Emergency Dentist in Union

If you’ve damaged or broken your tooth or have another dental problem, is it an emergency? Should you go to the emergency room or find an emergency dentist? Does it need immediate treatment, or can it wait until business hours?

If you have an unexpected dental crisis, you’re probably asking yourself all these questions and more. For answers, please continue reading.

It can be very helpful to add the number of an emergency dentist to your list of emergency preparedness numbers so that you know whom to call when you have an emergency. Reducing stress by even a small amount can make a large difference when you’re in the middle of a crisis.

What Do You Consider a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that causes extreme pain or can cause long-lasting or permanent damage if left untreated. If you have an unexpected dental situation that’s causing pain, then you have a dental emergency. The following list details the six most common dental emergencies we encounter:

1. Abscessed teeth
   Although many patients seek emergency treatment for an abscessed tooth, they shouldn’t be in this situation because abscesses rarely appear within a day or two. Typically, it takes weeks, months, or even years for an infected tooth to become an abscessed tooth. Good oral hygiene habits that include regular dental visits can prevent an infected tooth from becoming abscessed.
   
   However, if you have an abscessed tooth and haven’t seen a dentist, you should do so without delay. Abscessed teeth can be life-threatening, so don’t ignore them. The bloodstream carries the bacteria in the abscess throughout the body, including to your major organs, so don’t ignore an abscessed tooth. If you have one, call us today for an appointment.
2. Broken tooth
   There are many reasons why a tooth will break, including structural weakness, a very large filling, age, trauma, and more. If your tooth has broken, it’s important to get to an emergency dentist without delay. Be sure to cover any sharp or jagged edges with dental wax, so you don’t cut or chafe the inside of your cheek. Call our Union office during regular hours, and we’ll see you as soon as possible. A broken tooth is an urgent situation, but it can sometimes wait until regular hours to be repaired. Be sure to keep sharp edges covered until your dentist can make repairs.
3. Knocked-out tooth
   Knocked-out teeth are very common in teens, the very young, and active adults, but they can occur at any age. If you have a knocked-out tooth, immediately rinse it under warm water and then replace it in the socket. Call our Union office immediately, and we’ll see you as soon as possible. When knocked-out teeth are treated promptly, the tooth can usually be saved, and you won’t need an artificial replacement. If it’s after hours, then go directly to the nearest emergency room.
4. Lost or loose crown or filling
   If your crown or filling has become loose, or if you’ve lost it, then call our Union emergency dentist, and we’ll see you as soon as possible. You should seek immediate treatment for it so that bacteria doesn’t get inside the tooth and cause infection. We can provide you with a temporary to wear until your permanent crown arrives, or we can provide a permanent filling. However, you need immediate treatment, so call us during regular hours for an appointment. You may be able to receive temporary treatment at the local emergency room, but you’ll likely need an appointment with your regular dentist to receive a permanent crown or filling.
5. Orthodontic device causing pain
   Your orthodontic appliance shouldn’t be causing you pain. If it is, then call our Union emergency dentist for an appointment, and we’ll see you as soon as possible. If you have braces and are in pain due to a broken wire or bracket, you should seek immediate treatment because your braces won’t work correctly without functioning wires and brackets. Broken wires and brackets can also cut and abrade your mouth. Call our office during regular business hours, and we’ll see you as soon as possible. If it’s after hours, you can go to your local ER for temporary treatment.
6. Severe toothache or pressure
   If you develop a sudden, severe toothache or pressure, seek immediate emergency treatment. Call our Union office or go to your local emergency room. Sudden, severe pain usually indicates an emergency that shouldn’t be ignored.

 As always, it’s better to seek emergency treatment if it’s not an emergency than not to seek emergency treatment when you have an emergency. If you think you have an emergency, seek immediate treatment, whether it’s during regular business hours or after regular hours.

Does There Need To Be A Symptom Other Than Pain?

Pain is your body’s method of notifying you that there’s a problem you need to address. If you have pain or any of the following, you need immediate treatment from your Union dentist or the local emergency room. 

• Severe bleeding
• Severe swelling
• Sudden injury to the face, head, jaw, or teeth

If any of those symptoms are are accompanied by chills, a fever, or difficulty with breathing, the combination of these symptoms can be life-threatening, so don’t delay seeking emergency treatment or calling 911.

Who Does Emergency Dentistry in Union?

 If you need emergency dental services in Union, then call American Dental Center at (908) 279-0623, and we can help you. We try to see emergency patients as soon as possible, often the same day they call. If we’re unable to see you, we’ll work with you so that you get the treatment you need.

Is the Emergency Room a Better Option Than an Emergency Dentist?

 If it’s during regular business hours, your emergency dentist may be able to see you sooner than your local ER. If it’s after hours, then go to your local emergency room.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene and Avoid Dental Emergencies

Many dental emergencies can be avoided when you maintain good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups. If you or a family member need emergency dentistry, then give us a call during regular hours. Otherwise, go immediately to your nearest ER.