What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is typically characterized by extreme pain or a broken tooth that seems serious. It's crucial to address these issues promptly as they can lead to severe complications, such as infections that may close the airway or spread, requiring hospitalization. Even without pain, it's important to see a dentist regularly. Pain indicates an advanced problem that may require more extensive and costly treatment, possibly including surgery. Regular dental visits can help catch problems early before they become painful.
What happens if I lose a tooth or a tooth gets knocked out?
If an adult tooth is knocked out cleanly, meaning the whole tooth with the root is intact, it should be placed immediately in milk to preserve the vital cells. This can allow for the possibility of re-implantation if you reach a dentist quickly. Alternatively, keeping the tooth in your mouth, surrounded by saliva, can also help buy time. For baby teeth, this procedure isn't necessary. If a tooth breaks or is displaced, it is considered an emergency, and you should contact an emergency dentist for an x-ray and proper assessment.
Can you treat a broken tooth in one visit?
Treating a broken tooth often requires more than one visit, as it might need a significant fix. At Salvatore Dental, the initial focus is on alleviating pain and preventing further damage, followed by developing a long-term solution. We offer a one-day crown procedure that can potentially fix a tooth in a single day, but it depends on the specific situation. In some cases, surgical removal might be necessary. The process begins with a diagnosis, pain management, and then creating a plan for a durable solution.
How do we handle dental emergencies after hours?
Salvatore Dental has an emergency line that forwards calls to a cell phone or sends a text or email. While we can prescribe antibiotics over the phone when appropriate, more severe cases might require urgent care or an ER visit, especially if there's swelling, as it can affect breathing. It's essential to prioritize safety and ensure a proper examination when the office reopens, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What can I do to manage tooth pain at home and until my appointment?
Managing tooth pain at home can be challenging. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Motrin, along with ice, can be helpful. Elevating your head while sleeping, such as in a recliner, may alleviate nighttime throbbing. While topical numbing gels are available, they offer limited relief. It's important to contact a dentist and arrange an appointment or inquire about antibiotics. Maintaining regular dental care can prevent emergencies, which often occur unexpectedly. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, or don't have a dentist, consider contacting Salvatore Dental, where new patients are welcome.
What should I do if I have a tooth-related emergency?
If you have a tooth-related emergency, it's important to address it promptly. Severe throbbing pain, broken front teeth from a fall, or significant facial swelling are all serious emergencies. Infections in the mouth can be extremely painful and can spread, so it's crucial to handle these issues before they escalate to an emergency. If it's already an emergency, we're here to help.
What is the first step if I'm experiencing tooth pain?
The first thing you should do is call your dentist to see if you can get an appointment. At Salvatore Dental, we always reserve spots in our schedule for emergencies because we understand the severity of dental pain and infections, which can lead to swelling.
When should I go to urgent care or the ER?
If swelling becomes severe enough to block your airway or starts spreading down the side of your throat, you should go to an urgent care or emergency room to ensure you receive the best possible treatment. Your safety is our top priority, so in such cases, go straight to the hospital.
What are some common dental emergencies?
Common dental emergencies include falling and breaking your teeth, like my daughter who broke her front tooth. Extreme throbbing pain with facial swelling, or if a tooth falls out and causes a lot of pain, are also emergencies. In these instances, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying care can lead to bigger issues.
When is an emergency dental extraction necessary?
An emergency tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth is broken beyond repair or if there's a severe infection. Sometimes, with infections, you need antibiotics before the tooth can be extracted. This is referred to as a "hot tooth," and we typically start antibiotics and schedule the extraction as soon as possible.
What is the process if I have a dental emergency?
In a dental emergency, we start with an exam and x-rays. You'll speak with our doctor to determine the best plan for your situation. This may involve starting antibiotics and scheduling a return visit if same-day care isn't possible. We strive to provide same-day care whenever we can, but if not, we will get you back in as soon as possible.
How can I learn more or schedule an emergency appointment?
If you're experiencing a severe dental emergency or want to learn more about our emergency appointments, please call our office at (518) 868-6900. We're here to assist you.