Emergency Dentistry Specialist

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is the discipline of dentistry that tackles dental issues that need immediate treatment. There are many types of dental emergencies, most of which are caused by unpredictable injuries or infections that you don’t see coming.

Common dental emergencies include:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Injuries to your gums
• Teeth that are knocked out
• Severe, unexplained tooth or jaw pain
• Lost or broken dentures or crowns

If you’re unsure whether your issue is an emergency, look for signs like swelling, pain, bleeding, and abscesses. It’s best to err on the side of caution when dealing with complications involving your teeth if you want to keep them all intact and avoid infections.

What should I do to care for my tooth in the event of a dental emergency?

In the event of a dental emergency, you should call the office or visit Yonkers Dental Arts as soon as you can. However, since emergencies aren’t predictable and can happen at any hour of the night or when you’re far from home, immediate professional emergency dental care isn’t always an option.

Until you can get professional care, you should:

• Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water
• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling
• Apply pressure to stop any bleeding
• Take a nonprescription pain reliever

You can also place a tooth that has fallen out in a glass of milk or keep it in your mouth between your cheek and gums until you see Dr. Schraner.

How can I help prevent dental emergencies?

Since they often happen unexpectedly, there is always the possibility that a dental emergency is unpreventable. However, there are a few steps you can take to keep your mouth safe and lower your chances of needing emergency dental care, such as:

• Wear a mouthguard while playing sports
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like pencils, popcorn seeds, and ice cubes
• Avoid using your teeth as scissors
• Keep your mouth clean and well maintained
• Get regular dental cleanings

At your routine dental exams, Dr. Schraner can give you additional tips for avoiding emergencies according to your lifestyle. Even though your teeth are strong, you should treat them somewhat delicately and care for them throughout your life.

If you have a dental emergency and don’t want permanent damage to your smile, call Yonkers Dental Arts or visit during open hours as soon as you can. You can also use online booking to check for the next available opening.