Emergency Dentistry

The warning signs of a dental emergency can emerge when you least expect them, and when they do, Heejoo Pyon, DDS, is ready to help at HP Dental in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. Dr. Pyon and her staff take pride in using state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat dental emergencies for effective, quality care. Call the clinic today or book an appointment online to learn more about emergency dentistry.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry addresses dental concerns that demand immediate attention. Seeking emergency care can help relieve pain, preserve tooth function, and minimize your risk of needing invasive treatment. The providers at HP Dental offer same-day appointments and on-call staff for patients with dental emergencies.

How do I know if I need emergency dentistry?

Dental emergencies aren’t always obvious, but understanding the warning signs ensures you can quickly get the care you need. Telltale signs of a dental emergency include:

• Persistent bleeding
• Toothache
• Pain when chewing
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Tongue, lip, or inner cheek injuries
• Lost filling or crown
• Tender, swollen gums

Sometimes swollen gums that form a small bump can indicate a dental abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that contains harmful bacteria. If an abscess ruptures, it can spread bacteria into your bloodstream. Emergency dentistry is essential to prevent complications, such as severe pain, tooth loss, or widespread infection. 

What should I do if I need emergency dentistry?

If you think you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist at HP Dental immediately. The experienced staff can schedule your same-day visit and offer tips to protect your teeth in the meantime. Common care tips may include:

Preserving knocked-out teeth

Replacing knocked-out teeth is often possible if you protect the missing tooth. Gently rinse the tooth in warm water without disturbing the root. Try to insert the tooth into your socket, root-side up, and carefully bite down to hold it in place. If you can’t re-insert the tooth, store it in a glass of saliva or milk until your appointment.

Protecting fractured teeth

If possible, locate the missing piece of tooth and bring it to your emergency visit. You can take anti-inflammatory pain relievers to manage any discomfort you experience. If your tooth fractures at a sharp angle, you can cover it with a small piece of dental wax or sugar-free gum.

Lost filling or crown

Try to locate your lost filling or crown and bring it to your visit. If you can’t find it, your dentist can fit you for temporary restorations while they create new ones.

Toothache

Understanding the cause of a toothache is essential before treating it. If you have severe or persistent tooth pain, avoid taking pain relievers until your visit. You can apply an ice pack to reduce swelling in the area while you wait.

Don’t wait to seek treatment if you have a dental emergency. Call HP Dental today or use the online booking tool to schedule a same-day visit.