Though businesses are restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you we’re still here in the event of a dental emergency. Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry, a dentist office in East Hanover, NJ, discusses what’s considered a dental emergency and how you should handle it if one happens to you.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can cover a variety of different things. They’re usually something that comes on suddenly and is immediately noticeable. If one of the common dental emergencies happens to you, the first thing you should do is call our office immediately. We’ll get you in as soon as possible to fix your problem. Otherwise, do the following until you can get into the office:
Tooth Pain
Sudden and severe tooth pain is a good indication that something is wrong. However, it can be caused by a number of different things. These include tooth decay, an abscess, or trauma to the tooth. To fully cure the pain, the dentist will have to diagnose exactly what the problem is. Until you’re seen in the office, utilize over the counter pain medications and a cold compress to ease any pain and swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is often caused by severe trauma. If this happens to you, try to find the tooth. If you can find it, pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root at all if possible. Gently rinse off anything contaminating the tooth. Place it in a cup filled with milk or saliva to preserve the tooth for as long as possible. If the dentist can’t replace the natural tooth, our office has many options available for missing teeth.
Broken or Missing Crown or Filling
While we cement fillings and dental crowns thoroughly, sometimes things can happen. The material may crack or fall out. Never try to replace your crown or filling on your own. However, if you do have a crown get knocked out, try to find it and bring it to the office for your appointment. Your dentist may choose to refit this crown if it’s in good condition, but most likely will give you a new crown or filling.
Broken Dental Bridge or Denture
Sometimes even the biggest dental restorations break. Bring in the pieces of your restoration when you come to the office. Unfortunately, there’s nothing really you can do for this while at home. Your dentist will determine whether he can fix your old dental bridge or denture, or if it will be better to craft you a completely new one.
Emergency Dentist in East Hanover, New Jersey
We recognize that you still need emergency dental care during this crisis. And after the pandemic is over, you’ll want to make sure that the stress didn’t have a severe impact on your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online for future care or a dental emergency.