Sometimes it’s easy to tell if you need an emergency dentist appointment: an accident damages your teeth or gums, a tooth is knocked out completely, or you’re experiencing piercing pain. These dental problems should be addressed immediately with a visit to an emergency dentist in NYC to minimize risk of permanent damage, or more extensive repairs down the road. But sometimes dental problems can go unnoticed, and it’s harder to know when you need an appointment with an emergency dentist in NYC.  What constitutes a dental emergency?

Signs You May Need to See an Emergency Dentist NYC:

1. Sensitivity to heat: while sensitivity to cold is fairly common and does not require emergency treatment, tooth sensitivity to heat may indicate an infection is present, especially if accompanied by swelling and/or fever.
2. Fractured tooth: a fractured tooth may cause momentary, sharp pain while biting or chewing as the pieces move. If left untreated, a fractured tooth can allow bacteria to enter and infect the tooth pulp within.
3. Broken braces or wires: this should be rectified immediately by making an appointment with your orthodontist.
4. Swelling in the mouth or gums: This may indicate the presence of an infection. The area will appear red and feel tender and warm to the touch.
5. Abscessed tooth: an abscessed tooth is the result of untreated cavities. It is indicated by a pus formation near the root of the tooth, and will require a root canal to drill out the infected portion of the tooth. You may also require antibiotics.

In order to avoid the possible need for an emergency dentist appointment in NYC, folks in Manhattan should also avoid certain common local activities.

Local Activities Which May Result in a Necessary Visit to an Emergency Dentist: NYC Edition

• Biting into falafel sandwiches from questionable street food vendors –texture of stale or burned falafels may cause tooth fractures.
• Entering into pedestrian altercations on the sidewalk – energetic assaults by New Yorkers have been known to dislodge teeth entirely.
• Frequenting summertime street fairs – consistent consumption of lemonade and crepes contributes to cavity formation, which can lead to emergency root canals.
• Falling asleep on the subway – involuntary dozing holds the danger of accidental nodding, which in severe cases may cause the passenger to fall and damage teeth.

If you experience dangerous symptoms such as swelling or sharp pain, call and make an appointment with your local emergency dentist in NYC as soon as possible. For more information about seeing an emergency dentist NYC and help caring for dental emergencies, be sure to visit our Emergency Care page!