As your trusted general dentist in Westminster, MD, it is crucial to our office that you understand 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.
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.
Here are some common questions regarding our emergency dentistry services:
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
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 warm glass of milk to keep it moist. Call our office immediately afterward, and we will see you as soon as we can.
What should I do if my tooth hurts?
If you experience 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 any facial swelling.
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 If you are experiencing a toothache, you should floss the affected area and swish warm water around your mouth to examine if anything lodged in your teeth is at fault.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
Most minor breaks, such as chips or cracks, may not necessitate 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, it is recommended to avoid eating anything too hard or too cold until you have seen your dentist.
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.
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.
However, 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.