Dental emergencies are rarely predictable and can occur at any time. Many of these are preventable with proper oral care. However, it is important to know when a problem is considered an emergency so that you can seek immediate treatment. Oftentimes, delaying treatment will only cause the issue to worsen. If left untreated, a dental problem can escalate into a more serious emergency dentists near me and require harsher treatments.

The most common dental emergencies are severe toothaches and cracked or fractured teeth. The former is usually a sign of infection or decay, while the latter can result from trauma or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to contact an emergency dentist near you as soon as possible in order to receive appropriate care and avoid more serious issues.

Toothaches are most commonly caused by inflammation in the central portion of a tooth called the pulp. This is typically due to tooth decay that has eroded the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth, but it can also be caused by trauma or gum disease. If the pain is extreme and does not subside with rinsing or over-the-counter painkillers, it is a dental emergency and requires immediate attention.

Chipped or Fractured Teeth

A broken tooth may range from a small crack to a break that exposes the root, a split tooth or a knocked-out tooth. A 24-hour emergency dentist will evaluate the severity of a break and offer treatment to relieve pain, prevent further damage and restore the tooth.

Broken tooth restorations like fillings or crowns require emergency treatment to repair and preserve the tooth. If a restoration becomes loose or falls out completely, it can create an opening that is susceptible to bacteria and further deterioration. Replacing the restoration will eliminate the pain and reduce the risk of infection.

An abscessed tooth is another reason to visit an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible. This bacterial infection can be extremely painful and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. An emergency dentist will drain the abscess and provide antibiotics to prevent further infections and complications.

Other dental emergencies that need immediate attention include a jaw injury, severe bleeding, a swollen gland in the mouth or neck, and facial or gum swelling. If a person experiences any of these issues, they should contact an emergency dentist near them as soon as possible. Visiting an emergency dentist as soon as the problem occurs helps to prevent it from becoming more severe and saves time and money in the long run. This is especially important in a city like New York, where it can be challenging to find a nearby emergency dentist. Using an online resource like Emergency Dental Service can help patients connect with emergency dentists that provide the care they need, when they need it.