A dental emergency can be a frightening experience, but taking care of the issue can go a long way towards protecting your long-term health. If you are experiencing a dental emergency in New York City during our normal business hours, Monday -Thursday from 8am – 5pm, we will make every effort to see you on the same day. If our office is closed and this is a true medical emergency, please call 911 right away.
What is a Dental Emergency?
An emergency dental situation may involve:
- Tooth loss
- Severe pain
- Swelling or redness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
If you have lost a tooth through an accident or another traumatic event, it is important that you keep it moist. Avoiding the root, place the tooth back in its socket or in between your cheek and gums to hold in place until you can get to our office or a 24-hour emergency dentistry location. A glass of milk will work in a pinch or if you need to preserve the tooth for a longer period of time.
Issues that are important to address quickly but do not require immediate attention include:
- Minor toothache
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- The development of an abscess
- Red or swollen gums
- A damaged restoration
- Cavities
When you call our office with one of these issues, we will make every effort to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Please remember, discomfort is an indication of something wrong. Never ignore discomfort.
Dental Care and Your Long Term Health
When a tooth is missing, your jaw will begin to redistribute the minerals that are making your jawbone dense and strong. As a result, jaw shrinkage and collapse will occur after tooth loss unless appropriate care is taken to restore the smile. In addition, missing teeth increase risks for adjacent tooth slippage, additional tooth loss, gum disease and infection. Taking care of a knocked out tooth is always the best option.
Discomfort may be a sign of infection – either in a tooth or in the gums. Gum infections such as gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a serious condition that may result in tooth loss, chronic pain, and halitosis. Perhaps more worrisome is the direct link that has been found between advanced gum disease and:
- Cardiac arrest
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
- Liver and kidney failure
- Dementia
Seeking proper care when you’re experiencing a dental emergency can help you avoid these larger complications while also producing a smile that is strong, functional, and attractive.
Contact Our NYC Emergency Dentists
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Manhattan or surrounding areas, please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 to schedule the next available appointment.
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