Do you know what to do when a dental emergency takes place? Your child has knocked out a tooth, or you have a major toothache…what now? When a pressing dental problem randomly happens, you can receive the attention and advice you need to get through it safely. Our Goodman Dental Care team will do our best to make a same day dental appointment for you when something detrimental happens to your teeth. If you are visiting Annapolis area, or if you’re new to the city, our dentists can help you right away. After you receive the excellent dental care you need and deserve for the first time at our office, your Annapolis dentist would be more than happy to make you a regular patient.
Common Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is a dental accident or problem that causes pain, swelling, bleeding or an obvious aesthetic problem. Common dental emergencies are chipped or fractured teeth, a knocked-out tooth, and severe toothaches. Other problems include dental abscesses, teeth that are displaced to one side, broken dentures or other prosthetics, fractured jaws, or deep cuts to the tongue, lips or gums. Whatever trauma your mouth is suffering from, contact our office for prompt care.
A chipped tooth, filling, or crown
Your teeth undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. If you experience a crack or chip, Don’t panic. It’s important to save the pieces in a sealed bag or container, and keep them moist with salt water or milk. Cover any jagged edges in your mouth with orthodontic wax, denture adhesive, or sugar-free gum. Contact your Annapolis dentist right away for an appointment.
A dental abscess
This hole in your tooth occurs because of excessive tooth decay causing an infection. You may experience symptoms like a painful toothache, drainage, fever, and swelling of the jaw and gums. Apply a cold compress (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off) to reduce swelling. Take over the counter medication for pain and reduced swelling. Call our office right away because depending on how deep-set your infection is, you could develop further health concerns.
A knocked-out tooth
A sudden hard blow to the face can knock out a tooth. The chance of your saving it increases if you act promptly. Rinse the tooth in warm water, leaving any remaining soft tissue attached. Place the tooth back in the socket. Hold it there while quickly getting to our office. If you cannot replace it, put it in a sealed container with milk or water to keep it moisturized.
A foreign object stuck between two teeth
Attempt to remove the object with dental floss. If you cannot dislodge it, call your emergency dentist for advice. DO NOT use additional foreign objects like safety pins or bobby pins to try to dislodge it.
A broken jaw or deep laceration
Please go to the nearest hospital emergency room. These conditions require immediate medical attention. Reach out to our office after your priority health concerns have been addressed.
Preventing Emergencies
Although they can’t be eliminated, everyone can decrease the chances of suffering a dental emergency. Be proactive with your dental health by practicing these good preventive habits:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Getting six-month professional cleanings and exams
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet (limiting sugars and carbohydrates)
- Wearing a mouthguard to protect against sports injuries and teeth grinding (bruxism)
You Deserve Excellent Emergency Care
When you experience an accident that affects your oral health, you need resources that can help you reach a solution. That’s what Goodman Dental Care is here for. Before you are in a frantic situation googling, “dentist near me” in a hurry, add our phone number to your contacts. This way, it’ll be easy to receive the advice you need and schedule the soonest available appointment.