We understand that dental emergencies can be inconvenient and even frightening. However, if you know what to do, the situation may feel a lot less stressful.
Your emergency dentist in Gaithersburg, MD, has compiled a few tips to help you deal with the most common dental emergencies.
Dealing with Common Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Tooth
It’s best to keep the tooth clean and moist. Place the tooth back into the gum socket or between the cheek and gum if possible. You can also store it in a container of milk or saliva. These steps make it more likely that your dentist can save or reset the tooth during your emergency dental visit.
Toothaches and Swelling
These symptoms are strong indicators of a deep tooth infection requiring root canal therapy. As you await your emergency dental visit, we recommend applying an ice pack to the face periodically to relieve swelling. You should also take a pain reliever like ibuprofen if you're medically able.
Oral Injuries and Bleeding
If you’ve sustained injuries outside the mouth, visit the nearest ER for an assessment. You or a loved one can contact our dental office after you’ve been stabilized and are declared safe.
For oral injuries with bleeding, you can use an ice pack, ibuprofen (or similar), and bite down on sterile gauze to staunch blood flow. If blood flow is significant, please go to the nearest ER first!
Broken Restoration
Restorations protect teeth. So, when one is damaged, it allows bacteria to reach the previously treated tooth. As you await your appointment, please keep the tooth clean. You can rinse with warm saltwater.
When You’re Unsure
Dental emergencies can mean many things, so if you’re unsure if your symptoms point to an emergency, contact our dental team for guidance.
Emergency Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD
If you have an oral health issue or a potential dental emergency, we urge you to contact our dental team immediately.
