Emergency Dentistry: What Really Qualifies as After-Hours Care

Dental emergencies tend to happen at the least convenient times, often when your dentist’s office is closed for the day or weekend. Knowing where to turn can make this challenging situation easier to manage. 

For many residents of the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City, Leslie Azran, DDS, and the team at BH Dental NY are the preferred resource for urgent dental health needs, offering same-day and after-hours appointments. We’re happy to share some more insight into what qualifies as a dental emergency and how to respond. 

What “counts” as a dental emergency?

Strictly defined, a dental emergency is a set of circumstances that is potentially life-threatening if not treated right away. But it isn’t always easy to know if your needs fit into this category. 

That’s because most dental emergencies happen very suddenly, with little warning and when least expected. That can leave you in pain or distress without knowing how to respond. If bleeding is present, it isn’t always readily apparent where it is coming from or how severe the soft tissue damage might be. 

Here are some examples of dental emergencies:

• Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
• Abscess
• Severely cracked or broken tooth
• Severe toothache
• Uncontrolled bleeding 
• Advanced infection
• Lacerations to the gums, tongue, or other oral tissues

As you can see, some of these problems are not actually life-threatening. A knocked-out tooth is not likely to end your life, but it can definitely be the end of that tooth unless you get in to the dentist right away. 

At BH Dental NY, we view dental emergencies as situations in which you cannot comfortably wait for a routinely scheduled office visit to find relief. 

What to do in the event of a dental emergency?

The steps you take in the moments immediately after sustaining a dental emergency can shape the ultimate outcome. This is especially true in the case of a knocked-out tooth. The root portion of a lost tooth is covered in a layer of living cells, and in order for us to have a chance at successfully reimplanting that tooth, those cells need to be alive. 

If you suffer a knocked-out tooth, pick it up without touching the root portion, and gently rinse away any dirt or debris with a slow stream of warm water. Place the tooth back in its socket if possible, or in the space between your cheek and gum. You can also place the tooth in a small container of lukewarm milk to keep the cells hydrated until you can come in. 

If you’re bleeding, apply pressure to the area to stop the flow of blood. A small piece of gauze is usually sufficient, and you may need to replace the gauze multiple times. 

For signs of infection, like swelling, tenderness, and visible pus, it’s absolutely critical to reach out for help right away. Left unchecked, infection can quickly spread to your bloodstream, where it can cause widespread harm. 

While we’re happy to provide this overview of some of the more common issues that bring patients in for emergency dental services, the reality is that everyone is different, and no one knows your body like you do. If you’re in pain or concerned about specific symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our office to explain the situation. 

No matter what type of dental emergency you encounter, be sure to give us a quick call to determine your next steps. We’re happy to speak with you over the phone to learn more about your unique circumstances and provide guidance on how you should proceed. BH Dental NY also offers online booking as an option for less time-sensitive scheduling needs.