Anyone who’s ever suffered a dental emergency has learned that every minute counts in those tense moments. This isn’t only for immediate relief, as dental emergencies tend to be quite painful, but because, if left untreated, they can pose serious threats to oral and overall health.
Today, we’re helping you find the Maryland emergency dentist for you and identify common dental emergencies.
What to Look for in an Emergency Dentist
When seeking an emergency dentist, there are certain questions that you should ask, including:
- Do the dentist and their staff have experience and expertise in handling dental emergencies?
- Does the dentist offer care for a full range of dental emergencies?
- Does the dental practice accept your dental insurance?
- Is the office conveniently located?
Consider these factors, and you’ll be equipped to confidently select the right emergency dentist for you and your family.
Common Dental Emergencies and What To Do When They Strike
Instances in which immediate emergency care is necessary include:
- Toothache — A sudden, severe, and unrelenting toothache that’s unresponsive to all at-home remedies (like saltwater rinses, icepacks, and compresses) and over-the-counter pain medication.
- Swelling of the gums or jaw — Any time a person’s jawbone begins to swell, emergency care is in order. If the swelling is due to trauma, ensuring the joint’s structural integrity is crucial. Without a physical cause, the individual may be suffering from an infection that could threaten the jawbone and nearby teeth.
- Swelling and/or bleeding from the mouth or gums — If an individual’s gums begin to swell or bleed for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of infection or dental abscess (pocket of pus around a tooth) that could threaten one or more teeth and spread to the jawbone.
- Loss of a permanent (adult) tooth — Tooth loss in adults is an emergency, whether due to direct trauma or decay. Fortunately, knowing what to do and quickly following these steps could save the natural tooth:
- Without touching its root, pick up the tooth.
- Rinse off the tooth without scrubbing.
- If possible, re-place the tooth in the vacated socket; otherwise, place the tooth in a container of water or milk.
- Get to a dentist ASAP!
A Caring, Top-Quality Emergency Dentist in Maryland
If you’re in the Pikesville, MD area, whether you need an emergency dentist right now or want to be prepared “just in case”, the caring and knowledgeable team at Naylor’s Court Dental Partners are here to help in your moment of need!
