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What Is a Dental Emergency?

a patient sits in a dental exam chair in pain and asks her dentist what is a dental emergency

Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but having a plan in place to handle them can make all the difference. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and what steps to take is essential for maintaining oral health. A dental emergency is any condition that requires urgent care and attention. At Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, we provide emergency dental services to help our patients get the care they need as quickly as possible. Call us at 410.834.4284 to let us know what is happening, and we will work with you to provide the best treatment plan.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

What is a dental emergency? Experiencing sharp pain when brushing your teeth, waking up with a swollen face, or having a tooth suddenly break—these are all signs that you might be experiencing a dental emergency. It’s crucial to get these emergencies seen as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. What exactly is considered a dental emergency? Common examples include:

  • Major toothache pain
  • Swelling of the mouth or gum tissue
  • Infection in the mouth
  • Severe chips or cracks that can cause intense discomfort or lead to swollen glands in the neck
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • A locked jaw that won’t open or close properly
  • Braces wire poking into your gums, causing irritation and bleeding

If you are suffering from any of these issues, don’t hesitate to seek help immediately. Sometimes swift treatment is necessary for preserving your teeth and oral health. Our experienced team at Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, provides emergency dental services and can help you get the care you need when you need it. We are here to provide relief and make sure your teeth stay healthy.

Costs of Dental Emergency Services

It’s always a tricky situation when you need emergency dental services. The costs can sometimes be a daunting surprise. If your dental emergency involves more than just a standard, routine cleaning, it is important to understand what fees and costs to expect before undergoing treatment. While it can vary depending on circumstances such as the severity and complexity of your dental emergency, some common base fees include:

  • X-rays to check the severity of the emergency
  • Sedation fees, if necessary
  • Fees for anesthesia or additional medications
  • The costs for any treatments, such as fillings or crowns
  • Any fees associated with follow-up treatments and appointments

In most cases, insurance providers may cover adult basic preventive services but may not be able to cover all charges associated with emergency services completely. Dental emergencies can be frightening, but a thorough knowledge of expected costs can make for easier navigation through this time. If you are concerned with costs, we highly recommend discussing them with your insurance provider and our team at Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, before undergoing any treatments.

Do You Need a Follow-Up Appointment after Emergency Dental Services?

If you experience a dental emergency and require urgent care, you must remember to make a follow-up appointment. Even though the immediate pain may have subsided, it is important to see the dentist again soon to ensure that the underlying problem has been properly addressed. Regular follow-up appointments will also help identify potential complications and allow for close health monitoring. Your dentist or oral hygienist can provide specific advice about when, how often, and how long follow-ups should be scheduled based on your circumstances. A follow-up appointment after receiving urgent care is essential for overall dental health.

Call Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD for Emergency Dental Services

At Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, we understand that dental emergencies can be overwhelming. We want you to know that our experienced team is here for you when the unexpected arises. Our emergency dental services can relieve and help restore your teeth and oral health as quickly as possible. We are dedicated to providing quality care promptly and ensuring your teeth stay healthy. If you are asking yourself, “what is a dental emergency?”  and think you may be experiencing one, don’t hesitate to contact us at 410.834.4284.