A dental emergency can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. That’s why we are committed to providing prompt and reliable emergency to our patients. When you’re facing a dental emergency, you can trust our experienced Crestwood Dental team to be there for you.
Dental emergencies are among the general dentistry services we provide to the public. Isn’t it nice to know that when an emergency happens, you can count on seeing a dentist you know and trust?
If you have a dental emergency, please give us a call at 914-793-4411. As a service to our patients of record, Dr. Gorsky is available after office hours for dental emergencies. Dr. Gorsky takes your situation very seriously and will deal with your problem quickly and efficiently. We make every effort to see emergencies the same day when considered necessary to address the problem.
In other cases, we can make recommendations for at-home care until your visit.
Types of Dental Emergencies
It is crucial to understand what a dental emergency is. Otherwise, you may not seek dental care when you need it.
Toothache
Severe or persistent tooth pain could indicate underlying issues such as infection or decay. If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain, it is essential to seek dental attention as soon as possible. This can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
Dental Trauma
Accidents or injuries can result in broken chipped or knocked-out teeth. In this case, it is crucial for you to seek prompt treatment. Our team can help preserve the affected tooth and minimize your risk of permanent damage.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown, it can expose the underlying tooth structure. As a result, it can become vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. We can help prevent infection and restore the integrity of the affected tooth.
Abscess or Swelling
An abscessed tooth or gum infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever in some cases. These symptoms indicate a serious dental infection. When you have an infection, it is vital to get medical attention. This is because the bacteria can spread, causing potential systemic complications.
Soft Tissues Injuries
Injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums can result in profuse bleeding and discomfort. You need immediate first aid and attention to assess the extent of the injury and prevent infection.
Preventing a Dental Emergency
The foundation of prevention lies in maintaining regular dental visits. Professional checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to detect issues like cavities, gum disease, or weakened enamel before they turn into emergencies. Small cavities, for example, are simple to treat with fillings, but if ignored, they can progress to infections that may require root canals or extractions. Early detection helps you avoid sudden, severe pain and more complex procedures.
Strong daily oral hygiene habits also play a key role in preventing emergencies. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily removes plaque and bacteria that lead to decay and gum disease. Mouthwash can provide additional protection by reducing harmful bacteria. Consistent care keeps your teeth strong and lowers the risk of infections that could lead to unexpected trips to the dentist.
Diet and lifestyle choices also impact your chances of experiencing a dental emergency. Limiting sugary foods and acidic drinks helps protect your enamel from erosion and cavities. Staying hydrated with water keeps your mouth clean and supports saliva production, which naturally washes away bacteria. Avoiding tobacco and reducing alcohol use also lowers your risk for oral health complications.
Protective gear is another important part of prevention. If you play sports, especially contact sports, wearing a professionally made mouthguard can greatly reduce the risk of broken teeth, lip injuries, and jaw trauma. For patients who grind their teeth at night, a custom nightguard prevents excessive wear, cracks, and fractures that could otherwise result in sudden emergencies.
Awareness of everyday habits can also protect your teeth. Many people damage their teeth by using them as tools to open bottles, tear packages, or bite on hard objects like ice or pens. These habits increase the risk of cracks and chips that require urgent care. Choosing to protect your teeth rather than misuse them reduces your chances of experiencing a sudden break.
Finally, managing existing dental issues right away prevents emergencies from developing. If you notice signs like tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or a loose filling, don’t delay care. Addressing these early warnings stops the problem from worsening and turning into an urgent situation.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
A dental emergency can happen to anyone at any time. Learn more below.
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
While ERs can provide pain relief and antibiotics, they typically don’t have dentists on staff and cannot perform dental procedures. For dental-specific emergencies, it’s best to contact an emergency dentist directly. However, if your dental issue involves facial trauma, severe swelling, or difficulty breathing, you should go to the ER immediately. In some cases, both ER and dental care may be necessary.
How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?
A toothache is a dental emergency if the pain is intense, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or discharge. These symptoms may indicate an infection or abscess, which requires prompt treatment. Call us immediately if over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help or the pain interferes with daily life. Ignoring severe tooth pain can lead to complications.
Will insurance cover emergency dental care?
Many dental insurance plans include coverage for emergency procedures, especially extractions or infection treatment. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on the policy. It’s best to check with your provider or the dental office beforehand.
What if I have swelling in my face or gums?
Swelling in your face or gums may indicate an infection and should be taken seriously. It could be a sign of an abscess or other underlying issue needing urgent care. If swelling is severe or spreading, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER. For milder cases, contact us right away for an evaluation.
Can emergency dentists pull a tooth?
Emergency dentists are trained to perform extractions when a tooth is too damaged or infected to save. They’ll first assess whether the tooth can be repaired, but if extraction is needed, they can do it immediately. Pain relief is typically provided to make the procedure more comfortable. We will also discuss options for replacing the tooth afterward.
What happens if I delay emergency dental care?
Delaying care can worsen the condition, increase pain, and lead to more complex and expensive treatment. Infections may spread to other body parts, and damaged teeth may become unsalvageable. Prompt treatment often means simpler procedures and better outcomes. It also helps avoid long-term complications like bone loss or tooth misalignment.
We can develop personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique needs and risk factors. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Crestwood Dental extends its services to Yonkers, New Rochelle, Eastchester, and all Westchester County residents.