Emergency Dentist

We have same-day availability for emergencies. Please fill out the form below or feel free to call our office right away at (240) 390-0290 .

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency refers to a dental problem that requires immediate attention and treatment to alleviate severe pain, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. While it is always recommended to consult with a dental professional for a proper diagnosis, here are some common situations that are generally considered dental emergencies:

  • Severe Toothache: Persistent and severe tooth pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications may indicate an underlying issue that requires immediate attention.
  • Broken or Fractured Tooth: If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken due to trauma or injury, it may cause pain and sensitivity. Immediate dental care is necessary to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate treatment.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: When a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket, it is crucial to seek immediate dental care. Try to handle the tooth by the crown (top part), rinse it gently, and if possible, place it back into the socket while seeking professional help.
  • Loose Tooth: Adult teeth should not be loose, so if you experience sudden tooth mobility, it may indicate an underlying issue such as gum disease or dental trauma. Prompt dental evaluation is needed to prevent tooth loss.
  • Dental Abscess: An abscess is a painful infection that can occur at the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth. It often causes severe throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. Dental treatment is necessary to drain the abscess and prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Uncontrolled Bleeding: If you experience persistent bleeding from the mouth, particularly after dental surgery or trauma, it requires immediate attention. Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth and seek emergency dental care.
  • Lost Dental Filling or Crown: If a dental filling or crown falls out, it can cause sensitivity and discomfort, as well as leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage or infection. Prompt dental care is necessary to restore the tooth and prevent complications.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and any dental concern that causes severe pain, bleeding, or puts your oral health at risk should be treated as an emergency. It is best to contact your dentist or seek emergency dental care for a professional assessment and appropriate treatment.

When do I need to see an emergency dentist vs. going to an emergency room vs. scheduling a regular dental appointment?

Knowing when to see an emergency dentist, go to an emergency room, or schedule a regular dental appointment depends on the nature and severity of your dental issue. Here's a general guideline to help you make the right decision:

Emergency Dentist:

  • Severe Toothache: If you're experiencing intense, persistent tooth pain.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: When a tooth has been completely dislodged from its socket.
  • Broken or Fractured Tooth: If a tooth is significantly damaged due to trauma or injury.
  • Uncontrolled Bleeding: When there is persistent bleeding from the mouth, especially after dental surgery or trauma.
  • Dental Abscess: If you have a painful swelling or a pus-filled infection around a tooth.

Emergency Room:

  • Facial Trauma: If you have suffered a severe injury to your face or jaw, which may require immediate medical attention.
  • Severe Bleeding: In cases of uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth due to a facial injury.
  • Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: If a dental issue is causing significant breathing or swallowing difficulties.

Regular Dental Appointment:

  • Routine Check-ups: For regular dental examinations, cleanings, and preventive care.
  • Dental Consultations: When seeking advice on non-urgent dental concerns, cosmetic procedures, or orthodontic evaluations.
  • Dental Fillings or Dental Crowns: For scheduled restorative procedures that are not urgent.

It's important to note that these guidelines are general, and in some cases, the severity of the situation or personal circumstances may vary. If you are unsure about the urgency of your dental concern, it is recommended to contact us for guidance. We can provide specific instructions based on your symptoms and situation.

What are common types of dental emergencies, and what can be done?

Common types of dental emergencies can vary, but here are some examples and the recommended actions to take:

Severe Toothache:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris.
  • Avoid placing aspirin or any painkiller directly on the gum tissues.
  • Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Knocked-Out Tooth:

  • Handle the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).
  • Rinse the tooth gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
  • If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place with gentle pressure.
  • If unable to reinsert, place the tooth in a container with milk or a tooth preservation solution.
  • Seek immediate dental care within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Broken or Fractured Tooth:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • If there is facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area.
  • Collect any broken tooth fragments and bring them to your dentist.
  • Schedule an emergency dental appointment to have the tooth evaluated and treated accordingly.

