleviate the symptoms, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply pressure to the area with a tea bag or gauze. If the bleeding persists, contact our office for an appointment with one of our emergency dentists. To make your life easier, you can email or call Smile Arts for that purpose.
Small Chips Fractures
If you have a small chip fracture on your tooth, causing your tongue, cheeks or lips to get cut, you can cover the sharp edge with orthodontic wax (you can also find this product in a drugstore). This temporary measure will help reduce discomfort until you can be checked by me, or any of my colleagues who can assess the situation and provide a long-term solution.
Broken Braces
If you have a broken brace, protect your teeth and relieve the discomfort, covering the sharp metal with orthodontic wax. By doing so, you can safeguard your mouth from potential injuries that may occur repeatedly while opening and closing it. Getting your smile fixed shouldn’t be painful. It’s important you book an appointment regularly with us to adjust the loose ends and relieve your discomfort. There are solutions for it, be patient with the process, you’ll have a great smile after the treatment!
Common Questions My Patients Ask
The cases described and explained above are the most common when patients require dental emergency treatment. Emergency dentists are available 24/7 to take care of unexpected situations that cause pain and disruption in a person’s life, or that can sometimes lead to more serious problems if they are not treated quickly.
How do I book a Same-Day Emergency Dentist Appointment in NYC?
To get an appointment, call Smile Arts of NY at (212) 537-6923 or book online. Explain your situation, be clear about how you feel and your symptoms. We will schedule a suitable time for your visit, taking into account the urgency of your situation. Provide your insurance information and ID.
How do I know if my tooth infection is life threatening?
If you have a tooth infection, there are certain signs that may indicate it is life-threatening, such as fever and swelling of the face. The presence of a fever suggests an infection that requires attention to identify its causes. An untreated abscess can lead to swelling and redness, which should be addressed on time to prevent further complications, including difficulties with breathing or swallowing.
How long is too long for a tooth infection?
A tooth infection left untreated can last anywhere from 5 to 12 months, with the risk of complications increasing the longer the abscess persists. If left unattended, it could potentially lead to tooth loss. To address the infection, a root canal treatment may be performed to remove the infection, alleviate pain, and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the body. The duration of this treatment can vary depending on the severity of the infection, often taking an hour or longer. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to aid in the healing process.
Is gum disease classed as an emergency?
Gum disease is generally not classified as an emergency. As previously discussed, dental emergencies typically involve accidents or acute conditions. Gum disease is considered a chronic condition and is rarely deemed urgent. However, it should still be treated and monitored regularly to evaluate its progression and determine appropriate treatment measures.
Can a dentist remove a tooth in an emergency appointment?
Yes, we can remove a tooth during an emergency appointment in certain situations. If tooth decay has reached a point where repair is not possible, extraction may be necessary. Additionally, if you have a broken or fractured tooth that cannot be salvaged, or if a tooth has been completely knocked out resulting in uncontrollable bleeding, we might need to remove the tooth. Wisdom tooth removal can also be performed during an emergency appointment if necessary. We’ll make sure to evaluate the specific circumstances, discuss them with you and determine the best course of action.
Are you experiencing a dental emergency in NYC?
If you need assistance, Smile Arts of NY is here to support you. As a trusted emergency dentist in NYC, we take pride in our decade of experience and a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional dental care. Our doors are open seven days a week, ensuring that we’re available whenever you require our services. We offer same day appointments on short notice and our team of experienced dentists can treat a variety of dental emergencies.
Don't suffer in pain.
Contact Smile Arts of NY today and get the care and help to get you back to smiling with confidence!
