SPECIALTY

Dental emergencies can be painful and scary. They can happen at any time, and when they do, it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible. There are many situations that may warrant a visit to the emergency dentist. It’s important to know the difference between an emergency situation and something that can wait a day or two so that you can plan accordingly.

Common Dental Emergencies

Severe Tooth Pain

If you’ve experienced a sudden burst of pain or pressure in your tooth that hasn’t subsided after an hour or two, this is a sign of an abscessed tooth or another severe issue that will need immediate attention from your doctor. Don’t just tough it out and wait for the pain to pass! If you wait too long, the issue could get worse and the tooth may even become infected.

Broken Dental Appliance

A broken dental appliance such as a crown, bridge, denture, or filling should be treated right away. Our dentist may be able to repair it temporarily until you’re able to come in for a permanent fix, but you should always call the dentist for a broken device. If you aren’t able to get it repaired immediately, you should make sure you keep the area clean and free of debris to avoid infection.

Knocked-out Teeth

If your tooth has been knocked out completely, you’ll need to act quickly to save the tooth. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place gently in the socket and avoid touching the root. If the tooth can’t be replaced, be sure to keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk. Then, head straight to the ER. The faster you get a plan of action from the doctors, the better your chances are of saving the natural tooth.

Swollen Jaw

If your jaw starts to become swollen and painful, this can mean many things. Our dentist will advise you on the best course of treatment, but in most cases, the swelling is caused by an infection and requires antibiotics to clear up and allow the tissue to heal.

What Happens During a Typical Emergency Dental Visit?

If you’ve knocked out a tooth or are experiencing tooth pain, it’s important that you call us right away. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment for you as quickly as possible and determine if treatment is necessary. 

This initial appointment will allow us to examine the area and get a better idea of what is causing your pain or discomfort. Our dentist will explain your treatment options and help you determine the best solution to restore your smile’s health. In some cases, we can actually save the tooth if you come into our office within two hours of the injury occurring. 

We will carefully examine your mouth and take X-rays to examine your teeth below the gum line. This will help us identify any abnormalities in the roots and underlying bone structure. We’ll also look for any teeth that are out of alignment. 

Once the exam is complete, we’ll be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and discuss your treatment options with you in detail so that you can feel confident about restoring your oral health.

For more information, contact our Alexandria dental office at (703) 823-2848 or 5130 Duke St, Suite 8, Alexandria, VA 22304, or our Manassas dental office at (703) 479-7654 or 8608 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.