What qualifies as a dental emergency?
For most people, a dental emergency is anything you personally deem as urgent. Typically, it involves pain or an infection. If you experience dental pain, it's an emergency requiring immediate treatment to relieve the pain. Any swelling, or the sight or taste of pus, indicates an active infection and should be addressed right away. Even if there's no pain, a front tooth that's been knocked out is considered an emergency. In such cases, you should come in immediately for treatment.
What should I do if I lose a tooth?
If you lose a tooth, the first thing you should do is pick it up and rinse it off with water. Avoid using peroxide, bleach, or any other cleaning agents. Ideally, store the tooth in milk, which is the best solution because it's basic. Avoid acidic environments to preserve the tooth.
Can you treat a broken tooth in one visit?
In our office, we use a CERAC machine, which stands for computer-assisted design and manufacture. This milling machine allows us to make a crown, veneer, or filling in a single visit. In most cases, we can treat a broken tooth in one visit, but it depends on the extent of the break and whether the tooth can be saved.
How do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
I am very accessible after hours. I leave my phone number and email on the office voicemail. You can call the office at 845-358-5110 to get access to my cell phone. I prefer text messages, which I respond to immediately if I'm awake. You can also contact me through the office website, which sends alerts to my email. However, if it's a true emergency, especially involving infection, swelling, or pus, you should visit the emergency room. They can handle infections or refer you to a facility with dental personnel.
What can I do to manage severe tooth pain at home until my appointment?
There are several home remedies for severe tooth pain. A cold compress or ice pack applied to the area can provide relief. Clove oil is effective at numbing the site. Peppermint tea is another option. However, avoid using peroxide or bleaching agents. These remedies, especially clove oil and a cold compress, should help you manage the pain until you can see a dentist. Contact us the next day, and we'll take care of you.
What can I do to manage severe tooth pain at home before my appointment?
Some effective home remedies include using a cold compress or ice pack on the painful area. Clove oil is excellent for numbing. Peppermint tea can also be soothing. Additionally, a saltwater rinse is a classic remedy—gargle with room temperature or slightly warm salt water for relief. These methods can help alleviate pain until your dental appointment.
During regular office hours, we prioritize immediate attention to your situation, ensuring you are seen promptly. However, if your concern arises outside office hours, please contact our office and follow the provided instructions. Rest assured; your call will be returned at the earliest convenience. In the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency, we advise dialing 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.
Endodontic Emergencies
Outlined below are instructions for managing some common minor dental emergencies:
For a Toothache:
Begin by gently cleaning the area around the affected tooth, rinsing the mouth with warm water, and carefully flossing to dislodge any trapped particles. Should the pain persist or if the surrounding area feels warm, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
For Cuts to the Lip, Gum, Cheek, or Tongue:
Apply ice to reduce swelling and exert pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop any bleeding. If bleeding persists, seek assistance from your physician or visit the nearest emergency room.
For a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth:
Please reach out to our office promptly to arrange an appointment.
For a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth:
Immediately contact our office and take the following steps:
- Avoid touching the tooth root and hold the tooth by its crown, rinsing it gently with water.
- Reinsert the tooth into its socket as soon as possible, biting down on clean gauze to keep it in place.
- If reinsertion is not feasible, preserve the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.
For a Chipped or Broken Tooth:
Carefully rinse the affected area with lukewarm water and apply a cold compress to the face to alleviate swelling. If you locate the broken tooth fragment, store it in milk and bring it to our office. If more than half of the tooth is broken, please contact us immediately.