You bite down on that crunchy baguette, and suddenly, you're filled with regret. The crack was audible. You gingerly feel it out with your tongue, and your worst nightmare is realized.
It's 9 PM on a Saturday night, and you've got a broken tooth- no, wait, an agonizing broken tooth to deal with. You know you need treatment, and you can't let it
get infected. Now's the time to call an emergency dentist in Brewster who's got your back and can treat you as soon as possible.
Let's find out how a 24-hour emergency dentist can ease your pain and set you on the road to recovery.
Unlike hospitals, which have 24-hour emergency departments, dental offices usually have extended business hours but don't have an all-day service. So, getting urgent dental care in Brewster is slightly more complex than getting medical care. However, the best Brewster dental services offer out-of-hours consultations for patients who need them.
Therefore, it's important to be sure that you really need an emergency dentist before you make that call. Here's a handy checklist that can help you make the right decision.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you or someone in your family has had a tooth knocked out, this is a genuine emergency. It's time to drop everything and call a 24-hour emergency dentist. If you can get in fast enough, there is a chance that the tooth can be saved.
Some tips from the Oral Health Foundation include:
- Stem the bleeding by getting a clean piece of cloth, folding it, and holding it down over the socket.
- Bite down to keep the cloth in place.
- Feel free to take painkillers, but avoid aspirin, which is a blood thinner.
- Pick up the tooth by the biting surface and wash the root in water or milk if dirty
- Try to put the tooth back in, continuing to bite down on the cloth to hold it in place.
- Do not put the tooth back in if it is broken.
- Head to the emergency dentist as soon as possible.
If you can make it to the dentist within an hour of the tooth being knocked out, there's a chance to save it. Even if the tooth is broken, take it to the dentist as soon as possible.
At the appointment, the dentist will take x-rays and see whether the tooth has reimplanted correctly. If it hasn't, you may need further treatment. Expect to visit the dentist again for a follow-up to check the tooth is healing well.
Broken Tooth
Broken and chipped teeth can cause immense pain and, if not treated quickly, can lead to other complications. Even a crack can allow bacteria into the pulp of your teeth.
This can cause an extremely
painful abscess-an infection that could spread if left untreated.
First, apply some clean gauze to the wound to keep it clean. Then place a cold pack on your cheek to reduce the swelling and take the edge off the pain. When you come into the dentist's office, bring the broken tooth with you.
Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may be able to:
- Fill the tooth
- Bond it to repair the crack
- Perform a
root canal and apply a temporary crown
Getting prompt help gives you the best chance of saving the tooth, relieving pain, and stopping infections. However, if the damage is too serious to repair, you may need an emergency
tooth extraction.
Loosened Teeth
If you've sustained a facial injury that has loosened one or more of your teeth, this is an emergency. Call a 24-hour emergency dentist and get yourself down there as soon as possible. Apply a cold compress to your cheek, and do not do anything to the teeth.
Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may be able to save the teeth.
Toothache
Toothache is one of the most unbearable types of pain anyone can face. It's natural to want to do all we can to relieve it, including seeing a pain relief dentist in Brewster as quickly as possible!
However, before you schedule your emergency visit, here are a few self-help tips that could reduce the pain:
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove any debris that is putting pressure on it and causing pain.
- Rinse your mouth with warm, salted water.
- Try over-the-counter pain relief.
If the pain persists or is getting worse, or if a gum abscess causes it, call emergency Brewster dental services to diagnose and treat the problem.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown may seem like more of an inconvenience than an emergency. However, it could leave the underlying structure of your tooth exposed to infection and be very uncomfortable. Therefore, it's usually best to see an emergency dentist.
In the meantime, you can purchase dental adhesive at a pharmacy. Applying this to the affected surface can help to keep infection out until you can see a dentist.
