Did you know there’s an ER doctor for dentistry? They’re called emergency dentists and can help you when something goes wrong with your smile and you can’t wait for your next six-month exam.

When to see an emergency dentist

There are several types of emergencies which constitute a visit to your South Brunswick emergency dentist. Here are a few of them and what you should do:
Toothache

If your tooth has been aching for several days, you should consult an emergency dentist. Pain in your teeth or jaw could signal serious underlying problems such as tooth decay or a dental abscess. Painful or swollen gums could also indicate gum disease or an infection.

Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth

If you’re in an accident or just bite on something you shouldn’t, and one or more of your teeth suffers because of it, seek out a South Brunswick emergency dentist immediately. The sooner you seek help, the more easily and effectively an emergency dentist will be able to repair the damage.

As you prepare to head to your dentist, rinse your mouth out with warm water. You can apply a cold compress to your face as well. If possible, bring the tooth fragment with you in a wet towel or gauze.

Knocked out or loosened teeth

If it was your whole tooth that suffered a blow, call your emergency dentist. Missing teeth can lead to infections, bone decay, and shifting if not treated. If your tooth was knocked out, an emergency dentist may be able to reinsert it. To help your chances, try to gently insert it back into the socket if you can. You can use a clean washcloth to hold the tooth by its crown. If your tooth is dirty, rinse the root of before placing it back in your mouth. Do not scrub the tooth, however, or attempt to remove any attached tissue.

If you can’t reinsert the tooth before heading to the emergency dentist, hold your tooth under your tongue or keep it in a glass of milk. Whenever possible, bring the tooth with you to your emergency dentist in South Brunswick.

Lost crowns or fillings

When a crown or filling comes out, the sensitive interior of your tooth is exposed. Not only can this be very painful, but it’s also dangerous for your tooth’s help. If this happens to you, try to fill the gap with a cloth or piece of sugarless gum and call your emergency dentist.

Broken or dislocated jaw

If you break your jaw, you need to head to an emergency room immediately. Hold a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to your face on the way.

Bitten tongue, cheek, or lip

If you’ve bitten through your tongue, cheek, or lip, an emergency dentist can help. To determine if a visit is necessary, clean the bite area with a wet cloth. Keep a cold compress applied to help reduce swelling. If there is excessive or persistent bleeding, you should consult your emergency dentist or visit the emergency room.

When to go to the hospital emergency room

While an emergency dentist can help in many situations, there are times a hospital is the best place to go. If any of the following are true, head to the ER:

• You have serious soft tissue injuries
• Your jaw has been fractured, broken, or dislocated
• You have an abscess with severe swelling
• You are immuno-compromised or have a chronic illness
• You experienced a sudden impact to your head or neck
• You’re experiencing severe swelling or bleeding
• Your pain was sudden and severe
• You’re having difficulty breathing or swallowing

The moral of the story

Virtually all adults believe having a healthy smile is socially important. According to 96% of those surveyed, an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex. For 74%, a winning smile is integral to career success. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that over half of adults surveyed believe the smile to be the single physical feature which remains the most attractive as we grown and age.
Knowing this to be true, wouldn’t you want to protect your smile? Whether you’ve been in an accident, suffered a trauma, or are tired of putting up with toothache, if you care about your smile, don’t put off medical help; call your South Brunswick emergency dentist.