Dental emergencies can happen at any moment of any day. While staying prepared and keeping your smile healthy through consistent dental check-ups is wise, it’s impossible to predict when one might need emergency dentistry services.
Can your dental problem wait until tomorrow, or should you visit our same-day dentists in Manhattan? To know for sure, Group Health Dental has compiled this list of five common signs that can help you understand if you need to visit an emergency dentist.
1. Extreme Toothache
A standard emergency dentistry symptom is discomfort. If you are experiencing considerable and constant dental pain, it’s time to schedule an emergency dental appointment. A toothache can indicate underlying issues, such as damage, decay, or impaction. Our Manhattan emergency dentistry department can properly conduct an oral exam and take x-rays (if needed) to get to the root of your problem.
2. Exposed Nerves
Are you unsure if you have an exposed nerve? Well, most people can feel it. Exposed nerves trigger searing pain when sipping cold drinks, eating, and even breathing. While covering the sensitive area with a piece of sugarless gum can deliver temporary relief, you’ll need to meet with an emergency dentist as soon as possible for appropriate treatment.
3. Broken or Missing Teeth or Dental Restorations
A fractured or missing tooth, filling, or dental crown is a red flag. Since this is a problem that only a licensed dentist can fix, schedule an emergency dental appointment immediately for restoration or replacement; in the meantime, manage symptoms and store your tooth in a glass of milk or water (and your dental restoration in a clean plastic bag).
4. Swelling
Typically, swelling signifies that infection is present in the body. Sadly, untreated oral infections can quickly turn life-threatening. Therefore, if you notice swelling in the gums, face, or lymph nodes, head to our same-day dental office in Manhattan for immediate treatment. While you’re there, be sure to tell our emergency dentistry team how long you’ve been suffering from swelling and other comorbidities so we can deliver the proper treatment.
5. Oral Sores or Growth
It’s wise to contact your dentist if you notice a new growth or sore in your mouth that doesn’t go away after a week or two. Oral sores and growth can be an early sign of oral cancer, and a dentist can perform an oral cancer screening to identify whether you’re at risk for oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there have been 54,540 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer in 2023 alone, so it’s sensible to continuously monitor for signs of oral cancer on the tongue, tonsils, gums, and other parts of the mouth.
Contact Group Health Dental If You’re Concerned About Your Oral Health
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Let the Group Health Dental team be your first line of defense during a dental emergency. Call 212-398-9690 today to schedule same-day emergency dentistry in Manhattan, to alleviate discomfort and swelling to save your oral health.
