What Should I Do if I’m Having a Dental Emergency?

There are different types of dental emergencies. Depending on the cause, a toothache is usually a sign that you should get to the dentist as soon as possible. Here are some of the symptoms and situations that constitute a dental emergency and typically require immediate care. 

Unlike a scheduled checkup or routine procedure that you schedule weeks or even months in advance, an appointment for a dental emergency is scheduled on the same day or as soon as possible depending on your situation.

At Manhasset Dental Arts, our dentists Dr. Elizabeth Abrams, Dr. Michael Abrams, and our dental team offer emergency and family dentistry services at our office in Manhasset, New York.

What’s considered a dental emergency?

Some dental emergencies are pretty straightforward. When a tooth is cracked, fractured, or completely knocked out, getting to the dentist as quickly as possible is imperative in order to save the tooth and prevent possible complications like an infection. 

Sometimes a tooth will suddenly start to hurt or you may notice swelling in your face or gums, which can be a sign of an infection and is also considered a dental emergency. Common oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease tend to develop gradually over a period of time, so you might not even realize there’s a problem until you’re in pain or have other symptoms. 

A dental emergency can also develop after a standard treatment like a root canal or extraction if you experience excessive bleeding, infection, “dry socket,” or inflammation. 

If you experience any pain or symptoms that seem out of the ordinary between your regular dental visits or after a procedure, call the office to make an appointment as soon as possible.

What you can do to prevent a dental emergency

Accidents happen, so you can do everything right and still have a dental emergency at some point. But there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from common dental emergencies. For starters, make good oral hygiene a habit by following these steps:

For more information about dental emergencies and other oral health problems, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers at our office in Manhasset, New York.

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