Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can occur at any time of day, from accidents and injuries to ongoing issues, such as serious tooth decay that may worsen over time. If extreme pain, tooth damage, wounds, or other oral problems of major concern arise, the experienced dental team at Cornerstone Dental Green Brook will do their best to promptly alleviate pain and discomfort while prioritizing the utmost in safety and patient care. Our Green Brook dentists will be able to properly assess the severity of the condition and find the most effective solution to restore oral health and function. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact our office at (732) 424-8483.

Dental Emergency Examples
Dentist vs. ER for Dental Emergencies
Preventing a Dental Emergency

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency can relate to a variety of painful or damaging issues concerning the teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Generally, some of the most common dental emergencies include:

Sudden or severe tooth pain
A fractured, loose, or broken tooth
An injury or trauma to the teeth and/or jawbone
A cracked or missing crown or filling
A dental abscess
Radiating pain in dental nerves
Unexplained pain in the gum area

If you experience any of these symptoms or have any immediate dental concerns, it is best to address the situation early on. While certain circumstances may be remedied at home, our dental team recommends reaching out for professional advice right away to avoid further damage.

Should I Go to a Dentist or the ER for Dental Emergencies?

Although emergency rooms and hospitals can provide necessary care for certain injuries that may cause trauma to the mouth, face, and jawline, ER physicians are typically not trained or experienced to treat dental emergencies. In many cases relating to the dental concerns listed above, an ER facility will likely refer the patient to an emergency dentist. Cornerstone Dental does their best to remedy dental emergencies in a timely manner with either an immediate appointment or intermediate advice.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While it may not be possible to predict injuries resulting from accidents and sudden trauma, there are certain precautions that can help reduce their likelihood or minimize their long-term impact. A few ways to minimize the risk of an emergency dental situation include:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing twice daily, flossing at night, and attending routine dental cleanings and exams can make it less likely for individuals to develop tooth decay and oral issues that may eventually lead to painful dental conditions.
Wear a Mouthguard – Protecting the teeth and gums with a mouthguard while participating in sports and physical activities can help to deter a dental injury resulting from harmful contact with body parts, equipment, and hard surfaces.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools – Using your teeth or lips to open packages, bottles, and other items could potentially cause immediate or long-term damage by chipping or cracking teeth as well as causing jaw pain.
Promptly Seek Treatment – Delaying dental care for an existing condition may cause a bigger issue when not treated in a reasonable amount of time.

If you are concerned about a possible dental emergency, contact our office for last-minute appointment requests and extended hours: (732) 424-8483.

Additional Dental References:

American Dental Association: Dental Emergencies