The most common dental emergencies we see in our Annapolis office are toothaches, usually brought on by infections that may need a root canal or extraction. Here’s what to do for each emergency until you can see your emergency dentist.
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Severe Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. An over-the-counter pain reliever, taken as directed, can help until your visit. Never place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can burn the tissue.
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Broken, Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces you can find. A cold compress on your cheek helps with swelling, and dental wax can cover sharp edges. Many broken teeth can be repaired with a filling or dental crown when treated promptly.
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Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top), being careful not to touch the root. Rinse it briefly without scrubbing, then gently place it back in its socket. If that isn’t possible, keep the tooth wet, ideally in a cup of milk, and call us right away. If Dr. Polizois treats it promptly, the tooth may be saved. If the tooth can’t be saved, he may recommend a dental implant.
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Abscess, Swelling or Infection
Swelling in your gums, face or jaw, especially with fever or a bad taste, can signal a dental abscess. Infections spread if left untreated, so call us the same day. A cold compress can ease swelling while you wait.
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Lost Filling or Crown
Keep the crown if you have it and bring it to your appointment. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a short time. Avoid chewing on that side until we can see you.
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Wisdom Tooth Pain
Pain, swelling or a bad taste near the back of your jaw is a common sign of an infected or impacted wisdom tooth. Rinse with warm salt water and use a cold compress on your cheek, then call us to be seen.
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Broken or Loose Dentures
Don’t try to glue or repair a broken denture at home. Bring all the pieces with you, and we can repair, reline or replace your dentures.
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Sudden Gum Pain
Untreated periodontal disease can also lead to sudden and severe pain. Watch for swollen or bleeding gums, loose or shifting teeth, gum recession, bad breath, or pain when eating or brushing.
When to Go to the Emergency Room First
Some injuries need a hospital before they need a dentist. Call 911 or go to your local ER if you have:
- Bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure
- Swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, or makes it hard to breathe or swallow
- A possible broken jaw or a head injury
Once you’re stable, you, a friend or a medical professional can contact our team to arrange follow-up care. For a knocked-out or broken tooth with no other serious injuries, call our office right away.
Your Emergency Dental Appointment in Annapolis, MD
During your emergency appointment, Dr. Polizois will work diligently to control your pain and save your tooth. He’ll examine the area, take X-rays if needed, and explain your options before treatment begins. In some situations, he may stabilize the emergency and schedule a follow-up appointment later in the week. But rest assured, we will never leave you in pain.
Most emergency dental care is done right here in our office, without a referral:
- Emergency root canals: to remove infection and save a badly aching tooth.
- Emergency wisdom tooth removal: we handle wisdom tooth extractions in-house. Learn more about emergency tooth extraction in Annapolis.
- Emergency tooth repair: fillings, crowns or temporary restorations for broken teeth.
Have questions about cost or insurance? Our team is happy to talk through your coverage and payment options when you call. You can also review our financial information.
Nervous About Emergency Treatment? Ask About Sedation
A dental emergency is stressful enough without dental anxiety on top of it. If you feel nervous, let our team know when you call. We offer sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide, to help you feel calm and comfortable while we provide your emergency dental care.
Dental Emergency Prevention
Preventative dentistry and optimal oral hygiene lower your dental emergency risk.
We recommend:
If you play sports, we also recommend wearing the proper face gear and mouthguards to protect your mouth from accidental trauma.
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, our top Annapolis, MD dentist can help you avoid erosion and sudden tooth breakage by providing a custom nightguard.