Dental Abscess:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
  • Avoid applying heat or placing aspirin on the affected area.
  • Contact your dentist immediately to seek treatment for the abscess, as antibiotics or a root canal procedure may be necessary.

Lost Dental Filling or Crown:

  • If a dental filling falls out, place a temporary dental filling material (available at pharmacies) in the cavity.
  • If a dental crown comes off, clean it and try to reposition it temporarily using dental cement or denture adhesive.
  • Schedule a dental appointment to have the filling or crown replaced by your dentist as soon as possible.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's important to contact your dentist promptly for personalized advice and to schedule an emergency dental appointment. A dental professional will provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

When do I need an emergency dental extraction?

An emergency dental extraction, which involves the removal of a tooth, may be necessary in various situations. Here are some common scenarios that may require an emergency dental extraction:

  • Severely Damaged or Fractured Tooth: If a tooth is extensively broken, fractured, or decayed beyond repair, extraction may be necessary to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and preserve oral health.
  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, may become impacted or unable to fully emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth, requiring extraction.
  • Advanced Gum Disease: In cases of advanced periodontal disease where the gums, bone, and supporting tissues are severely compromised, tooth extraction may be necessary to remove teeth that are beyond salvageable and prevent the spread of infection.
  • Dental Abscess: If a dental abscess, a pus-filled infection, develops at the root of a tooth and is not effectively treated with antibiotics or a root canal, extraction may be required to eliminate the source of the infection.
  • Orthodontic Treatment: In some orthodontic cases, extraction of one or more teeth may be necessary to create sufficient space for proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
  • Trauma or Injury: A tooth that has suffered severe trauma or injury, such as being knocked out of alignment or extensively fractured, may require extraction if it cannot be saved through other dental treatments.

It is important to note that an emergency dental extraction is typically considered a last resort when other treatment options have been exhausted or are not feasible. Only a qualified dentist or oral surgeon can determine the need for an emergency dental extraction based on a thorough evaluation of your specific condition. If you are experiencing severe dental pain or have a dental concern that may require extraction, it is advisable to seek immediate dental care for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Why might I need an emergency root canal?

An emergency root canal, also known as an urgent or immediate root canal, may be necessary in specific situations to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, and prevent the spread of infection. Here are some reasons why you might need an emergency root canal:

  • Dental Abscess: If a dental abscess, a pus-filled infection, develops at the root of a tooth, it can cause intense pain and swelling. An emergency root canal may be performed to remove the infected pulp and alleviate the pain, followed by disinfection and sealing of the root canal system to prevent further infection.
  • Severe Toothache: A persistent and severe toothache may indicate an infected or inflamed dental pulp. If the pain is unbearable and other conservative measures do not provide relief, an emergency root canal may be recommended to remove the infected pulp and relieve the pain.
  • Cracked or Fractured Tooth: When a tooth is cracked or fractured, it can expose the dental pulp to bacteria and irritants, leading to infection and pain. An emergency root canal may be performed to address the damaged pulp and restore the tooth's health and functionality.
  • Trauma or Injury: If a tooth is significantly damaged due to trauma or injury, the dental pulp may become exposed or injured. An emergency root canal might be necessary to treat the damaged pulp, remove any infection, and preserve the tooth.

The goal of an emergency root canal is to address the underlying cause of pain or infection and save the natural tooth if possible. By removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal system, and sealing it, the tooth can be preserved and restored with a dental crown or filling.

It's important to note that not all dental emergencies require an emergency root canal. The need for this procedure depends on the severity of the condition and the assessment of a dental professional. If you are experiencing severe dental pain or suspect you may need an emergency root canal, it is advisable to seek immediate dental care for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Do you offer same-day care?

Yes, for emergencies we offer same day care.

Our skilled dentists are equipped to handle severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, dental abscesses, and more. We prioritize your comfort and oral health, ensuring you receive expert care when you need it most.

Don't let a dental emergency disrupt your life. Call us today on (240) 390-0290 and let us provide the prompt, professional attention you deserve. Remember, for dental emergencies, time is of the essence. Call us now and take the first step towards relief.