Whether you or your child have chipped or lost a tooth, or have a lot of pain, you want to know if your injury requires rapid medical attention. Or if it can wait until your next visit with Dr. Joel Levy, of 21st Century Dentistry in Larchmont, NY, to have it examined.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A chipped tooth that doesn't hurt is not a dental emergency. But it is if it has cracked and left sharp edges, or is very painful, or bleeding.

Use a cold compress, and rinse your mouth with warm water to help with the pain until you see your doctor.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate dental attention. You may attempt to very gently slide the tooth back into its socket, as the American Dental Association suggests, without touching the root. If you can't do this you can keep the tooth between your cheek and gums, or preferably in a container with milk. It is very important to keep the tooth moist so the dentist can reattach it.

Losing a baby tooth may not seem like much, but losing it before it is ready to come out can create problems for the adult tooth that will take its place. The surrounding teeth tend to shift and will crowd the spot from which the permanent tooth will emerge.

Your doctor will decide if it can be implanted again or if the injury should be treated with an appliance called a space maintainer. Which will allow the adult tooth to erupt properly. Get in contact with your Larchmont dentist to find out more.

Toothache

If you don't have a lot of pain and can wait until your dentist's business hours the next day then toothache is not considered an emergency.

But severe pain should be treated as quickly as possible.

Especially if you notice signs of infection in your mouth. Such as swelling in your gums, or your face, or have a high fever.

Prevention

The key to dental emergencies is prevention. Use a mouthguard when practicing sports and avoid chewing hard candy, ice, or any hard foods. But most important is proper oral hygiene and maintaining regular checkups. So give Dr. Levy a call. Call either our Larchmont office at (914) 834-9534 or New York City office (212) 986-2287 today.