Emergency Dentistry Edison

Specialized Emergency Care for Complex Situations

Dental emergencies always happen at the most stressful moments. For more complex cases, it may be difficult to find an emergency dentist that has enough experience, knowledge, and skills to handle them. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have Dr. Shah’s number on-hand. As a prosthodontist, he has undergone advanced training to handle the most complicated emergency cases, so you can trust that you’re in safe hands if you ever find yourself experiencing a dental emergency in Edison, NJ.

Why Choose Edison Prosthodontics for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Appointments Available
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation Helps Relax Patients
  • Highly Experienced & Capable Dental Team

 

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

  • Give us a call right away. If you contact us right away, there’s a very good chance we can schedule you for a same-day appointment. Over the phone, an experienced team member will walk you through basic first-aid instructions that you will follow until you can reach our office.
  • Have an emergency exam. When you get to our office, Dr. Shah will conduct a detailed examination to identify the cause of your emergency.
  • Review your treatment options. Dr. Shah will explain his findings to you, review your treatment options, and create a custom treatment plan to quickly get your oral health back to normal.
  • Get the care you need. Our team may be able to relieve your pain during your appointment. However, you might also have to return for additional treatment. We’ll work quickly to repair your smile and protect your teeth.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

The first step you should always take if you experience a dental emergency is to contact our dental office. We will do our best to carve out an appointment time for you in our schedule on the same day so you don’t have to sit in pain. Our team can also provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance to ensure that your mouth doesn’t sustain any additional damage between the time of the accident and when you get to our prosthodontic office.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

Every emergency situation is unique, which is why we’ll examine your mouth beforehand in order to determine what treatment you need. More involved procedures that require the placement of restorations and tooth extractions will be more costly than those that address minor damage. At Edison Prosthodontics, we accept many PPO plans and are more than happy to file insurance claims on your behalf to make this type of care easily affordable. To learn more about what to expect, simply keep reading.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

Getting emergency dental care is not as expensive as you might think. During your appointment, we’ll examine your situation to determine the best treatment method for your smile. Because each case varies from patient to patient, it’s impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate until you see us.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the exact price, there are several factors you must consider. For example, you need to take into account the type of restorative treatment that’s needed. Our team will make sure to thoroughly explain your options before you move forward with anything.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Some dental emergencies are unavoidable, like those that occur from physical injury. Others happen because of unchecked infection or decay. Luckily, you can avoid these situations with the right practices in place! Taking proper care of your smile and visiting Dr. Shah regularly can help you save thousands of dollars over the years. Of course, the best way to avoid emergencies in the first place is by addressing a problem as soon as you notice it. The longer you wait, the larger the costs will grow.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

You’ll be happy to know that most dental insurance plans will offer some form of coverage for emergency situations. Usually, at least one yearly emergency exam is fully covered under some plans. In addition, common services associated with hurting teeth (like root canal therapy or extractions) are eligible for partial coverage. Before moving forward with treatment, make sure you confirm the details of your policy with your insurance provider. If needed, our team is more than happy to help facilitate this process!

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Just because you don’t have dental insurance doesn’t mean you have to pay for your emergency care out-of-pocket. Our practice offers additional financing options to help you stay within your budget. Some of those include:

  • In-House Dental Savings Plan: For a low annual fee, you can enjoy the benefits of traditional dental insurance without the red tape! You can get one emergency visit per year and discounts on other services.
  • CareCredit Financing: With this option, you can split up the total cost of your care into smaller monthly installments. It makes it incredibly easy to afford anything that you need, including emergency dental care.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Although we’re here to help make dental emergencies in Edison as stress-free as possible, we completely understand wanting to avoid them altogether. Although you can’t prevent ALL dental injuries, there are some proven ways you can reduce your risk of experiencing one. Here are some tips to help make that happen.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Your biannual checkups and cleanings at our specialty dental office serve multiple purposes, from removing stubborn tartar to screening for oral cancer. These periodic visits also allow us to catch issues like tooth decay and loose restorations before they require emergency treatment. So, if it’s been longer than six months since your last visit with us, don’t wait any longer – schedule an appointment!

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

To prevent plaque build-up, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, you need to implement a solid oral hygiene routine. While this naturally includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, it also extends to using the right tools and being mindful of timing. For example, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride, and you should brush for a full two minutes each morning and evening.

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Many patients forget that what they eat impacts their oral health. That’s why it’s so important to eat well-balanced meals that are filled with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and fruits. While you don’t have to cut out sugar entirely for the sake of your smile, it is important to be mindful of your intake of added sugar to help prevent tooth decay from developing. Similarly, it’s helpful to exercise caution with extremely hard or crunchy foods that have the potential to crack a tooth.

