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What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?

an older adult male holds his hand to the side of his face in pain and wondering what to do in a dental emergency

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing what to do in a dental emergency is crucial for minimizing pain and preventing further damage. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation as best as possible. At Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, we provide comprehensive dental emergency services to help you manage your pain and get the care you need. We accept walk-ins for emergency dental services and prioritize urgent cases.

If you experience a dental emergency, the first step is to call our office right away at 410.834.4284. We can provide immediate advice and let you know if you should come in to be seen that day or wait until regular business hours.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dental professional due to severe pain, injury, or infection. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

  • Severe toothaches or dental pain
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Lost or broken fillings, crowns, or dental appliances
  • Trauma to the mouth or jaw
  • Swelling or signs of infection

If you are experiencing a dental emergency or suspect that you may need medical attention, it is important to get help immediately. At Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, our team provides comprehensive emergency dental services to help you manage your pain and get the care you need.

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

When it comes to dental emergencies, the most important thing is to act quickly but calmly. Here are some tips on what to do in a dental emergency:

Broken Tooth or Dental Appliance

If you have a broken tooth or dental appliance, try to save any pieces that you can and store them in a clean container until you can see a dentist. Use cold water to rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress to the affected area.

Severe Tooth Pain

When experiencing severe tooth pain, the first thing to do in a dental emergency is to rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food particles. If the pain persists, contact your dentist right away for professional advice and treatment. Avoid using aspirin or painkillers directly on the gums, as this can cause tissue damage.

Knocked-Out Teeth

If your tooth has been knocked out, acting quickly is crucial. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part) and gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket, ensuring it’s facing the correct way. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, store it in a small container of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Contact a dentist immediately, as treatment within the first hour can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth.

Lost or Broken Fillings

In case of a lost or broken filling, what to do in a dental emergency is to remove any loose debris from the cavity using warm water. Apply dental cement or a temporary filling material, available at most pharmacies, to protect the exposed tooth surface. Schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to have the filling replaced.

Understanding the Types of Dental Emergency Services

Dental emergency services help manage and treat different dental injuries or pain types. Depending on the severity of the emergency, your dentist may provide treatment in the office or refer you to a specialist for further care.

Types of treatment available include:

  • Pain management – medications such as antibiotics or anesthesia
  • Restoration – fillings, crowns, dental bridges, and implants
  • Extraction – for severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth
  • Root canal therapy – to treat an infection in the inner pulp of a tooth
  • Repair or replacement – of broken or lost dental appliances such as dentures or braces
  • Treatment for gum disease – scaling and root planing as well as other periodontal treatments

At Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, we offer comprehensive dental emergency services for all types of dental emergencies. Our team is dedicated to providing prompt and compassionate care to get you out of pain and back on the road to optimal oral health.

Finding Emergency Dental Services

When faced with a dental emergency, knowing where to turn for help is essential. Depending on your location, options for dental emergency services include local dental clinics, hospitals, or emergency dental services in White Marsh. To locate a dentist specializing in emergency dental care in your area, search online or ask for recommendations from friends and family. Having your dentist’s contact information readily available is crucial to avoid panic during a crisis. Save their phone number in your contacts and keep a note of their office hours and emergency protocols.

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

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make all the difference when faced with severe pain or injury. At Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, we provide comprehensive emergency dental services and strive to get you out of pain as quickly as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and helping you manage your dental emergency with compassion. Contact us today at 410.834.4284 to learn more about our emergency dental services.