Dental emergencies can happen at any time, leaving you in severe pain and need of immediate care. Ellen Brodsky, DDS, Andrew Schliep, DDS, and the professional team at Art and Dentistry in Bethesda, Maryland, understand the importance of timely, effective treatment during an emergency. That's why they offer emergency dentistry services to help you manage pain, treat injuries, and restore your oral health as quickly as possible. Call the dental practice today to schedule an appointment to get the quality care you deserve when you need it most.
Emergency dentistry focuses exclusively on immediate treatment for urgent dental problems requiring prompt attention. While regular dental care involves routine teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, and dental crowns, emergency dentistry addresses unexpected issues that can catch you off guard.
While all injuries require prompt care, not all constitute a dental emergency. For example, a chipped tooth can cause discomfort and look unappealing, but it can usually wait for a regular appointment. Dental emergencies usually involve injuries and conditions that can’t wait more than 24 hours. Examples include:
Scheduling an emergency visit can help prevent further damage and increase the chances of saving your affected tooth or teeth.
The experienced dental team can provide personalized advice on protecting your oral health and minimizing any discomfort you experience when you schedule your emergency visit. The team typically provides guidance for the following:
Carefully rinse the tooth to remove any debris and bacteria. If possible, insert the tooth back into its socket root side up and gently bite down to hold it in place. Don’t worry if you can’t reinsert the tooth. Store it in a container of milk or saliva until your appointment.
Try to locate the fractured piece of the tooth if you can, gently rinse it, and place it in a container for your visit. If the remaining tooth is jagged, stick a piece of sugar-free gum over the edges to ease your discomfort.
If you have severe tooth pain, apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. Don’t take any pain relievers until the team uncovers the source of your pain.
While emergencies aren’t always preventable, scheduling regular dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months allows your dentist to spot problems like cracks and tooth decay before they become serious. Treating dental concerns early on can help reduce your need for emergency dentistry.
Having a dentist you trust can make all the difference in how you recover from a dental emergency. Call Art and Dentistry today to schedule an appointment to learn more about the emergency dentistry services available.