Have a Dental Emergency? Visit Us in Lincroft

Have a painful abscess that can't wait another day? Or, perhaps a knocked-out tooth? Don't wait. Call Shore Smiles so we can ensure the dentist is available for you upon your arrival. We prioritize dental emergencies.

Knocked Out Tooth? Here's What to Do.

So long as you follow a few guidelines and quickly visit your dentist, a knocked-out tooth can be saved.  

• See if the tooth will go back into the socket. Back in its socket is the best place to put a tooth that has been knocked out. Even if the tooth is successfully replaced in the socket, you should still make immediate plans to visit your dentist. If you are unable to fit the tooth back into its socket, the next best option is to place it somewhere that is wet and has a similar pH as the mouth. If you anticipate seeing the dentist quickly then you may tuck the tooth into your cheek (not recommended for children, as it may pose a choking risk). Milk has a similar pH as human saliva, so the knocked-out tooth may also be placed in a glass of milk until it can be reinserted. Another option would be to place the tooth in a paper towel thoroughly wetted with spit (saliva).
• Do not try to clean the tooth. Even if the tooth falls on the ground, resist the temptation to try and clean the tooth.
• Handle the tooth by the crown only. The roots of the tooth are highly sensitive and can be easily damaged.
• See a dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth is reinserted back into the socket within five minutes, there is a great chance the tooth can be saved. A tooth can survive up to an hour of being outside of the socket for up to an hour so long as it is handled and stored. The sooner you see a dentist, the more likely it is the tooth can be saved.
• Don't forget the tooth! It's happened before; during the mad dash to get to the dentist, a patient will sometimes forget to bring along the tooth.

Is a Cracked or Chipped Tooth an Emergency?

Not all tooth fractures are emergencies. Although, if a nerve has become exposed, or you are experiencing intense pain or sensitivity, then it is advised that you see a dentist as soon as possible. Any fractured piece of tooth should be kept in a moist towel. (Leaving it in the mouth could pose a choking risk.) If you are unsure whether a cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth is cause for emergency, call your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action. During your appointment, the dentist will most likely recommend a filling, crown, or root canal therapy.

Have a Loose Tooth?

If a tooth is only slightly loose after an impact, you might want to hold off scheduling an appointment. Most cases of trauma-related tooth looseness resolve themselves within a week a or two. Although, a tooth that remains loose for a prolonged period of time can lead to an abscess or infection requiring root canal therapy or extraction. If you feel that the tooth is excessively loose, or that it could pop out, you should schedule an appointment to meet with the dentist.