At Bethesda Family Smiles, we are here for you when you need us the most. Please call us directly if you are currently experiencing a dental emergency. We will provide specific instructions on how to care for your smile, relieve your symptoms, and do our best to see you as soon as possible. Learn more about our emergency dentistry services below.
Do I Have a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is anything that immediately needs to be taken care of. For instance, if you break off a large chunk of your tooth and are experiencing significant pain, you need to get to the dentist office right away. If you have a small chip in your tooth that you didn’t even feel, that can wait for your next appointment.
One of the biggest indicators of an emergency is tooth pain, particularly any that’s sharp or sudden. A knocked-out tooth in an adult is always an emergency as well. Your tooth is more viable for replacement within the immediate time frame following its falling out. Bleeding is always worrisome as well, especially if there’s a significant amount. It’s usually an indication of trauma that’s occurred.
Infections are an emergency that may be harder to notice. Often, you don’t have very visual symptoms. What you’ll likely experience is a throbbing pain that seems to spread, some swelling around a particular tooth, or a fever. Infections aren’t something you want to let worsen. Infections can spread farther in your body, making it not just an oral health problem, but an overall one.
Emergency Dentistry in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Khanna is an experienced general dentist in Bethesda, MD. She commits to providing her patients with exceptional dental care. This includes being there for our patients when they need her the most. She is happy to provide emergency dental care to patients experiencing a dental emergency. Our team will do our best to get you in as soon as possible to ensure that you do not experience further pain or discomfort. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding emergency dentistry:
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
If your tooth is dislodged from your mouth, pick it back up by its crown, avoiding touching the root. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or water to maintain its moisture. Then, head to the dentist’s office. Knocked-out teeth may be able to be reattached if treated promptly.
Why do I have a toothache?
Toothaches occur for multiple reasons. Many toothaches are the result of cavities and tooth decay, which irritate your tooth and cause pain. Additionally, toothaches may signify that you have a crack or chip that is leading to increased sensitivity. Because there are many causes for toothaches, a dental professional will need to evaluate your tooth to properly diagnose its cause.
How soon should I see a dentist?
If you suspect you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is best to see a dentist right away. The longer you wait to address dental pain or discomfort, the more severe these symptoms may become. Additionally, the earlier you seek treatment for a dental concern, the more likely we will be able to save your natural teeth from needing costly restorative care.
Should I go to the ER if my face is swollen from a tooth infection?
Yes. It is best to go to the ER if your face is swollen from a tooth infection. If you have a tooth infection, it is possible that the infection has spread to the surrounding tissue and caused swelling. An infection that has spread to the face can be life-threatening.
Can the ER do anything to treat tooth pain?
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, the best thing to do is to visit your dentist as soon as possible. However, if you’re in a situation where you can’t get to a dentist right away, and you’re in severe pain, the ER can provide some relief. They will give you a painkiller such as ibuprofen, which will help to ease the pain. They will also prescribe antibiotics if they think you have an infection. However, ER doctors and nurses will not be able to fix the root cause of your dental problem, which is likely a broken or decayed tooth. For that, you will need to see a dentist.