A dental emergency can arise at any time. If you are experiencing a dental emergency contact our Silver Spring dental office as soon as possible for advice on how to proceed and minimize damage and discomfort. Call us at (301) 508-9755. We have an after-hours answering service that will notify one of our dentists.
It is important to contact our office as soon as possible in the event of trauma, sudden pain, excessive bleeding, or tooth damage. In many cases, we can see patients on the same day if necessary to manage your emergency.
Tips for Dental Emergencies
Here are some practical tips for managing pain, minimizing permanent damage, and stabilizing your dental problem until you can be seen. Our Silver Spring dentist office will also provide detailed instructions when you call and can answer your questions.
Object stuck between teeth
If something becomes lodged between the teeth, from food particles to an object, do not attempt to remove with a pick or sharp object. Rinse the area gently or use dental floss if possible. Contact our office if this is unsuccessful.
Chipped or cracked tooth
To remove any debris or food particles from the area of damage, rinse the mouth gently with cool water. If a piece has broken off and you can save it, place it in a container of cold milk and bring it with you to the office. We may be able to reattach the piece if addressed in a timely manner. If not, we can provide you with options such as porcelain veneers.
Tooth pain
Sudden or throbbing tooth pain can have a variety of causes and should be evaluated by one of our dentists. Applying a cold compresses on the outside of the cheek can help alleviate immediate pain. You can also use over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort until we can see you. It is important to not let the pain go unaddressed for a long period of time.
Knocked out tooth
If the tooth is intact and can be located, pick it up by the crown (top) of the tooth and attempt to place it back into the socket. If you cannot do this without significant pain, either hold it between your cheek and gums or place it in warm milk. You can also place it in a cup of your own saliva. It’s important to keep the tooth moist with your saliva or milk. We will attempt to save the tooth if you bring it in as soon as possible.
Contact our office immediately in the event of a knocked-out tooth for instructions on how to proceed.
Single-visit Root Canals
We are highly-trained dentists in Silver Spring Maryland offering comprehensive dental care under one roof. This means we can offer fast and complete dental services without the need to refer you to other specialists. Our single-visit root canals can get your teeth back to full function in one day!
If your teeth are causing you severe pain every time you chew, schedule a visit immediately. Never assume which dental treatments you need without consulting with an accredited dentist.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem that needs treatment ASAP. These may include excessive bleeding from the mouth and unbearable pain accompanied by a dental problem. Dental emergencies require immediate care.
Can you go to the ER for a dental emergency?
You can go to the ER with a dental emergency, however, there is not much that they can legally do to help you. All that the ER can do when dealing with a dental emergency is offer you pain medication, and address excessive bleeding. A dentist is the only professional who can do any surgical work on a person’s teeth and oral health.
If you are dealing with unbreakable pain and cannot reach your dentist, the ER may be able to help you regulate pain, but they cannot fix it. You will need to see a dentist to fix your issue.
What helps unbearable tooth pain?
If you are experiencing extreme tooth pain from a dental emergency, there are some tips that a dentist can offer to help soothe your mouth and relieve pain. The best thing that patients can do is to rinse their mouths with warm saltwater. This draws infection and bacteria out of your gums while soothing your entire mouth.
Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve pain in the mouth while you are waiting to see your dentists. Holding a cold washcloth or ice pack against the side of your jaw that is in pain is a good way to relieve swelling and numb the area.
Can the emergency room Pull a broken tooth?
It is illegal for the emergency room to pull teeth. No one other than a professional dentist can legally pull teeth. The only thing the ER can offer a patient with a broken tooth is antibiotics and pain medication.