Emergency Dentist
No matter how well you and your dentist care for your teeth and gums, there may be times when you have a dental emergency. Sometimes life just isn’t as predictable as we’d like, even though we do all in our power to prevent bad things from happening. With dental emergencies, the bad thing could be something fairly common like a bad toothache, or it could be something severe like mouth trauma from an accident. Whatever kind of unexpected situation you find yourself in relating to your oral health, you can rely on emergency dentist services in Brooklyn, NY from Sconzo and Sciascia General Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is a type of dental service that reaches far beyond the standard checkups and fillings. It requires more comprehensive skills where the dentist can treat any number of emergencies relative to the gums, teeth and jaw. A dental emergency isn’t like something that might bring you to the dentist on a regular basis. It’s a situation that requires immediate dental professional attention in order to save a tooth, alleviate pain, prevent systemic health problems and similar.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
Sometimes people are unsure of whether what they’re experiencing amounts to a dental emergency. Below are some common types of dental emergencies that occur. But in any case, if you ever have any doubt as to whether you should contact Sconzo and Sciascia General Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for emergency dentist services in Brooklyn, NY, we urge you to contact us for help. We don’t mind helping in any capacity, even it turns out not to be a dental emergency. You aren’t wasting our time!
Severe Toothache
Often, the most serious toothaches refuse to respond to over-the-counter medications. Toothaches should always be treated by a dental professional, but when they come on suddenly, it’s urgent that you get treated as soon as possible. The quick onset and excruciating pain is sometimes associated with a dental abscess, which can escalate into even more serious problems if not treated right away.
Knocked-out Teeth
If you’ve had one or more teeth knocked out for any reason, please contact us immediately. Whether or not the lost teeth can be save may depend on what you do right after the teeth are knocked-out, including contacting your emergency dentist. Teeth getting knocked out happens more often than you might think, and this is one of the most common dental emergencies that we see in our practice.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
One minute you’re enjoying an extra-crispy batch of fried chicken, and the next minute your tongue is rubbing against the jagged edge of a chipped tooth. It happens. Even if you have no associated pain, you need to get yourself into a dentist’s chair ASAP. The tooth is now susceptible to all sorts of bacteria, which have new access to the tooth. If you don’t get it fixed right away, the tooth could decay faster than you can imagine.
Damaged Dental Work
These days, more people than ever before have dental work. While crowns, bridges, implants and the like are durable, they aren’t impervious to damage. Bridges fail, crowns fall out, and other things happen. If your dental work has been damaged or lost, seek the help of your dentist in Brooklyn, NY as soon as you can. That dental work was put in place for a reason, to restore function to already compromised teeth. You risk the health of your teeth if you don’t get it taken care of in an expedient manner.
What to Expect During an Emergency Visit
When visiting an emergency dentist, the primary goal is to address the immediate concern, and then look at how the incident happened in case future dental emergencies can possibly be avoided. Here’s what you can expect during your dental emergency visit to Sconzo and Sciascia General Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
Assessment and Diagnosis
We may perform a physical examination and may use X-rays to evaluate the issue.
Pain Management
Addressing pain and discomfort is a top priority. We may use local anesthesia or prescribe medications for relief.
Treatment
Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include fillings, extractions, root canals or temporary restorations. It really all depends on the problem and the best treatment for your individual circumstances.
Aftercare Instructions
Before you leave our office, you’ll receive guidance on how to care for the treated area and may be advised on follow-up visits.
How to Handle Dental Emergencies Before Reaching the Dentist
Obviously, there are going to be times when you can’t drop everything and get to the emergency dentist. You may have to do some triage while you’re on the way or before you can actually reach the dentist. Here are some helpful tips to refer to in various circumstances.
Severe Pain or Toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
- Avoid aspirin, as it can worsen bleeding if the gums are injured.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
- Collect and rinse any broken pieces.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on the injured side until repaired.
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root).
- If possible, reinsert it gently into the socket.
- Keep it moist in milk or a tooth preservation kit while en route to the dentist.
Oral Bleeding
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Use a cold compress to slow bleeding and reduce swelling.
- Seek immediate care if bleeding persists.
Why Your Emergency Dentist Matters
Oral health emergencies are not just inconvenient; they can have significant implications for overall health. Conditions like infections can lead to systemic problems if untreated, while unresolved pain can impact daily functioning and quality of life long into the future.
Emergency dentistry provides a safety net for patients, ensuring that urgent needs are met with efficiency and compassion. It also emphasizes the importance of being prepared, maintaining preventive care routines and knowing how to respond to unexpected dental issues. This is why you should only entrust your emergency dentist services in Brooklyn, NY to Sconzo and Sciascia General Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
