315-422-0894
Best first visit! I have a great sense of confidence in the course of action we are about to embark on. It’s so hard to find great doctors when you have an Auto immune disease worse when you have to explain it, but to find one who knows about it and dealt with it, is fantastic. The whole staff just made me feel so comfortable today.
- Beth DeWitt
Your doctors at DDS are always on call for you.
Most after hours or weekend emergencies can be dealt with over the phone or wait until regular office hours. However, some things just can’t wait. Here is some information on emergencies, how you can deal with them on your own and when an emergency dentist must be involve ASAP.
Infections causing facial swelling:
These cannot wait. Infections that cause swelling of the face can be life-threatening. If swelling occurs under your eye, along your cheek, or underneath your lower jaw line into the neck, call us at 315-549-2502 for DDS ASAP. In most of these cases, antibiotics and treatment are needed immediately.
Why would I choose this over a pill?
The clock is ticking as soon as this happens. The tooth needs to be replaced and splinted into place by a dentist ASAP for it to survive. In many cases the tooth still does not reconnect and other dental restorative options need to be considered. Also, if the tooth does re-attach, it is very likely it will need a root canal.
What do I do with the tooth in the mean time?
- It is important the tooth does not dry out. Gently rinse off the tooth under warm water without touching the root.
- Put the tooth back into it socket (the space where the tooth came out of) if possible.
- If it can’t put it in a cup of milk.
- Get to the dentist in syracuse ASAP!
If a tooth is not completely knocked out, but is dislodged or loosened, the same applies. Get to an emergency dentist in syracuse ASAP.
Crown or filling comes out:
Use the following steps:
- 1. If there is no pain and the tooth is not in an esthetic area, it can wait until regular office hours to be put in.
- 2. If the tooth is sensitive or is in an esthetic area, over the counter temporary dental cements are available at pharmacies and grocery stores. A small amount of this material may be used to place the crown back on or to fill the void in the tooth. This is only a temporary measure, you need to be seen during regular office hours for a permanent solution.
- 3. If the tooth is very painful even after temporary cements have been used, call the dentist.
- 4. NEVER USE SUPER GLUE. It is toxic to the nerve, so if you use it you could end up creating the need for a root canal. Additionally, it ends up ruining crowns, so if the crown was ok and could have been recemented, you will end up needing a new crown.
Broken teeth:
Depending on the severity of the break, different treatments are indicated. If there is a small chip and the tooth is not sensitive or painful, it can probably wait. If you are experiencing sensitivity or pain, or notice bleeding from the center of the tooth, call us immediately at 315-549-2502, as a root canal may be needed.
As always, when in doubt, just ask our emergency dentist in syracuse, ny. We are happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
1). How do I know if my dental issue is truly an emergency or something that can wait?
A dental emergency often involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, swelling, infection, or trauma to the teeth or jaw. If delaying care could worsen the condition or lead to permanent damage, it’s best to seek treatment right away.
2). What should I do immediately if I experience a sudden dental emergency at home?
Start by staying calm and contacting your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and avoid putting pressure on the affected area until you receive professional care.
3). What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out unexpectedly?
Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, store it in milk or saliva and seek immediate dental care—quick action is critical to saving the tooth.
4). Is swelling in the face or jaw a sign of a serious dental emergency?
Yes. Swelling can be a sign of infection or an abscess, which may spread if not treated promptly. It’s important to seek care right away to protect your oral and overall health.
5). Can a cracked or broken tooth become worse if not treated immediately?
Yes. Even a small crack can worsen over time, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and lead to infection. Early treatment helps prevent more serious complications.
6). What are the risks of ignoring a dental emergency for a few days?
Delaying care can result in increased pain, spreading infection, damage to surrounding teeth or bone, and in some cases, more serious health concerns.
7). How quickly should I seek care for a dental emergency?
It’s best to seek care as soon as possible—ideally the same day. In situations like a knocked-out tooth, receiving treatment within an hour can significantly improve the chances of saving it.
8). Can a dental infection become dangerous if left untreated?
Yes. Untreated infections can spread beyond the tooth to surrounding tissues, the jaw, and even other areas of the body, leading to serious health complications.
9). What should I avoid doing during a dental emergency?
Avoid applying heat to the area, placing aspirin directly on the gums, or attempting to fix the issue yourself. These actions can worsen the condition or cause additional damage.
10). Is it better to wait until the pain becomes severe before seeking emergency care?
No. Waiting can allow the problem to worsen and may require more complex treatment. Early care is always the safest and most effective approach.