Do I Need Emergency Dental Services in Lexington Park, Maryland for a Broken Tooth?

Unexpectedly breaking a tooth is alarming to say the least, but how do you know if you need emergency dental services in Lexington Park, Maryland?

There are signs to look out for that will tell you whether it’s okay to wait until office hours or not.

Help! I’ve Broken a Tooth! What Do I Do?

If your broken tooth falls completely out, you should pick it up carefully without touching the root and rinse it off. If you can put the tooth back into the socket, do so.

If you’re unable to reinsert the tooth, put it in milk or water, then take it with you to your dentist. It’s possible a broken / fractured tooth can be saved.

You can do the following at home until you can get to your dentist:

• Rinse your mouth to get rid of any debris a broken tooth may leave behind. This can be done with warm water, a mixture of warm water and hydrogen peroxide, or a diluted saline solution. Don’t swallow! Just rinse thoroughly then spit.
• Use ice packs if you are experiencing swelling. In a pinch, you can make an ice pack by placing ice cubes inside a clean towel. Use the ice pack in 15-minute intervals until the swelling subsides.
• Use gauze to stop the bleeding. A broken tooth often causes bleeding. If this is the case, gently applying gauze will stop it. You might need to switch out your gauze several times.
• Be careful when you eat or drink. Avoid eating anything chewy or crunchy. You might also find beverages that are too hot, too cold, or sugary might cause pain. You should also not try to chew with a broken tooth. Use the other side of your mouth instead.

So, How Do I Know I Need Emergency Dental Services?

It can be confusing trying to decide if you should seek emergency dental services in Lexington Park, Maryland. In many cases, if your tooth is just chipped and you aren’t experiencing bleeding or swelling, it’s fine to wait until regular office hours.

In general, if you answer yes to one or more questions it’s time for an emergency visit.

• Are you in severe pain?
• Have you completely lost a tooth?
• Do you have loose teeth?
• Is there an infection?
• Are you bleeding from your mouth?

Regardless, you should call your dentist to see if they deem your injury an emergency.

What Other Dental Issues Are Considered Emergencies?

Use the following as a reference so you know what to watch out for:

• Tooth pain: Whether you have a broken tooth or not, unexplained tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Don’t ignore it.
• Swelling: Swelling that occurs in your jaw or gums is cause for concern, especially if there is bleeding. If this happens to you, don’t delay treatment.
• Exposed nerves: If you have one you’ll probably know, as the pain can be unbearable. Leaving nerves exposed and untreated leads to infection, so call your dentist right away.
• Lost filling: When you lose a filling, this leaves the tooth vulnerable to breakage and can possibly expose nerves. It’s best to not wait to have the filling replaced.
• Tooth abscess: This can lead to a life-threatening situation if not dealt with immediately. If you have a fever, sensitivity to hot / cold, sore lymph nodes in your neck, or swelling along with a toothache that won’t go away, contact your emergency dentist right away.
• Broken crown: This, like a lost filling, leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage and infection. It’s better to not delay treatment if you break a crown.
• Food lodged in your teeth: This one may sound silly as a reason to see an emergency dentist, but if it can’t be removed it can become a serious concern. Food or any object stuck between your teeth can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and / or infection. If you can’t remove whatever is stuck, have your dentist do it as soon as possible.

If You Need Emergency Dental Services in Lexington Park, Maryland Make This Call Now!

Our staff is here to help! If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or bleeding please do not hesitate to contact us at 301-880-4439 for the best emergency dental care available!