Wear a Mouthguard

A protective mouthguard is an absolute must if you play sports. This device may be small, but it can play a big role in protecting your teeth and gums from the impact of a rogue ball or rough tackle. We also recommend custom mouthguards to patients who chronically grind or clench their teeth. That way, we can help protect your teeth from premature wear and tear.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

In short, if you’re having trouble opening a package or don’t have a bottle cap opener close by, do NOT use your teeth. Although they are sharp, they aren’t designed to withstand that pressure, which can result in them chipping, cracking, or breaking. On a similar note, you shouldn’t chew on ice, your fingernails, pen caps, or any other hard items.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

Most emergency rooms are unable to effectively treat dental emergencies because they usually don’t have a trained dental professional on staff. Because of that, it’s best to schedule an emergency appointment with Dr. Shah if you’re in need of urgent oral care. He can quickly restore your smile and get your health back on the right track.

The only time an emergency room visit is a better option is when you think you have a jaw fracture, serious laceration, or uncontrollable bleeding. In these cases, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention for your injuries.

Do Chipped Teeth Heal?

While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it does not have the ability to heal on its own. If you have a chipped tooth, you need to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications. Regardless of the extent of damage, the enamel will not grow back. To improve the shape and condition of the tooth, you will have to explore your restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dentistry Kit?

You should always be prepared for the unexpected! Make sure you keep an emergency dentistry kit with you at all times that contains the following essentials:

  • Small sealable container for teeth or restorations
  • Sterile gloves
  • Gauze pads and dressings
  • Denture adhesive
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen
  • Floss
  • An ice pack or another cold compress
  • Our practice’s emergency contact information

Can I Pop a Dental Abscess on My Own?

Absolutely not! You should never pop a dental abscess on your own, no matter the circumstance. The first thing you should do is get in touch with our office to rule out a dental infection. A tooth or gum abscess that’s the result of an infection is always considered an emergency. If you pop the abscess, you will only expose your mouth to more bacteria and irritate the area more. Failing to get the treatment you need may cause the infection to spread within the mouth and other areas of the body like the neck, throat, and head.

More to Explore

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Toothaches

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency? If your toothache is resulting in a sharp pain when you bite down, there is a bump on your gums near the tooth, you’re experiencing symptoms of an infection, or the discomfort has lasted more than 24 hours, then the answer is “yes!” In that case, it’s important that you call our office right away so we can schedule a same-day appointment and pinpoint the root of the problem.

How You Should Handle a Toothache - Luckily, there are a few short-term solutions that will ease your discomfort until you arrive at our office. First, do your best to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth since that can exacerbate any pain you’re experiencing. Second, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed to minimize discomfort and place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek to alleviate any swelling. Lastly, if you need to sleep before your appointment, prop your head up with a few pillows to prevent blood from rushing to the area.

How We Treat Toothaches - Once you arrive at our office, we will take the necessary X-rays and Dr. Shah will conduct an exam. If your toothache is the result of tooth decay, then he may recommend a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. If, on the other hand, your toothache is due to a more serious problem, like a severe fracture, then the best solution may be to remove the tooth and replace it with a dental bridge or implant. As always, he will review all of your treatment options thoroughly so you can confidently decide what is best for your oral health.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

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Chipped Teeth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? Although a chipped tooth may not seem like a dental emergency, it does warrant a call to our office. Over the phone, we can determine if a same-day appointment is necessary, which is often the case if the chip is significant or is causing you any pain.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth - One of our first recommendations is rinsing your mouth with room-temperature water. This will remove any lingering shards of your tooth and help remove any bacteria from the area simultaneously. Next, place a piece of sugarless gum (or dental wax) over the sharp edge of your tooth to protect your tongue, lips, and the inside of your cheeks from being cut. And, if needed, you can take OTC pain medication to combat any sensitivity you’re experiencing.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth - Fortunately, our team at Edison Prosthodontics offers multiple treatments for chipped teeth. The first is cosmetic dental bonding, which is a painless, quick, and cost-effective way to restore the missing structure of your tooth. The second is veneers, which are long-lasting, lifelike, and able to address multiple dental imperfections at once.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

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Cracked Tooth

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency? A cracked tooth can result in a lot of pain. However, even if it doesn’t, it’s important to schedule a visit with our Edison dental team. Remember: in addition to being vulnerable to further damage, a cracked tooth can also develop an infection, so don’t wait to give us a call.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth - There are a few steps you should take to protect a cracked tooth. After rinsing your mouth thoroughly with room-temperature water to clear the area of bacteria, cover the tooth with a piece of sugarless gum or dental wax (this will help prevent sensitivity). If you need to eat between now and your appointment, then do your best not to chew on that side of your mouth and opt for softer foods, like oatmeal and scrambled eggs. Lastly, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to keep you comfortable until we have the opportunity to treat the root of the problem.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth - For patients with a minor to moderate crack, a dental crown may be the best way to restore the look and function of the tooth. In cases of extreme dental damage where saving the tooth is no longer feasible, then we will need to extract the tooth to preserve your oral health. Don’t worry – we can ensure your smile is complete and strong with the help of lifelike, durable tooth-replacement solutions, such as dental bridges and dental implants.

