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When Should You Visit Your Emergency Dentist in Tarrytown NY?

Broadway Cosmetic Dentistry • Jun 15, 2021

You should only see your emergency dentist in Tarrytown NY in an actual dental emergency. When is your situation considered an emergency? Find out here.

emergency dentist in tarrytown ny

Severe periodontal (gum) disease is the 11th most prevalent disease in the world. In some cases, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if left unattended. If you're in pain, you need to visit your emergency dentist in Tarrytown, NY right away.


Aching gums and teeth are only two common types of dental emergencies, though.


Not sure when you should see your emergency dentist? Here are nine cases when you shouldn't wait to ask for help. If you develop one of these dental problems, visit your emergency dentist right away.



Keep reading to discover the top types of dental emergencies today.

1. Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess can form when bacteria cause a pocket of pus to build. In time, the abscess could reach the top of the tooth's root. In these cases, you've developed a periapical abscess. 


Unfortunately, the prognosis for leaving dental abscesses untreated isn't ideal. In fact, your mortality rate could increase to 40% if you develop mediastinitis. Your airway could become compromised, too.


You'll need intubation as a result.


The infection could continue to spread as well. If the infection reaches your brain, your mortality rate can increase.


A periapical tooth abscess can form if you don't treat a dental cavity right away. Poor dental hygiene (not brushing, flossing, or scheduling cleanings) can cause an abscess, too.


Developing a dry mouth due to aging and certain medications can increase your risk. A high-sugar diet (which can lead to cavities) is a common cause as well.


If you think you're at risk of developing an abscess, speak with your dentist. They can help you develop a dental plan to reduce your risk.


Otherwise, a tooth abscess can become painful when left untreated. Symptoms include:


  • Sensitivity when chewing
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Facial swelling
  • A foul, salty taste in the mouth
  • Tender, swollen lymph nodes
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and beverages
  • A severe, throbbing toothache
  • Fever


If you start experiencing these symptoms, visit your emergency dentist in Tarrytown, NY. They can assess your oral health. They might recommend draining the abscess to clear the infection.



Otherwise, they might recommend a root canal as a form of treatment. 

2. Toothache

A small toothache might not seem like a big deal until you start experiencing severe pain. Don't wait for that to happen. A toothache could indicate a bigger problem, including:


  • Exposed roots
  • Dry socket
  • Infections
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Dental cavities


The pain might feel sharp and sudden or dull and constant. 


Injuries, infections, and decay are all common causes of toothaches. Toothaches develop when the tooth's root becomes irritated. As bacteria in your mouth spreads, you could develop gum disease or dental decay as well.


Inflammation can irritate the central portion of the tooth (pulp) as a result. 


If you have a toothache, you might experience:


  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
  • Swollen glands
  • Fever
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling around a tooth
  • Swelling of the jaw
  • Injury or trauma to the area
  • Bleeding or discharge around the tooth or gums
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Headaches


Don't wait to contact an emergency dentist if you experience these symptoms.


Usually, you can avoid developing a toothache with proper oral hygiene. Make sure to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months, too.



You can also request your dentist use fluoride and sealants to further protect your teeth.

3. Knocked Out Tooth

A sporting injury or car accident could knock out a tooth. Sometimes, you can have the tooth placed back in without a dental implant. Make sure to save the tooth.


Pick it up by the crown, not root. Then, rinse the tooth with water. Don't use soap.



Place the tooth in milk until you can visit your emergency dentist. Make sure to call them as soon as possible. 

4. Broken/Chipped Tooth

An accident could also cause you to break, chip, or crack a tooth.


First, make sure to save the pieces. Rinse your mouth and the piece with warm water. If you experience pain, press a cold compress against your face.



If you experience bleeding, let your dentist know. 

5. Facial Swelling

If you develop an infection, your immune system will respond with inflammation. You could experience swelling around the gums and cheeks as a result.



Visit your emergency dentist right away. Inflammation could spread otherwise.

6. Gum Abscess

Pus can develop on the gums, forming a gum abscess. You could experience severe oral pain. A gum abscess can cause serious health complications, too.


An abscess forms when there's an infection between your gums and teeth. The bacteria can build, weakening your immune system.


Symptoms include:


  • Pus discharge
  • Fever
  • A loose tooth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
  • A bad taste in your mouth



If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your emergency dentist in Tarrytown, NY. They can order an X-ray to check for periodontal disease or infection.

7. Damaged Braces

If your braces are damaged, make sure to call your orthodontist. For example, you might have a:


  • Loose band
  • Broken wire from a bracket
  • Wire poking out



You don't want a loose wire to scratch the inside of your mouth. Cover it with a cotton ball until you can visit your dentist.

8. Bleeding Mouth

If you have bleeding gums, it could indicate bacteria or inflammation. It might mean you have food particles trapped under your gums, too.



Apply a cold compress and rinse your mouth out with salt water until you can see your dentist.

9. Lost Crown/Filling

Try not to swallow your crown if it falls out. If a crown or filling falls loose, it could indicate tooth decay.



Talk with your emergency dentist. They can put the crown back into place or suggest another option.

Dental 911: 9 Reasons to Visit Your Emergency Dentist in Tarrytown, NY

If one or more of these situations sound familiar, don't wait to call for help. Schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Tarrytown, NY right away. Responding quickly can benefit your oral health.


Need help right away? We're here for you.



Request an appointment to get started.

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