A dental emergency is any situation that requires a dental visit to the dentist's office. Dental emergencies can happen at any time, but they usually happen at the worst possible moment.

Dental Emergencies that Require Immediate Treatment

Cracked tooth: If there's a crack in your tooth or a crown, you risk aggravating the crack if you delay treatment. Cracks can become worse over time and cause serious damage to your teeth. You may need a root canal if the crack extends into the inner pulp of the tooth, but in many situations, a filling will suffice. 

Broken or knocked-out tooth: A broken or knocked-out tooth is a type of dental emergency. When a tooth breaks, it can sometimes be reattached if it is still partially intact. If it is knocked out completely and cannot be put back in, you should call your dentist immediately. Bring the tooth with you to the dentist and try to keep it in milk or water until your appointment. Do not attempt to put the tooth back in place on your own.

Lost crown: If your dental crown comes off, you shouldn't wait too long to replace it to avoid pain and protect your tooth. If you return to the dentist within two hours of losing the crown, he can likely cement it back on for you. However, this isn't always possible. You may need to have a new impression taken to fit for a new crown. 

Broken jaw: A broken jaw is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate medical care. See your dentist right away for a professional evaluation. 

Bitten lip or tongue: You shouldn't ignore a bitten lip, tongue, or other soft tissue in your mouth. It's important to clean the area and attend to your wound. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close your wound.

Toothache: If you have a toothache that won't go away, you should see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. Many issues can cause toothache, such as tooth decay, gum disease, teeth grinding, and more. Your dentist can evaluate your situation and determine if you need further treatment. 

Bleeding gums: If you have bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or floss, this could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is serious and requires professional care from a dentist. You can prevent gum problems by brushing your teeth twice a day.

To learn more about dental emergencies in New York, NY, visit Century Dental Associates at 111 John St., Lobby, New York, NY, 10038, or call (212) 587-3000. Our dentist is your best resource for a recommendation that will allow you to achieve a healthy smile!