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Emergency Dentistry Westchester
If you need emergency oral care in Westchester, you should seek help immediately. Dr. Andrew Greenberg is an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon in Briarcliff, New York who is ready to provide emergency care when you need it. But what is and what isn’t considered an emergency? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you determine what you should do when the unexpected happens to your teeth.
What Is Considered An Oral Health Emergency?
Nobody wants to think that they’ll need emergency care someday. But accidents happen, and when they do, knowing the extent of the damage and whether it’s an emergency or can wait for an appointment during normal hours is key.
An emergency is a problem that threatens your life, causes you a lot of pain, or poses enough of a risk that you could lose a tooth or develop an infection. The good news is that oral health professionals understand that emergencies happen, and Dr. Greenberg is one of them.
What Are Some Types Of Common Oral Health Emergencies?
There are many kinds of oral health emergencies. Some happen suddenly like if you get into a car accident or have a collision during a sporting event. Others can develop over time until you wake up one morning in pain. The kind of emergency you have will determine your treatment.
• Swollen or Bleeding Gums
It’s one thing to brush a little too hard and end up with seeing some pink in the sink after rinsing, but bleeding and swelling gums that have no explanation and won’t stop is cause for serious concern. It’s certainly scary, and seeking immediate care is advisable because bleeding and swelling are symptoms of a possible underlying condition.
• Painful Toothache
A painful toothache has several causes. Regardless of the cause, you want the pain to stop. An oral surgeon like Dr. Greenberg can make the pain stop while getting to the bottom of the cause and effectively treating it.
• Swelling and Pain in the Jaw or Mouth
Pain and swelling in the jaw or mouth could be the result of a dangerous underlying issue that requires treatment right away. You could have an infection, a fracture, an abscess, or other life-threatening problem. Don’t ignore your pain. Your body is telling you to seek care because something is wrong.
• Nerve Exposure
Most, if not all of us, have an experience with nerve pain. At some point, we’ve gone to the dentist for a filling only for the drill to trigger a nerve in one or more of our teeth. An exposed nerve due to a broken tooth or gum loss can be excruciating. Waiting too long to seek care could result in infection, nerve damage, and other negative side-effects. Special toothpaste for sensitivity won’t be enough to make this pain go away.
• Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth
This is a particularly scary scenario because it likely happened suddenly and there’s probably blood. It’s important to remain calm, however, because your next actions can potentially save your tooth. Retrieve the tooth or the broken pieces without touching the root. Rinse them off and place in a container of milk to preserve it until Dr. Greenberg can make the repairs during your emergency visit.
Contact Dr. Greenberg ahead of time so he can prepare. Try to gently reinsert the tooth into the socket if it is whole. Following these steps increases the chances of saving the tooth. If Dr. Greenberg cannot save your tooth, he can provide you with a dental implant to replace it. After all, he is a highly skilled oral surgeon.
• Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus in a tooth that causes an infection. Symptoms can include fever, sensitive tooth, toothache, swelling of the gums, and something resembling a pimple on your gums. An infection can easily and quickly spread to other parts of the body, making an abscess a reason to seek emergency care from an oral surgeon like Dr. Greenberg.
• Broken or Missing Filling or Crown
A missing filling will expose cavities and tooth nerves, which will cause pain and sensitivity. It also weakens the tooth, making it susceptible to further damage. A missing crown with severe pain can require a root canal. So, don’t wait for an appointment to get a replacement crown or filling if you are in pain.
What Is Not An Oral Health Emergency?
Of course, understanding what is not an emergency is equally important because it will save you time and money, but will also free up Dr. Greenberg to attend to real emergencies.
• Cavities
Unless your cavity is causing you severe pain, it can wait for a regular appointment.
• Dental Cleanings
A routine dental cleaning is NOT an emergency. Schedule a routine appointment every six months to get a cleaning.
• Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is also not an emergency. This can wait, as can other aesthetic dental care.
• Lost Crown or Filling That Isn’t Causing Immediate Pain
If you are experiencing severe pain after losing a crown or filling, seek immediate care. But if you are not in pain or don’t feel any symptoms of an infection, simply schedule a regular appointment as early as possible with your dentist and they will fix you up. Until then, treat your tooth gently by eating a softer diet and gently brushing.
What Should I Do If I Have An Emergency?
The most important thing to do during an oral health emergency is to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take any steps necessary to curtail bleeding or to preserve the tooth. Call Dr. Greenberg so he knows you are coming in. You can reach Dr. Greenberg by calling 914-762-3388. Avoid food and drinks to prevent contamination and drive safely.
How Can I Avoid Emergencies?
Unfortunately, not every emergency can be avoided. But there are steps you can take to prevent one from occurring.
• Brush your teeth and floss regularly to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks.
• Eat healthy foods and limit sugary sweets.
• Limit or avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly when the bristles are worn out.
• Wear a helmet, face mask, or mouthguard while playing sports.
• Schedule regular dental checkups to spot and treat potential problems early.
• Don’t wait too long to get care.
Contact Dr. Greenberg
Dr. Greenberg provides emergency care in Westchester County and surrounding communities in New York. He has decades of experience treating emergency oral health issues. He is a skilled oral surgeon and he treats his patients with respect and compassion. To contact Dr. Greenberg, call our Briarcliff office at 914-762-3388 or visit our website today!