Dental emergencies are quite distinct from medical emergencies. It is important to understand what a dental emergency is and how it can be treated.
Whether or not your symptoms are consistent with a dental emergency, you should always contact a dentist for advice, so that you can get back to feeling better as soon as possible.
If you’re looking for emergency dental care, then you’re probably wondering where you can find an emergency dentist in California, MD.
What Counts As A Dental Emergency?
If you are in pain, you may be wondering whether you are able to arrange an emergency appointment to diagnose and treat the source of the problem. A dental emergency can cover a broad range of complaints, including but not limited to severe dental pain, uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth, knocked-out teeth, and infections. Not all dental issues constitute emergencies, so be sure to call ahead of time to make sure.
Here are some issues that do count as dental emergencies:
- Knocked out tooth/teeth; If you can, take your missing tooth and reinsert it into your gums. Though this may sound unappealing, it helps preserve the tooth. If you cannot reinsert it, however, leave the tooth in a glass of milk. Call your dentist as soon after the tooth is knocked out!
- Broken or cracked tooth/teeth; The minute you notice the tooth has been knocked out, rinse your mouth with warm water. To keep swelling down, you can hold an ice pack to your face. Depending on the severity of the injury, you might need a filling or a crown.
- Toothache; Not every toothache is going to merit an emergency dental visit. However, toothaches are often a symptom of a deeper issue. They could be signs of cavities, grinding, or infection.
- Loose or missing dental crown; You have to be sure that you catch your crown before you can do anything wrong, like swallow it! You have to be sure that you call your dentist as soon as your crown is loose or falls out, since your tooth is going to become more sensitive over time.
- Jaw pain/broken jaw; If you are experiencing jaw pain it is very important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Avoid solid foods, and keep an ice pack to your jaw to keep swelling down to a minimum.
How Do I Schedule An Emergency Appointment?
Once you have determined that you need an emergency appointment you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. This appointment may not be with your usual dentist and you do not have to go to a practice where you are registered as a regular patient.
When you call the dental practice, you should explain the problem in detail and say that you would like an emergency appointment. Many practices will keep appointments available for patients seeking emergency help and staff at the clinic will be able to offer the next available emergency appointment.
What To Expect From An Emergency Appointment
When you arrive, your dentist will locate and treat the cause of the problem. If you are in severe pain your dentist should be able to diagnose the root cause issue and offer pain relief. In some instances, it may be necessary to remove a tooth causing pain but your dentist will explain this before it happens. In the end, the most important thing is your oral health so be sure to act as efficiently as possible!
If you think you need an emergency appointment, contact Dr. Luke’s office at (301) 880-4439 to schedule an appointment and see what the capable team can do for your dental hygiene as soon as possible!
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