Dental emergencies tend to sneak up on patients when they are least expecting them. It’s important to stay calm if you are experiencing a dental emergency and contact your dentist as soon as possible. Our Towson, MD dentist office will make every effort to see patients who are experiencing a dental emergency as soon as possible.
Emergency Dentistry in Towson, MD
Towson dentists Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nate Dancykier are general dentists here to help you restore your smile following experiencing a dental emergency. Any sudden or unexpected pain, damage, or trauma to your dental structures is considered a dental emergency.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a dental emergency or not, we recommend contacting our office directly. With dental concerns, it is better to be safe than sorry. We are happy to evaluate your smile and ensure that your dental health is attended to. The following are common dental emergencies that we treat in our Towson, MD dentist office:
Knocked-Out Teeth
If one of your permanent teeth becomes unexpectedly dislodged, don’t panic! Recover the knocked-out tooth, if possible, by lifting it up by the crown. Avoid touching the tooth roots as this could cause further damage to the tooth. Once you have recovered the tooth, place it in a glass of milk or water.
This will keep the tooth moisturized while you are in transit to the dentist’s office. As soon as you have recovered the tooth, head straight to the dentist’s office. We may be able to reattach the tooth if you see a dentist in a timely manner.
Toothaches
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing a toothache. Cavities and gum disease cause toothaches due to irritation and buildup. Cracked or chipped teeth may also result in a toothache. Additionally, you may experience a toothache if one of your teeth becomes impacted.
It’s important to have your toothache evaluated sooner rather than later to avoid further pain and discomfort. Take over-the-counter pain medication and apply a cold compress to your jawline. Then, come see us so we can figure out the source of your pain and treat it accordingly.
Dental Crown Falls Off
If your dental crown falls off, this is considered a dental emergency. Although a tooth can survive for several weeks without the cap, it is best to have it replaced as soon as possible. The first thing you should do is contact our office and set up an appointment to have it re-attached. In the meantime, keep the crown clean and the tooth protected. Our staff will advise you on how to do this.
FAQs
Can the ER pull an infected tooth?
No. Emergency rooms will only provide treatment for tooth infections and severe toothaches, but they will not extract teeth. It’s best to visit a dentist for a tooth extraction. If you are experiencing severe pain or other symptoms outside of regular dental office hours, check to see if your dentist offers emergency services.
Can I go to the emergency room for any dental issues?
The emergency room (ER) is not for dental problems unless it is a severe emergency. The ER does not possess the necessary dental equipment or expertise to perform most dental procedures. ER doctors can give you antibiotics if you have a toothache or infection. If you have a tooth infection, toothache, or broken tooth, it’s best to contact your dentist or an emergency dentist first. Lastly, your dentist may offer emergency services outside regular dental office hours.
What should I do if I have a toothache?
If you have a toothache, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can try some home remedies to alleviate your pain. You can start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or applying a cold compress to the problem area. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help relieve the pain.
Avoid putting aspirin directly on the affected tooth or gums, as this can cause irritation and damage. Remember that these remedies are only temporary solutions and won’t address the underlying cause of your toothache. You should see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Will the ER pull a broken tooth?
Emergency rooms may provide temporary relief for a broken tooth. However, they generally do not perform dental procedures like tooth extractions. It is best to seek help from a dentist or oral surgeon with the specialized training and equipment to address dental issues. If you have a broken tooth that needs extraction, we recommend you schedule an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible.
Is bleeding gums a dental emergency?
Bleeding gums are not always a dental emergency. However, they can be a sign of an underlying issue that a dentist needs to address. If your gums are bleeding regularly or excessively, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
A variety of factors can cause bleeding gums, including gum disease and poor oral hygiene. Your dentist can help determine the cause of your bleeding gums. They will recommend appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.
Do emergency dentists do root canals?
Yes, emergency dentists can perform root canals if necessary. However, not all emergency dentists offer root canal treatment. It’s best to call and ask about their services before scheduling an appointment. If you are experiencing severe dental pain outside of regular dental office hours, contact an emergency dentist.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, please contact our office directly. One of our helpful staff members will be available to discuss the issue you are having. At this point, we will make a determination if you need to be seen immediately or if we can schedule a visit for another time. We will also do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible.