Emergency Dental Services in California, Maryland

Emergency Dental Services in California, Maryland: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment

It’s normal to feel a bit panicked when anything happens to your teeth, especially if you don’t know if it’s an emergency situation or not.

So, when is it necessary to seek emergency dental services in California, Maryland? The truth is there are times when you should never delay treatment and other times it’s okay to wait. Here’s what you need to watch for.

• Broken Tooth

If your tooth is a little chipped, not bleeding, not swollen, or causing pain, then it’s probably fine to wait until regular office hours to see your dentist. If you’re in doubt, call an after-hours phone number just to be sure.

It’s a totally different scenario if your tooth is loose or broken completely. A tooth that has broken out of the socket is a situation that requires emergency dental services in California, Maryland. Left untreated, you are putting yourself at risk of infection, which is dangerous.

• Dental Abscess / Infection

An abscess can become life-threatening and should never be ignored, so know the signs. Fever, swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold temps, tender lymph nodes in your neck, and swelling along with a persistent toothache are all signs you need to see your dentist immediately.

• Broken Crown

When you break a crown, your tooth is then vulnerable to damage and infection. Leaving it broken can lead to complications that may need a root canal, extraction, or other dental procedures. Go ahead and schedule an emergency dental visit if you break a crown, though you don’t need to be seen outside of normal business hours most likely.

• Lost Filling

Much like a broken crown, a lost filling will leave your tooth vulnerable. Without the reinforcement of a filling, your tooth can break or even expose nerves. To avoid complications, seek dental help as soon as possible.

• Lodged Food/Object

While it might seem a bit crazy to call a dentist for emergency services simply because you have food stuck between your teeth, it really can become a dental emergency. If you’re unable to remove stuck food and leave it untreated, you run the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and infection. Call your dentist to have them safely remove whatever is stuck.

If I Need Emergency Dental Services, How Do I Even Find Help?

If you’re frazzled because of a dental emergency, it might feel overwhelming to have to find help right away. So, prepare! Take the time to find one now, so you’ll know who to call when the time comes.

It might be a good idea to first check with your insurance provider if you have dental coverage. Emergency services can be costly. By choosing an in-network emergency dentist, you can save money in the long run.

Ask your friends, family, and even your primary care provider for recommendations. Anyone who has experienced a dental emergency won’t forget it and is going to have suggestions.

Gather a few names, and start making inquiries. Ask about their experience and the services they provide. You’ll also need to find out the ages they treat. If your child has a dental emergency, it won’t help to contact someone who only treats adults.

Be sure to ask about their emergency office hours. This is especially important if you’re active on the weekends or if your child participates in sports. Accidents happen, and emergency dental services are quite often needed on weekends.

If You Need Emergency Dental Services in California, Maryland or Nearby, Contact Southern Maryland’s Top Dentists Now!

No matter your emergency situation, you can count on our team to help with emergency services and give you advice on how to avoid them in the future.

Contact us at 301-880-4439, or request an appointment online. For your health and safety, please do not delay treatment!