When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery New Rochelle, NY
Your teeth represent some of your most important assets. Not only are they critical to your ability to obtain proper nutrition, but they are also a vital aspect of your physical appearance and influence the way you present yourself to the outside world. When you have a dental concern, it can be all-consuming. Whether you are struggling with a tooth infection or you have accidentally damaged a tooth, here is what you need to know about a dental surgical emergency.
Our team at Zen Dentistry Westchester in New Rochelle can advise you further, so do not hesitate to call us at (914) 826-8363 for more information.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Dental emergencies often involve uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain and/or infection. Some situations, however, may feel pressing without being dental emergencies. These may include:
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
- Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
- Orthodontic procedures that do not address acute issues
- Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
- Routine dental cleanings and other preventative measures
Patients should keep in mind that the above list is not exhaustive. If there is any confusion about whether or not an immediate visit is necessary, call us at (914) 826-8363. We can determine if an issue can be resolved at a routine visit or requires emergency dental surgery.
“According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a dental emergency is any issue that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.”
Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth may constitute a dental emergency. Sometimes a chip in a tooth is very small and only affects the outer layer of the tooth. These chips are likely to cause no discomfort and may not require emergency dental surgery. However, if one has chipped a tooth and is having pain, it may mean that the tooth's soft pulp, including the nerve root, has been affected.
This can constitute a dental emergency because the soft pulp is at risk of becoming infected. If one has chipped a tooth that is causing pain, they should rinse their mouths with salt water, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact their dentist right away.
“However, if you have chipped a tooth and are having pain, it may mean that the soft pulp of the tooth, including the nerve root, has been affected.”
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth causes discomfort, and it can happen to anyone. Even people who are very conscientious about tooth hygiene are vulnerable to a tooth crack. Some cracked teeth are not emergencies. But if a patient has a cracked tooth and is causing severe pain or bleeding, they may need emergency dental surgery.
Depending on the type of crack and its extent, quick action may save the tooth. A dentist or dental specialist may perform a root canal to restore part or all of the tooth. If one has cracked a tooth, they should make sure to rinse with warm salt water, apply a compress to stop any bleeding, and contact their dentist right away.
“Depending on the type of crack and its extent, quick action may save the tooth.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery in New Rochelle, NY
Infected Teeth
Abscesses form as a result of bacterial tooth infections. Though they may occur in different areas of the tooth for different reasons, periapical tooth abscesses are particularly common. This type of abscess typically occurs due to an untreated dental cavity, trauma, or prior dental work.
Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection. In most cases, root canal treatment will be necessary to attempt to save the tooth. However, in more severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. An untreated tooth abscess may lead to life-threatening complications. As such, it requires immediate attention.
“Infected teeth will need to have their tooth abscesses drained to get rid of the infection.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. How are infected teeth treated?
Q. When is damage to orthodontics a dental emergency?
Q. What is the treatment for a chipped tooth?
Q. What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?
People Also Ask
Q. What should I do while waiting to get to the emergency dentist?
Q. Am I at risk for cracked tooth syndrome (CTS)?
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. What are the risks of untreated dental pain?
Q. Should I visit the ER after a dental emergency?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Damage to Orthodontics
While damage to orthodontics rarely requires dental emergency surgery, a patient's first step should always be to determine the extent of the issue. Damage to orthodontics is typically considered severe when it includes trauma to the teeth, mouth, or face.
Patients with orthodontic devices may suffer puncture wounds or profuse bleeding after experiencing trauma to the mouth. Emergency dental surgery may be necessary when damage to orthodontics results in swelling of the gums, mouth, and face. Unmanageable pain may also be a symptom.
“Patients with orthodontic devices may suffer puncture wounds or profuse bleeding after experiencing trauma to the mouth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most common type of dental injury?
A. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), chipped teeth are the most common type of dental injury. To avoid a chipped tooth, you must wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports and never use your teeth to open things.
Q. How can I avoid a cracked tooth?
A. To avoid a cracked tooth, do not chew on hard items, such as popcorn kernels or hard candy. You should also avoid chewing on non-food items such as pens or ice. Wearing a nightguard can also help reduce the wear and tear on your teeth from grinding, making them more vulnerable to cracking.
Q. Why do I have tooth pain?
A. Many events can cause tooth pain, but most dental pain stems from exposure to the inner part of your tooth, known as the tooth pulp. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth pain commonly results from a cavity, cracked tooth, or an exposed tooth root. Therefore, if having pain, it is critical to follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.
Q. What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
A. If you have knocked out an adult tooth, the ADA advises that you keep it as moist as possible. If you can, replace the tooth into the socket while not touching the tooth root. If you cannot replace it, you can put it in milk or hold it in your mouth to keep it moist. Make sure to contact your dentist right away, so you have the best chance of saving the tooth.
Q. What is characterized as a dental emergency?
A. Dental emergencies are dental issues associated with pain, immense discomfort, and sudden swelling. These problems typically do not fix themselves and require immediate medical attention.
Scan here to view this page, When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery, on mobile
Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Emergency dental surgery can save your tooth and help prevent severe complications. Do not put your health on the line. Call us today at 914-826-8363 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Zen Dentistry Westchester was established in 2022.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Westchester County
- We serve patients from the following cities: New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mt Vernon, Pelham, Scarsdale, Bronxville, Mamaroneck, White Plains, Yonkers, Harrison, Rye, Eastchester, Greenwich, Stamford and Port Chester
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Zen Dentistry Westchester on mobile
Back to top of When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery
QR code for When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Dental Surgery
Related Posts
Welcome To Zen Dentistry Westchester
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the New Rochelle, NY area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures, Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Zen Dentistry Westchester on mobile