As your trusted Westminster general dentist office, you can call us whenever you need us. Dental emergencies do not always occur when they are the most convenient. However, we want you to know that if you are experiencing a dental emergency we will do everything we can to schedule you for our earliest available appointment. We’re here to provide emergency dentistry services in Westminster, MD.
Whether you are dealing with a knocked-out tooth, unexplained tooth pain, or anything in-between, we can help you restore your dental health. Dental concerns escalate quickly and can lead to tooth loss if you do not address them in a timely manner. We prioritize your dental emergencies and will do our best to make sure we take proper care of your issue.
If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office at 410-642-5634.
Emergency Dentistry in Westminster, MD
We can treat multiple emergency dental problems in our office. Some of the most common problems we treat include:
Knocked Out Tooth
Recover the knocked-out tooth if possible. Pick it up by the crown, avoiding touching the exposed root. Place the tooth back into your socket if you can. If you cannot get it back in its socket, place it in a cup of saliva to keep it moist. Call our office immediately afterward, and we will see you as soon as we can.
If we can save your tooth, we will place it back in the empty socket with a splint. But if this does not work, we will recommend a dental implant to restore your lost tooth.
Tooth Pain
If you feel sudden, unexplained tooth pain, this is something to report to your dentist as soon as possible. To relieve your discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine. Do not hold the pain medicine directly over the affected tooth, as this will only irritate it. You can hold a cold compress to your jaw to reduce facial swelling.
We will examine your mouth in our office to find the cause of your tooth pain. Sometimes we may recommend a filling or extraction if you have tooth decay. You may need cosmetic or restorative care if you injured your tooth.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Minor breaks, such as chips or cracks, may not require immediate dental attention. However, if a tooth is cracked or broken the patient needs to be careful about what they put in their mouth. If your tooth is broken or chipped, avoid eating anything too hard or too cold until you have seen our dentist.
We may recommend tooth bonding or crowns depending on the extent of your tooth damage. We can protect the injured tooth and add to it to maintain a balanced bite.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Here are some common questions regarding our emergency dentistry services in Westminster, MD:
How long can I leave a broken tooth in my mouth?
Once a tooth has been compromised by decay or injury, its death is inevitable. If the damage is severe enough, the tooth could die in a few days or up to a few months. Discoloration or darkening of teeth is a common symptom of a failing tooth.
Is an infected tooth a dental emergency?
Having an abscessed tooth is a true dental emergency. A dental abscess requires prompt medical attention. If left untreated, an abscess can turn into a systemic infection that poses major, potentially fatal, risks to the patient. It’s best to address these problems as soon as possible via an emergency dental professional.
What do I do if something is stuck between my teeth?
If something gets stuck between your teeth, gently use dental floss to remove the object. Be careful not to snap the floss, as this can hurt your gums. If you have one, a water flosser can help dislodge the object with a stream of water.
Don’t force if you can’t remove it or if it causes pain. Call our dentist for help. He has the right tools to safely remove the object without damaging your teeth or gums.
Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?
If you notice a small amount of blood in the sink following brushing or flossing your teeth, this is not a dental emergency. However, it is a sign that you have inflamed gums and need a dental cleaning. You should schedule your next dental cleaning as soon as possible.
But if you’ve recently endured mouth trauma or have had a dental procedure which you think had led to your gums bleeding, this is something to report to our office as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the affected area clean by rinsing your mouth out with a saltwater solution.
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most typical dental emergency is a sudden and severe toothache. Cavities and teeth grinding are both potential causes. If you are experiencing a toothache, you should floss the affected area. Then swish warm water around your mouth to examine if anything lodged in your teeth is at fault.
Do I need to go to the hospital for a dental emergency?
Most dental emergencies don’t require a trip to the hospital. But you may need to go to the ER for a few situations
- Severe swelling in your face, jaw, or neck that makes it hard to breathe or swallow.
- Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop after you apply pressure with gauze.
- A serious injury to your mouth, jaw, or face, like a broken jaw.
Call our dentist for most other dental emergencies. Our office can provide guidance and schedule an emergency appointment to treat the problem quickly.
Get Urgent Dental Care Today
Call Dr. Bowersox your emergency dentist in Westminster, MD, at 410-642-5634. Request an appointment online if you have a dental problem but do not need urgent care. Call us if you are unsure if you need emergency dental care. We can also instruct you on how to care for your health at home if you do not need in-office care.