Emergency Dentistry – Millersville, MD
Don’t Wait, Call Us for Urgent Dental Care
When a dental emergency occurs, it’s usually for two unique reasons. The first is for a long-term issue that’s causing dental discomfort, such as a bad cavity or an oral infection. The second is oral injuries sustained from a bad fall or sporting injury. The good news is Dr. Tran and her team are able to address both, so there’s no reason to put off your dental emergency if you experience one. Emergencies don’t get better on their own, so don’t wait; call our office to set up a visit!
Why Choose Transcendent Smiles for Emergency Dentistry?
- Oral Conscious Sedation Available
- Trained General Dentist and Periodontist In-House
- Dedicated to Seeing You ASAP
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
In most cases, you’ll want to start by giving our office a call directly so we can get you scheduled for an emergency appointment and then seen by one of our dentists. However, if you believe that your emergency is life-threatening, go to the emergency room. As you begin to assess your situation, you may determine that you can improve your condition before you arrive at our office. Below, you can learn how to do so ahead of your visit.
Toothaches
General tooth pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. However, you should also floss in between your aching tooth and the adjacent tooth to remove any potential food debris first. If discomfort persists, you can take a painkiller as well as rinse your mouth out with salt water.
Chipped/Broken Teeth
Locate any pieces of tooth that you can and bring them to the office. We will more than likely need to design a restoration (such as a crown) to restore your tooth, but this depends on the severity of the damage. If facial swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to your face for 10 minutes, then remove for an additional 10 minutes. Repeat for up to one hour.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Do your best to stay calm and locate the tooth. Once found, pick it up by the crown portion only and do not touch the root or any tissue still attached. Gently rinse any dirt or debris from the tooth and place it back into your open socket. If this is not possible, you can keep it preserved in milk, salt water, or saliva for up to one hour for preservation.
Lost Filling / Crown
Most lost fillings will need to be replaced with a new filling outright, but dental crowns may be salvageable. If you still have the crown, you can temporarily reseat it to the damaged tooth using dental cement, denture adhesive, or sugar-free chewing gum if nothing else is available.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can be unpredictable, they can still be largely preventable when you practice the right steps. For example, by keeping the following tips in mind, you can avoid a majority of dental emergencies quite easily. They include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Visiting a dentist once every six months for an exam and cleaning
- Never using your teeth as a tool
- Avoiding very hard foods that can crack teeth
- Wearing a protective mouthguard if you play sports or suffer from chronic teeth grinding and clenching
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
The price of treating your dental issue can vary depending on what type of emergency you’re experiencing. For example, tooth pain can have many different causes, each of which can influence the treatment we determine will get you out of discomfort the quickest and protect your oral health going forward. Even if you’re concerned about costs, it’s important to note that getting treatment now will likely save you more in the long-term. Plus, we’re happy to offer multiple financing options in-house if needed.