If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office at (973) 287-3337. We can instruct you on what steps to take next. Our team will work with you to schedule a dental visit as soon as possible.
A dental emergency can occur at the most inconvenient times, often causing stress, pain, and discomfort. Dr. Victor Gittleman offers emergency dentistry care in our Morristown, New Jersey, dentist office. We offer convenient office hours and on-site parking to make your visit as easy and efficient as possible.
Our team can work with you through all phases of your care to meet your needs. If you need an emergency dentist in Morristown, NJ, contact Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry. We provide solutions to dental emergencies as a general dentistry service.
How Will I Know If I Am Experiencing A Dental Emergency?
It may be difficult to determine if you are experiencing a dental emergency. If you have questions about your dental health, we recommend you contact our Morristown dentist office. Our team can assess your needs and determine if you need an emergency dental visit. The most important step in any dental emergency is to stay calm and contact our emergency dental team.
Common types of dental emergencies may include:
- A chipped or fractured tooth
- Dental infection or abscess
- Knocked out a permanent tooth
- Severe toothache
- A lost or damaged dental restoration
- Mouth trauma after an accident
What to Do at Home Before Your Emergency Visit
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, there are steps you can take at home to manage pain and protect your tooth before you reach our office. Here is what you should do for each type of emergency.
A Chipped or Fractured Tooth
If you chip or fracture a tooth, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Save any broken pieces you can find and bring them to your appointment. Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Dental Infection or Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that needs prompt attention. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to help draw out the infection and reduce pain. Do not press on the swollen area or try to pop the abscess yourself. Take over-the-counter pain relievers and call our office right away for an emergency appointment.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
If you knock out a permanent tooth, pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse it with water if it is dirty. Do not scrub or remove any tissue attached to the root. Try to place the tooth back into its socket.
If that is not possible, store it in a container of your own saliva to keep it moist. Call us immediately. The best chance to save the tooth is within the first hour.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can be a sign of infection or deep decay. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area and remove any food particles. Gently floss around the tooth to make sure nothing is stuck between your teeth.
Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, but never place aspirin directly on your tooth or gums, as this can cause tissue damage.
A Lost or Damaged Dental Restoration
If you lose a filling or crown, the exposed tooth can be sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Keep the restoration if you can find it. You can temporarily reattach a crown with dental cement or cover any sharp edges or sensitive areas with dental wax or sugar-free gum. Call our office to schedule a repair as soon as possible.
Mouth Trauma After an Accident
If you experience trauma to your mouth from a fall, sports injury, or accident, start by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater to clean any wounds. Apply gauze to any bleeding areas and hold firm pressure for about 10 minutes.
Use a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling. If the bleeding does not stop or you have severe pain, go to the emergency room or call our office for immediate guidance.
Emergency Dentistry Services in Morristown, NJ
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to dental excellence. We work with patients of all ages to improve the health of their smiles.
Our dental office offers a full range of emergency dental services. Depending on your needs, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Full-service dental implants
- Dental crown replacement or repair
- Dental filling replacement or repair
- Address dental infections
- Emergency tooth extraction
- Relieve tooth pain and dental discomfort
- Repair chipped, fractured, or damaged teeth
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How to Prevent a Dental Emergency
In some cases, dental emergencies are avoidable. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of tooth pain and infection.
Wear a Custom Sports Mouthguard
If you or your child plays contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball, a mouthguard is a must. Sports-related injuries are one of the leading causes of dental emergencies. A hard hit to the face can crack, chip, or even knock out a tooth. Dr. Gittleman creates custom-made sports mouthguards that fit your teeth perfectly. They’re comfortable, secure, and made from high-quality materials that absorb impact.
Brush and Floss Every Day
Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to break or get infected. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily removes plaque and bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. A small cavity left untreated can lead to a painful infection or a cracked tooth under pressure. Regular check-ups with Dr. Gittleman help catch small problems before they become emergencies.
Avoid Chewing on Hard or Non-Food Items
Your teeth are strong, but they are not tools. Chewing on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or pens can crack a tooth. Opening packages with your teeth is a fast way to chip an edge. These habits may not cause damage right away, but over time, they weaken your teeth and put you at risk for a sudden break.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks
Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Acidic foods and drinks like soda, sports drinks, and citrus fruits can wear down your enamel. Weakened enamel is more likely to crack or decay. You do not have to give up your favorite treats entirely, but rinse your mouth with water after having them and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Dental Emergency FAQs
We welcome you to read answers to common questions about dental emergencies in Morristown, NJ.
What can you do to relieve pain if you are waiting for the dentist with a dental emergency?
If you can’t see a dentist right away for severe pain, apply a cold compress to the area. Switching between a hot and cold compress is a good way to decrease swelling. You may take over-the-counter painkillers for relief. When you see Dr. Gittleman, be sure to report which medication you took.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency and my regular dentist is unreachable?
Your treatment options for dental emergencies at home vary depending on the severity and type of the emergency. If you have broken or chipped a tooth, the first step is to attempt to find the broken pieces. For a dental emergency, call our dentist immediately. Until we can see you, use ice for swelling and ibuprofen for pain.
Can a lost filling or crown be a dental emergency?
A missing filling or crown can be a dental emergency because it can cause pain and make eating hard. Visiting your dentist as soon as possible will help you avoid further problems like tooth decay or infection. In the meantime, do not chew on that side of your mouth and try using over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will my dental insurance cover emergency dental care?
Most dental insurance plans will cover emergency dental care. However, we advise that you check with your provider to be sure. Your provider may have specific guidelines or limitations on emergency care and how much they will cover. Being prepared for any unexpected dental issues is better than being surprised with large dental bills.
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Yes, you can go to the Emergency Room for a dental emergency. However, they cannot offer the same type of care as your dentist.
If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, a facial injury, or trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency room. They can help with pain relief and temporary fixes. You must visit your dentist for long-term care afterward.
What are the risks of delaying treatment for a dental emergency?
Failing to seek treatment for a dental emergency can lead to more pain, infection, and long-term damage to your teeth. If you wait too long, the problem could get worse. Worsening dental issues will need more extensive and expensive treatment. See a dentist immediately for any dental emergency to prevent serious complications.
Contact Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry For Emergency Care
Did you just break a tooth or have sudden, sharp tooth pain? Call (973) 287-3337 for emergency dental procedures in Morristown, NJ. If you don’t have an emergency but have a dental problem, schedule an appointment online today.