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How to Handle a Dental Emergency

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, a dental emergency can happen to anyone. So what do you do if one happens to you? Dr. Paul Bowersox, a dentist in Westminster, MD, discusses common dental emergencies and how to handle them.westminster, maryland dentist

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is something that occurs and needs to be helped immediately. It’s often accompanied by pain. If you experience a dental emergency, call our office right away. Below is a list of common dental emergencies and what you can do until you’re able to be seen in the office.

Severe Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is something that should never be ignored, especially if it’s sharp or comes on suddenly. It can be caused by a wide variety of things and you may not be able to tell until a dentist is able to examine and determine the problem. Issues include severe tooth decay, an infection, or an abscess. Use over the counter painkillers to help ease your pain and use a cold compress if you experience any swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth

It’s natural to want to panic if an adult tooth gets knocked out. However, it’s important to remain calm so that you can retrieve the tooth if possible. Make sure you pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the tooth. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or your own saliva to try and preserve it until you can get into the office.

When you get into the office, Dr. Bowersox will analyze the tooth and determine if it’s viable for replacement. If not, there’s no need to worry. Our office offers multiple options for replacing missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. They’re the most natural form of tooth replacement and feel the most like your normal tooth.

Broken Dental Restorations

The way to take care of a broken restoration depends on which one is broken. If you have a broken or missing dental crown, for instance, try to retrieve the pieces. While we’re usually unable to use it to replace the crown, please bring them into the office. Don’t try to replace the crown on your own. With our CEREC technology, we can get you a replacement crown on the same day!

If you have a broken denture or dental bridge, retrieve all of the pieces and bring them into the office. Dr. Bowersox will determine if the restoration can be repaired or if a new restoration will have to be crafted.

Emergency Dentistry at Your Westminster, Maryland Dentist

If you have a dental emergency, please call us immediately. For other appointments or concerns, call us or schedule an appointment online!