Ironically, people worry about their teeth and gums not looking up to the mark but hesitate to go for regular checkups out of fear or monetary concerns. But some situations can force you to step into a dental clinic, such as oral injury or sudden dental problem. Many people cannot differentiate between emergencies and non-emergencies and, consequently, take the wrong steps. It can surprise you, but chipped tooth, toothache, pain caused by a dental crown, or falling tooth don't fall under emergency, even though these are serious issues. After learning this, you can feel a little more confused about what makes a dental emergency.

Let’s learn about this and make sure you search for “a Flatiron emergency dentist near me” if you live in this New York neighborhood. Knowing the location of an emergency dentist is as crucial as the oral and dental conditions that demand immediate care and attention.

Overview of dental emergency

Dental emergencies are pretty common nowadays. A study found that nearly 22% of such cases appeared in just six months. However, as mentioned, not every dental problem means it's urgent to seek help. But if you are suffering from tremendous pain and gum bleeding, you cannot wait. Then, a loose tooth for adults is not good, especially if it doesn't accompany any pain. It can indicate deeper trouble. Or someone with any infection should also not delay their treatment. Hence, you can assess your situation and determine what step to take when you are in doubt. Now, check the typical emergencies that you may face and have to rush for urgent help.

Bleeding gums

It is okay to have gum irritation sometimes. But when it continues to bleed, along with being painful and swollen, you would want to see your dentist at the earliest to detect the underlying medical issue. After all, bleeding gums is not a typical symptom.

Swollen jaws

If you notice swelling in your jaws or mouth for unknown reasons, you cannot take any risk by delaying your visit to the dentist. It can occur due to problems with lymph nodes or any other dental issue.

Broken tooth

You can lose a tooth to a sudden blow on your face. It can be pretty scary, but you need to act fast. If you don't delay, your endodontist can fix it quickly. But make sure to carry the tooth by its top and not the root for rinsing purposes. If you can do it, try to insert the tooth back into its place. Don't be too harsh. Leave it if you cannot put it back. However, storing your tooth in a milk or water container will be best to take it safely to the dentist.

Dental emergency causes

An emergency can occur due to unexpected situations like chewing on a hard food item that leads to a crack in your tooth or accidentally chipping one while using a glass bottle for drinking water. Or a car accident, bike ride, or athletic activity can also expose you to oral injury risks. Sometimes, infections cause the formation of pus in the dental roots. When such a situation occurs, you must talk to a licensed dentist. If you don't care for them urgently, they may demand immediate attention down the road. At the same time, you can check your dental insurance plan to understand what it covers and how much.

What can you do to manage the problem until you reach your dentist?

Suppose you have a toothache. In that case, you can wash your mouth with lukewarm water and floss your teeth to remove any stuck food item from the gap. You can also use OTC painkillers. Be careful about how you take medicine. The best practice is not to let aspirin touch the gums to avoid the burning sensation caused by it to the tissues. After this, you can fix an appointment with a dentist for emergency services.

Conversely, a small crack in a tooth without pain may not require you to rush for medical help immediately. However, sharp edges can be a problem for your cheeks and tongue. In this situation, you can alleviate your trouble using a local pharmacy's orthodontic wax. If you are dealing with tissue injury, a rinse with salt water or mouthwash can come in handy. At the same time, you may need cotton gauze to apply a little force on the affected region to control bleeding. Usually, it takes 15-20 minutes to stop. But if this doesn't work, you must head to the dentist immediately.

You may ask what emergency dental care may involve. Generally, dentists prescribe medications like pain relievers and antibiotics to improve your swelling and pain. They will not do restorative work like crowns or fillings. For this, you may have to meet them again once they are back in the office.

Many people don’t care enough about their oral and dental health. Due to this, they may feel that their situation has worsened suddenly. But it doesn't have to be the truth. And, of course, you cannot rule out something happening owing to falls and accidents. No matter what, you should try to preserve and maintain your oral health. If you clean your teeth and gums regularly, it's a good practice. It can prevent countless unwanted troubles and unnecessary dental costs. With this, you also must seek professional cleaning services at least once a year without waiting for a problem to appear.

You will need to have access to a qualified dentist for emergency or any situation. It is better to find someone within your neighborhood or close distance from home. If they provide wide-ranging services, it can be even better. Look for a clinic where you get all types of treatments in one place, such as prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, preventive care, and of course, emergency help. You can approach them for all your dental and oral woes without hesitation. And you may also want to check if they are a part of the dental insurance plan you have taken. It can help reduce your dental cost if the plan covers the treatment.