Visiting an emergency dentist helps alleviate mouth pain and prevents problems from becoming worse. Patients can contact us if they are experiencing any dental emergencies and we will connect them with an emergency dentist Baltimore Maryland near them.

Any type of dental trauma that requires immediate care qualifies as a dental emergency. Symptoms that warrant an emergency visit include:

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, and it should be treated by an emergency dentist as soon as possible. This type of dental injury can happen from sports impact, chewing hard foods, using teeth as scissors, or accidents. A knocked out tooth can be saved, but it needs to be handled carefully.

Immediately after a tooth is knocked out, rinse it gently in saline or salty water to remove any visible dirt and debris. Then, try to re-insert the tooth into its socket. If you can’t put it back into its socket, place the tooth between your gums and cheek or in a small container of milk, saliva, or an emergency tooth preservation product such as Save-a-Tooth.

A knocked-out tooth can often be replanted and will remain in place for years to come. However, if the ligament that attaches it to the bone is destroyed, it will likely need a root canal or replacement.

Broken or Loose Wires in Braces

Sometimes the wires or bands that hold the orthodontic appliances in place break. This is not a reason to panic. Depending on its location, a broken wire may poke into the gums or cheek. If it does, try using the eraser end of a pencil or some orthodontic wax to push it back into place. If the end is still protruding, cover it with some wax until you can see your Orthodontist.

Loose or broken brackets and wires don’t always require immediate attention, but you should still contact your Orthodontist to schedule an appointment. These problems can slow down your child’s treatment, as they prevent the corrective force from being applied to teeth. Common reasons for these issues include eating hard foods, biting down on non-food objects such as nails or pen caps, aggressive tooth brushing, clenching and grinding of the teeth, and mouth injuries. The best way to avoid these problems is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions, eat healthy foods, and protect the mouth when playing sports.

Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies and should never be ignored. A dull, persistent pain may indicate a cavity, while a sharp, throbbing pain might suggest an infected root or a crack in the tooth.

Depending on the severity, an emergency dentist Baltimore Maryland will relieve the pain and take X-rays to identify the cause of the problem. They will then determine the most effective treatment, which can include removing decay, placing a filling or root canal therapy.

To help prevent toothaches, patients should brush and floss regularly with fluoride toothpaste and visit the dentist for regular checkups. Additionally, a low-sugar diet and avoiding teeth-grinding can prevent decay. Over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen can also help reduce discomfort until the appointment with the dentist. If a toothache does occur, contact the dentist or an emergency service listed on the Emergency Dental Service website. They will be able to provide the care you need immediately.

Infection

A dental infection is a serious matter that needs immediate care. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause life-threatening problems. Infections can also lead to a tooth abscess. If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, puffy gums, pain, pockets of pus, or a fever, seek emergency treatment. It is often better to visit an emergency dentist than to head to the hospital, as they are better equipped to handle dental emergencies and can get you in and out quickly. They can also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection if necessary. This can save you time and money, not to mention days of discomfort.