Nobody plans for a dental emergency. One minute you are enjoying dinner or playing catch with your kids, and the next minute you are holding a broken tooth in your hand or wincing from a sudden, sharp pain. It’s stressful and in that moment, it’s hard to think clearly.
If a dental emergency happens to you or someone in your family, you will know exactly what to do before you ever make it to our office. At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Victor Gittleman and our team are always just a phone call away for emergency dentistry care. But knowing these simple steps can make all the difference in saving a tooth, reducing pain, and staying calm.
If you are searching for an emergency dentist Morristown, NJ patients trust, we are here to help you through any dental emergency.
Knocked-Out Tooth
This is one of the few true dental emergencies where timing matters most. If a tooth gets knocked completely out, do not panic. You have about 30 to 60 minutes to get to a dentist for the best chance of saving it.
Here is what to do:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, which is the chewing part, not the root.
- Rinse the tooth gently to remove debris and don’t scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
- Try to place the tooth back in its socket. If that isn’t possible, place it in a small container of saline solution or your own saliva.
- Call us immediately.
While we will do what we can to save the tooth, it ‘s not always possible. However, quick timing can help make restoration easier. We can discuss your options, such as dental implants or dental bridges, and get started on restoring your smile right away.
Fractured or Chipped Tooth
A damaged tooth may not hurt right away, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Even a small chip can let bacteria in and lead to infection or further damage down the road.
If you chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze if you experience bleeding. Use a cold compress on your cheek to keep swelling down. Save any pieces of the tooth if you can find them and then call our office.
Even if the pain goes away, we still need to take a look. Some fractures are invisible to the naked eye but show up clearly on digital X-rays. Dr. Gittleman uses advanced technology to detect problems early and provide the right treatment.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain is miserable. It can make it hard to eat, sleep, or focus on anything else. But before you reach for medication, take these steps.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Gently floss around the sore tooth. Sometimes the problem is just a piece of trapped food. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum or tooth. That can burn the soft tissue. Apply a cold compress to your cheek if there is swelling. Call us to describe what you are feeling.
A toothache almost never goes away on its own. It’s your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. Dr. Gittleman will help figure out whether you have a cavity, an infection, or something else entirely. He has over 30 years of experience and advanced training from Boston University and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. You’re in expert hands.
Something Stuck Between Your Teeth
This one happens more often than you would think. A popcorn hull, a seed, or a tiny piece of bone can wedge itself between teeth and cause real discomfort.
Try using dental floss first, gently. Do not use a pin, paperclip, or any sharp object to poke around because it can scratch the enamel or injure your gums. If floss does not work, give us a call. We have safe tools that can remove the object without damage.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling or dental crown falls out, the tooth underneath becomes exposed and vulnerable. This can cause sensitivity and increase the risk of decay.
If you lose a filling, you can temporarily fill the space with a piece of sugar-free gum or over-the-counter dental cement. For a lost crown, try to slip it back over the tooth. You can use a small amount of toothpaste or dental adhesive to hold it in place until you see us. Call our office right away to schedule a repair.
Abscess or Swelling
An abscess is a serious infection that can cause swelling, pain, and fever. If you notice a pimple-like bump on your gums or swelling in your face, do not wait. This is a true emergency.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help draw out some of the infection. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Call us immediately. An untreated abscess can spread to other parts of your body and become life-threatening. Dr. Gittleman can treat the infection and relieve your pain.
When in Doubt, Call Us
You don’t have to guess whether something is an emergency. That’s what we are here for. If you’re unsure, call our office and explain what happened. Our team will ask a few questions, tell you what to do next, and either bring you in or help you manage things at home until we can see you.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer on-site parking and a full coffee bar to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We treat every patient like family and never rush you. Dr. Gittleman takes time to listen, explain your options, and answer your questions.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While you can’t prevent all emergencies, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Wear a custom mouthguard during sports.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy.
- Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
- Keep up with regular dental checkups so we can catch small problems before they become emergencies.
Stay calm and act quickly. Your smile is worth it. We’ll be ready to help the moment you walk through our doors.
Get Urgent Dental Care in Morristown
Call Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry today at (973) 287-3337. You can also visit us at 31 Dehart St in Morristown, NJ. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. We’re here to help.