Are you experiencing a throbbing toothache? Maybe you tripped and fell in Times Square, or your jaw is so swollen that it hurts to open your mouth. Regardless of what you have, you need urgent care. But where should you go? If you’re looking for immediate relief, start by searching for Emergency dental near me. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may need to visit an emergency room or a specialized dental office.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can lead to health problems if it is not repaired. This is especially true if the break exposes the inner pulp or if it collects bacteria and becomes infected. If this happens, root canal treatment may be required.
A break can occur when a small piece of the pointy or elevated part of a tooth, called a cusp, is loosened or breaks off. This usually does not hurt and does not affect the nerve, but it should be checked to prevent further damage and pain.
Minor bleeding from a broken tooth can be controlled by applying pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. It is also possible to purchase kits at drugstores that include dental wax to cover jagged edges. This can be used until a dentist is able to repair the broken tooth. In the meantime, patients can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse their mouth with a mixture of water and salt.
Toothache
Toothaches can range from mild irritation that goes away on its own to a painful cavity or gum infection. If the pain is unrelenting and doesn’t go away, you need to call your dentist right away.
A toothache is often caused by an underlying issue, such as an infection, lost filling or cracked tooth. Unless the pain is addressed, it will continue to get worse and may even lead to more serious dental problems down the road.
To determine the cause of your toothache, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination. They will ask questions about where the pain is located, what makes it better or worse and when it started. They will also take X-rays and other tests as needed. They will then recommend the best treatment option for you.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction can be a painful procedure, but sometimes it’s necessary. A dentist can help you replace your missing tooth with dental restorations like dentures or a dental bridge.
The dentist will first numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. They may use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth from its socket, and then they will pull it with forceps. In more complicated extractions, such as those involving impacted wisdom teeth, the dentist might need to make an incision and remove some of the surrounding bone tissue.
The dentist will place a gauze pad in the socket and ask you to bite down on it for several hours after the procedure to reduce bleeding and form a blood clot. If you have trouble biting down, you can also apply pressure with a damp cloth. Make sure to change the gauze periodically before it becomes soaked with blood.
Broken Crown
Dental crowns, or caps, are designed to cover a damaged tooth and provide structural support. However, crowns are prone to breaking if they become weakened by tooth decay or underlying issues, and they may also break due to trauma.
When a crown breaks, it exposes the sensitive underlying tooth and increases the risk of infection and decay. In addition, broken crowns can make chewing and speaking difficult. Fortunately, a timely repair or replacement can restore comfort and functionality.
If your crown has broken, you should call your dentist right away to arrange an appointment for a consultation and treatment. In the meantime, you should protect the affected tooth by brushing gently and avoiding hard foods. If you experience pain, try pressing a cold compress against your cheek near the affected tooth to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. It is also important to take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage pain and prevent complications. This can include ibuprofen and acetaminophen.