Emergency Dentist – Little Ferry, NJ 

Relieving Your Dental Pain ASAP

Woman in pain before emergency dentistry

Is your tooth in serious pain? Has a family member knocked out their tooth? Dental emergencies like these need urgent treatment, which you’re unlikely to receive at the ER. Instead of spending hours in the waiting room, call Erin Dental, our dedicated emergency dentist in Little Ferry, NJ, when you need dental care right away. Our dental team will work to get you seen and treated as soon as possible – usually that same day – so you can get back to smiling without pain.

Why Choose Erin Dental for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Visits for New & Existing Patients
  • Friendly Dentist Who Speaks English & Spanish
  • Happy to See Patients of All Ages

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Woman holding cheek before emergency dentistry treatment
  • Schedule your visit ASAP – Once you call us, our team will schedule an emergency appointment as quickly as we can. In most cases, we’re able to see emergency patients later that day. Additionally, we can provide tips over the phone to help you assuage your pain until your visit.
  • Perform an emergency exam – When you reach our dental office, Dr. Peters will examine your mouth to identify the source of the problem. She can also relieve the immediate pain you might be in.
  • Discuss treatment options – Following her exam, Dr. Peters will explain exactly what’s going on as well as the specific treatments she recommends. She’ll work with you to develop a custom treatment plan. You’ll always know our estimated timeline and pricing of your treatment before committing to it.
  • Restore your smile – No matter what treatment you might need, our team will work quickly to alleviate your discomfort and give you a pain-free, fully functional smile again.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

From fully knocked-out teeth to slightly chipped enamel, dental emergencies come in many varieties. They all have one thing in common: needing prompt attention from a dental professional. If you or a loved one is experiencing one of the following common dental emergencies, please reach out to us right away.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

Woman talking to dentist about preventing dental emergencies

Because of the wide variety of oral health problems and necessary treatments, we can’t know for sure how much your emergency dental care will cost until you visit us. After Dr. Peters has evaluated your situation and drawn up a treatment plan, we can give you a personalized price estimate. We’ll work with you to make your care as affordable as possible; we accept all PPO dental insurance plans and will file your claims on your behalf.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

Mature man smiling during dental checkup

We touched on in the first section that we can’t provide you with a price until you visit us. That’s because each dental emergency is unique! For example, if one patient visits us because of persistent dental sensitivity and the next because they knocked-out a tooth, we need to intervene with completely different treatments to restore their smile. In fact, even if two patients come in with the same issue, like a persistent toothache, the necessary restorative care will depend entirely on the root of the problem and how severe it is. Rest assured, we will always review the financial information beforehand so you aren’t left in the dark.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Dental assistant smiling while handing patient form

Although dental insurance plans aren’t the same from patient to patient, they almost always include partial coverage for preventive and restorative dental care. In other words, it’s certainly worth double-checking the fine print on yours! If you’re having trouble understanding your coverage, you’re always welcome to ask us for help. Nancy is an expert on all things dental insurance, so she can help you maximize your benefits to the fullest.

Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Woman smiling while flossing her teeth in bathroom

Whether you’re in the middle of a dental emergency or you’re simply researching the cost, you’ll be happy to know that you can help keep the cost of dentistry in the future to a minimum by doing something relatively simple: taking good care of your smile. A few examples include wearing a mouthguard to prevent a knocked-out tooth, getting a checkup and cleaning every six months to prevent a large cavity, and flossing daily to keep your gums healthy. If you’d like more information on how to prevent a serious dental injury, then read on – we’re covering that in the next section!

