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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.
Chipped Tooth to Cracked Fillings: Dental Emergencies and What to Do
Dental emergencies can occur without warning, often causing significant discomfort and uncertainty about what to do next. Knowing how to respond to such situations can help alleviate some anxiety.
Dental Emergencies
- Severe, persistent tooth pain: This could indicate an underlying issue such as an abscess or infection
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth: Damage to the structure of your teeth can lead to sensitivity, pain, and possible infection if the fracture is deep.
- Knocked-out teeth: Quick action is essential to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
- Lost fillings or crowns: These can leave teeth vulnerable to further damage and sensitivity.
- Dental abscesses: Serious infections that cause swelling, fever, or pain can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.
- Soft tissue injuries: Cuts or injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue may require professional care to stop bleeding and prevent infection.
Seeking professional help promptly can prevent further damage, alleviate pain, and avoid the need for more complex procedures.
Chipped Tooth: What to Do
A chipped or fractured tooth can result from accidents, biting hard objects, or trauma. While minor chips may not cause immediate discomfort, significant fractures can expose the tooth's sensitive inner layers and can be very painful.
What to do:
- Avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth is treated.
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Avoid extreme hot or extreme cold foods or drinks until the tooth is treated
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Get in to see a dentist and get an X-ray.
Knocked-Out Teeth: Act Fast
A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency. Immediate action is crucial to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root, to avoid damaging delicate tissues.
- If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place.
- If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk or a saline solution to keep it moist.
- Seek emergency dental care immediately. The best chance of saving the tooth is within the first hour or two of the injury.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
What to do:
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Avoid chewing on the affected side and schedule a dental appointment promptly.
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Do not sleep with a loose crown in your mouth to avoid the risk of choking.
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Use dental temporary cement or adhesive, available at pharmacies, to temporarily insert the crown if you are unable to see a dentist right away and the crown is in the front teeth.
Dental Swelling or Abscess
What to do:
- Avoid pressing on or attempting to drain the abscess yourself.
- Seek immediate dental care for diagnosis and treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Gums, Lips, and Tongue
What to do:
- Rinse the mouth gently with a water to clean the area.
- Apply pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to minimize swelling and discomfort.
- If bleeding persists for more than 15 minutes, seek emergency dental care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
- Wear a sports mouthguard: Protect your teeth during sports or high-risk activities.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects: Ice, pens, and very hard candies can cause chips or fractures.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Prevent decay and gum disease with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
- Be mindful of food choices: Avoid excessively sticky or hard foods that can damage fillings, crowns, or natural teeth.
- Regular dental checkups: Early detection of potential issues can prevent emergencies.
When to Visit an Emergency Dentist
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Severe, persistent pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Excessive bleeding from the mouth or gums.
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Visible damage to teeth or oral tissues.
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Signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but quick action and professional care are essential for the best outcomes. Whether you're dealing with a knocked-out tooth, a lost filling, or a soft tissue injury, knowing the right steps can make all the difference. At Sachar Dental NYC, Dr. Sachar and her team are here to provide prompt and expert care when you need it most.
Read more about Dental Emergencies on our services page.
20 East 46th Street
Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
https://www.sachardental.com/
drsachar@sachardental.com
