How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Have you just lost a permanent tooth? Is your tooth crown or dental bridge broken? Don’t panic, call our office if you have a dental emergency. Our dental team works with patients to find the best treatments for their dental emergencies. From objects stuck between teeth to severe tooth pain, we can offer emergency services to patients with sudden, severe dental problems. Here you can learn more about common dental emergencies we treat in our Annapolis, MD dental office.

dental emergencies in Annapolis, MD

Common Dental Emergencies in Annapolis, MD

Some of the most common dental emergencies that our patients can face include:

Toothaches

There are many different possible causes of toothaches, from severe decay and cavities to worn and damaged teeth. Please contact our office if you have severe tooth pain or a toothache. At home, you can take pain medication and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling in your mouth and face.

Depending on the cause of your toothache, we can provide root canals and dental fillings or tooth crowns and dental veneers to protect teeth. Patients with gum disease can also experience toothaches, even if the bacteria affect the gum tissue. Our dental office will examine your smile to determine the best treatment for your pain.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have just lost a permanent tooth, locate it and pick it up by its top or crown. Do not touch the tooth roots. Gently rinse the tooth in cool water. You can try to place the tooth in the socket and gently bite. If you cannot reattach the tooth, place it in a cup of saliva to transport to our office. Additionally, you can gently place it on the side of your cheek.

If we cannot reattach your permanent tooth, we will recommend implant treatment. Dental implants are permanent posts that we surgically place in the jaw bone. Implants can secure a dental crown, bridge, or denture in the mouth.

Broken Restoration

If you have a broken or lost dental crown, dental filling, denture, or dental bridge, call our office. Do not try to place the restoration back in your mouth as it can damage your natural teeth or gum tissue. We will evaluate your restoration and see if we can replace it or make a brand new restoration.

Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Always use a dental pick or floss to try to remove an object stuck between your teeth. Do not try to use any other tools to remove the object because this can damage your teeth. Contact our dental office and we will remove the object. We have access to dental tools that can target areas of the mouth that can be difficult to reach.

Do you have a dental emergency? Call Dr. Vernon Sheen at (443) 482-5202. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Sheen if you do not have an emergency but require dental care. If you are unsure if you have an emergency, call our office and we can help. We are always happy to answer patient questions.