Even when you brush twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist every six months, it’s still possible to encounter dental emergencies. From cracked and chipped teeth to painful toothaches that won’t seem to go away, people have to take millions of hours away from important parts of their lives to take care of these issues. Read on to learn what the four most common dental emergencies in Long Island are and how your emergency dentist treats them.
Knocked-Out Tooth
The top causes of knocked-out teeth include falls, sports-related trauma, and vehicle collisions. In fact, many people are surprised something as simple as a fall can knock out a tooth, but the reality is, that’s the most common!
In some cases, your emergency dentist may be able to re-plant the tooth back in its socket. This can typically be done if the tooth is completely intact, it has been stored in milk, and when you’ve been able to get to your dental office within about an hour of the incident. If this can’t be done, your dentist may recommend tooth replacement options for you, like dental implants or a bridge.
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches can impact your life in a number of ways, from making it impossible to focus at work and school to keeping you up at night while you’re trying to rest. These are often caused by tooth infections, which develop when harmful oral bacteria gain access to the inner chamber of your tooth, attacking the pulp. When this issue strikes, you’ll either need root canal treatment to keep the infection from spreading and preserve your natural tooth, or if the infection has already progressed, a tooth extraction
Lost Filling or Crown
The adhesive used to attach dental crowns and fillings to teeth can lose its bonding quality over time, especially if you consume a lot of acidic foods and beverages that can break it down faster. They can also fall off of teeth due to eating excessively sticky foods, or even due to wear-and-tear over time. Based on your emergency dentist’s assessment, you may either need a new restoration, or your old one may be able to be re-adhered to your tooth.
Chipped Tooth
Chipped teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies. In fact, it’s estimated that one in 10 people in the United States have chipped at least one tooth, according to the American Dental Association. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may require a non-invasive treatment like cosmetic bonding, or a more extensive procedure, like a dental crown. This will be based on how much of your tooth has been damaged.
About the Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, our team is comprised of seven highly skilled experts with different backgrounds and specialty training, allowing us to provide virtually every treatment you may need under one roof. We also offer same-day emergency appointments, ensuring that you don’t have to stay in pain for any longer than absolutely necessary. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit LIC Dental Associates’ website or call 718-530-6539.