Learn More About Dental Crowns

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Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? Dental sensitivity can occur for many different reasons. Maybe your tooth roots are exposed, or your enamel has simply eroded over time. While mild cases aren’t generally considered urgent, your sensitivity is considered an emergency if:

  • It becomes painful or severe
  • It lasts multiple consecutive days
  • It only affects one to two teeth

How You Should Handle Sensitive Teeth - Give us a call and explain your symptoms. Over the phone, we’ll provide tips to help you manage your sensitivity. We often recommend drinking lukewarm water, avoiding spicy or sweet foods, and taking painkillers as needed.

How We Treat Tooth Sensitivity - The treatment method we recommend will depend on what’s causing it. Once we identify the issue, we may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, prescription mouthwash, topical fluoride therapy, gum disease treatment, or root canal therapy.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Yes! Knocked-out teeth can be reimplanted if you know what to do. Time is of the essence in this situation, which means you need to act quickly if you want a better chance at saving your tooth. Contact us right away to schedule an emergency appointment!

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth - In the event of a knocked-out tooth, pick it up by its crown and rinse it off. Try to put it back into your socket until you can visit our office. If this isn’t possible, store your tooth in milk or water to keep it moist.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth - We might be able to simply place the tooth back where it belongs if it’s still mostly intact. However, in the case that it cannot be saved, we will need to discuss tooth replacement options (i.e., dental bridges and implants) to help avoid the complications that come with having gaps in your smile.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

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Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Although dental restorations are very durable, they’re not meant to last forever. They’ll eventually break down or fall off completely. You should seek treatment as soon as possible to protect the exposed tooth from further damage or infection.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown - Try to find the restoration and give it a quick rinse before attempting to place it back onto your tooth. A little bit of toothpaste can act as a temporary adhesive. Avoid chewing with the tooth until we can repair it and take an over-the-counter pain medication if there is any sensitivity or pain.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns - If your restoration is still mostly intact, we may be able to recement it at our practice. Otherwise, you may need to get a replacement altogether.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

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Broken Denture

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? Absolutely! You should not continue wearing broken dentures, which is why you need to get them fixed as soon as possible. Wearing damaged dentures can injure your gums, soft tissues, jaw, and remaining teeth. Make sure you give us a call to schedule an emergency appointment.

How to Handle a Broken Denture - The first thing you need to do is call our practice to make an emergency appointment. While you can use a denture repair kit to fix your prosthetic, it’s not the best solution. You may end up doing more harm than good.

How We Treat Broken Dentures - First, we’ll assess the extent of damage to determine the best treatment method. We may either use composite resin or readjust your denture to ensure it fits properly. If the damage is significant, a replacement may be necessary.

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Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth an Emergency? There are many reasons why a permanent tooth may become loose. Whether it’s because of advanced gum disease or physical injury, it’s crucial to seek treatment right away. An extruded or partially dislodged permanent tooth can lead to complications if it’s not addressed promptly.

How You Should Handle a Loose Permanent Tooth - Call our office right away and schedule an emergency appointment. While you wait for your appointment, carefully clean your mouth with water and avoid touching the loose tooth.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth - Our team will need to identify the underlying cause to determine the best treatment method. If your tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be the ideal solution. In that case, you will have to explore replacement options like bridges or dental implants.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? Oral injuries can be quite alarming, especially since they bleed quite a bit. Fortunately, we may be able to help you out if the cut is minor. Call us to explain your symptoms so we can inform you of your next best steps.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue - Gently rinse your mouth with water to remove any lingering debris that may still be present. You can apply a clean washcloth or gauze to the wound until the bleeding stops. If needed, you can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue - If the wound is small enough, we could simply stitch it closed. However, you may need to go to the emergency room if the cut is large or does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of applying pressure.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? Although jaw pain can affect your everyday life, it’s not usually considered a dental emergency – unless it becomes chronic. In that case, we will need to address your discomfort to prevent sudden and serious oral health issues down the line.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain - When you give us a call, we’ll gladly provide tips over the phone to help you manage your discomfort. Usually, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication and using an ice pack to relieve swelling and discomfort. If you think your jaw is broken or dislocated, you should go to the nearest emergency room for medical attention.

How We Treat Jaw Pain - We might be able to address your jaw pain with a custom-made mouthguard. Additionally, TMJ therapy and wisdom tooth extractions could be excellent solutions to consider depending on your situation. Should you need to go to the ER first, we’ll be happy to help fix damaged or lost teeth once you’ve been released.

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Something Stuck Between the Teeth

We’ve all had something stuck between our teeth at some point. Although it’s rarely considered an emergency when that happens, it can be a serious issue if it’s causing you a lot of pain. If you’re unsure of how to handle the situation, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We’ll confirm whether or not the issue should be handled immediately or if it can wait until regular business hours.