A dental emergency can strike anyone at any time. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to know what to do to get the prompt care you need. Here at Dr. Skopp’s Staten Island dental practice, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and confusing. That’s why we’re here to provide you with the information you need to handle a dental emergency effectively.

Common Dental Emergencies

• Severe toothache: A severe toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication could be a sign of an infection or other dental problem.
• Badly cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can be painful and can also lead to infection.
• Knocked-out tooth: If you knock out a tooth, it’s important to act quickly to try and save the tooth.
• Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth: An extruded tooth is a tooth that has been partially knocked out of its socket.
• Dental abscess (swelling of your face and jaw): A dental abscess is a pus-filled infection that can be very painful.
• Lost or broken dental restoration: A lost or broken crown, filling, or bridge can expose the underlying tooth to further damage.
• Severe soft tissue injury (like a busted lip or deep cut): While not a tooth-related emergency, a severe soft tissue injury in the mouth can be serious and requires prompt medical attention.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

The first step in any dental emergency is to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re experiencing severe pain, take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the discomfort.

Here are some specific steps to take for different types of dental emergencies:

• Severe toothache: Call your dentist immediately for an appointment. In the meantime, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation.
• Cracked tooth: Call your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the crack, your dentist may recommend treatment options such as a filling, crown, or root canal.
• Knocked-out tooth: If you knock out a tooth, try to locate the tooth and gently rinse it off with water. If possible, try to put the tooth back into its socket. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk and call your dentist immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth.
• Extruded tooth: Similar to a knocked-out tooth, try to gently push the tooth back into its socket. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, call your dentist immediately.
• Dental abscess: Dental abscesses are serious and require prompt medical attention. Call your dentist or go to the emergency room if you experience facial swelling or a fever in addition to a toothache.
• Lost or broken dental restoration: Call your dentist to schedule an appointment to have your restoration repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A damaged restoration can leave your tooth vulnerable to further decay.
• Severe soft tissue injury: For severe soft tissue injuries in the mouth, such as a busted lip or deep cut, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop or if the injury is significant, go to the emergency room.

Call Dr. Skopp for Dental Emergencies in Staten Island

If you experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Marshall S Skopp DMD, the leading dentist in Staten Island, NY. We understand that dental emergencies can be frightening, and we’re here to help you get the prompt care you need to restore your smile and your oral health. Our practice is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, and we offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your needs. Call us today at 718-982-5230 to learn more about our emergency dental services.

Remember, a dental emergency can happen to anyone. By knowing what to do and having a dentist you trust on your side, you can be prepared to handle any unexpected situation.