Maybe you woke up with a swollen jaw or a toothache. Perhaps you fell on the sidewalk and chipped a tooth, or maybe a sports-related accident dislodged your tooth. Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. In addition to causing pain and discomfort, these conditions can worsen if left untreated, compromising your overall oral health. Dr. Gol offers a wide range of emergency dental treatments to help you get back on track when the unexpected happens.
Common Dental Emergencies
When emergencies occur, tensions rise. Knowing what to anticipate in the midst of a traumatic event can help you navigate the situation with clarity. Below, we will explore some of the most common dental emergencies and explain what to do until you can make it to our office.
Toothache
Tooth pain can be mild or severe, acute or chronic. Sometimes, a toothache will seem to appear out of nowhere. To soothe the discomfort, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution and take ibuprofen, naproxen, or similar over-the-counter pain medicine.
Knocked-Out Tooth
An avulsed, or knocked-out tooth, is a very time-sensitive emergency. If addressed promptly, the tooth may be replanted successfully. Should this happen to you, locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the root at all cost. Carefully rinse the tooth and place it back in the socket. If this is not possible, store the tooth in a glass of milk or saline and bring it to our office.
Broken Tooth
Small chips or hairline fractures are typically not serious and do not constitute a dental emergency. However, if you have a large fracture, it is important to see your dentist right away. If you can, locate the broken tooth fragment and bring it to our office with you. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution, apply a cold compress, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the broken tooth is irritating your tongue or cheeks, place a small piece of orthodontic wax or sugarless gum over the area.
Book a consult for Emergency Dentistry with Dr. Javod Gol now. Call us at (410)-884-0262 Or Schedule Your Appointment Online. We can typically fit you into our schedule on the same day so you can receive the care and attention you deserve.
Lost or Damaged Restorations
Old restorations, such as fillings or crowns, may become damaged or fall off. This is typically due to a decay of the underlying tooth structure. A temporary filling material can be purchased from most pharmacies. This should buy you some time until you can make a dental appointment. However, if you are experiencing severe pain as the result of a lost or damaged restoration, call our office immediately.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to attend routine checkups with Dr. Gol. During these appointments, he will ensure that your teeth are strong and healthy. It is always easier to try and keep and restore teeth before they break or become an emergency.
If you play sports, we recommend investing in a custom mouthguard to wear during practices and games. This will protect your smile and prevent trauma.
Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Columbia, MD
If you are in the midst of a dental emergency, reach out to our team at Precision Dentistry. We can help alleviate your pain so you can get back to normal life again. Contact us online or call our office at (410)-884-0262.
