Dental Emergencies in West Milford, NJ
We’ll never turn you away when you need urgent dental care, which is why we give immediate attention to your situation when you call us with a dental emergency. We’ll arrange to see you at our office as soon as we’re able if you call us during our regular business hours.
If you have a dental emergency after hours, call our office and follow the instructions provided on the recording. One of our team members will return your call as soon as possible. If you’re dealing with a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away or go to your nearest emergency room for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What is considered a dental emergency?
We consider the following situations to be dental emergencies:
- Severe pain
- Dental abscesses
- Knocked out or broken teeth
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Loose dental implants and restorations that have broken or fallen out may also be dental emergencies, depending on the circumstances. Call our office and we can help you determine whether you need urgent treatment.
What do you do if your tooth gets knocked out?
It’s hard not to panic if you knock out your tooth, but you’ll be relieved to know that with prompt treatment, we can often successfully replace your tooth. It’s important to never touch the root of the tooth; instead, hold it by the crown. Rinse it gently to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Then, if you’re comfortable doing so, attempt to push the tooth back into the socket. If you’re not able to do this, put the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva and bring it in with you to your appointment. Call our office right away—we can stabilize the tooth to help your gums grow back securely.
What helps unbearable tooth pain?
There are ways to relieve unbearable tooth pain temporarily, but the only treatment is to resolve the underlying problem by getting the dental care you need. Call our office for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain medication, numbing gel, and cold compresses for temporary relief.
How urgent is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is quite urgent; it requires emergency dental care. In addition to being extremely painful, abscesses very easily spread infection to surrounding tissues, bone, and even other parts of the body. When this occurs, it has the potential to be fatal.
Can I go to the ER for dental emergencies?
Yes, you can go to the ER for a dental emergency, but it’s not usually advisable. Emergency rooms do not have dentists on staff. ER doctors can help with pain management, drain an abscess, and prescribe antibiotics for infection, but they can’t do dental work, which is what is needed to treat the cause of your pain.
Are cavities considered a dental emergency?
No, cavities are not considered a dental emergency. The only exceptions to this would be if your cavity has caused your tooth to break, is accompanied by an abscess, or is causing you severe pain.