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Patient in Little Ferry at dental emergency appointment

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, causing pain and uncertainty. Luckily, many of these uncomfortable conditions can be prevented with the right care and habits. At Erin Dental, we encourage our patients to be proactive with their oral hygiene so they can avoid unnecessary pain or damage. If you’re wondering how you can decrease your number of dental visits, read more below. By following a few simple guidelines, you can significantly reduce your chances of a dental emergency.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Patient in Little Ferry smiling at dental emergency appointment

Regular dental checkups with Dr. Peters are essential for supporting a healthy mouth and preventing emergencies. These visits allow our team to catch problems like cavities or gum disease early before they worsen. We recommend scheduling checkups at least twice a year to keep your teeth in top shape and avoid issues that could lead to an emergency down the road.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Patient in Little Ferry flossing to avoid a dental emergency

Regular checkups and cleanings are only half of the equation for healthy teeth. Brushing and flossing daily is your best defense against dental emergencies the majority of the time.

Removing plaque and bacteria helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and infections, all of which could lead to an unexpected dental disaster. So, brush twice a day, floss at least once before bed, and use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits!

Be Careful With Your Diet

Patient in Little Ferry eating to avoid a dental emergency

What goes into your mouth is as important as what you take out with regular oral care! This means your diet plays a big role in maintaining a balanced oral biome. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can prevent cavities while limiting acidic intake from things like soda reduces the risk of enamel erosion. Instead, create a menu of foods rich in vital nutrients such as dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts, to strengthen your teeth and delay decay.

Wear a Mouthguard

Patient in Little Ferry with a mouthguard to avoid a dental emergency

If you play contact sports wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your smile from injuries like knocked-out teeth or bitten lips and cheeks. Likewise, if you grind your teeth at night, we can help you with a custom nightguard that can help prevent cracking and chipping. Taking these precautions whether you’re extremely active or fast asleep can give you peace of mind and prevent a surprise trip to the dental chair!

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

Patient in Little Ferry biting duct tape

It’s a common dental faux pas to use your teeth to open bottles, bags, or packaging. While it may seem convenient at the time, it can easily lead to chips, cracks, or even tooth loss! Always use the right tools for any job, like scissors or bottle openers. Making this a habit and placing these in easily accessible places will help protect your pearly whites from these easily avoidable injuries.

Dental Emergency FAQs

No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them, so it’s normal to have several concerns. Your emergency dentist in Little Ferry, Dr. Peters, will help you through the stressful situation. After examining your mouth and addressing any pain, she’ll explain your personalized treatment plan. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

A good night’s rest can be difficult if you have a throbbing toothache, but you don’t have to worry about tossing and turning with a few tips. It’s best to skip any hot, cold, or hard foods before going to bed to avoid tooth sensitivity. Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head, which can cause pain to worsen. Take an OTC pain reliever to manage any discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth can numb the area temporarily. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can also provide relief while reducing inflammation and combating bacteria.

 

Do chipped teeth heal without any treatment?

A chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a dental emergency in Little Ferry. Your enamel is the strongest substance in your body, but it isn’t indestructible and it can’t grow back. Even if a chip is minor, you need to see a dentist. Your tooth may be at risk of infections or additional damage if you delay treatment. If you’re not having any pain, you can wait a day or two for an appointment. However, if the damage is significant, or you’re in serious pain, you’ll need to see an emergency dentist right away.

 

Do I need to see a dentist if my chipped tooth doesn’t hurt?

No one has time for an unexpected dental appointment, but you shouldn’t ignore a chipped tooth, even if you’re not in any pain. Your tooth will be vulnerable to bacteria and its structure can be compromised. Your emergency dentist will provide the quick care you need to repair your tooth. If you wait too long to visit your dentist, you can be at risk of losing your tooth. Instead of only needing dental bonding, you could end up requiring an extraction.

 

Can I use superglue to fix a broken denture?

You rely on your dentures for eating, speaking, and smiling. You can’t go without any teeth if a denture breaks. Superglue is handy to have around the house for quick fixes, but you don’t want to use it to repair your dentures. It can contain toxic chemicals or cause allergic reactions. Not to mention, it won’t hold up well in a moist environment, like your mouth. Instead, it’s better to leave the mending to professionals. Wear an older denture if possible and contact our office right away. Dr. Peters will provide the necessary repairs or replacements to restore your beautiful smile.