Halliburton Family Dentistry provides emergency dentistry treatment to Ellicott City, MD patients. Call our office at 443-232-0656 in the event of a dental emergency. Our goal is to prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. Emergency dentistry is a general dentistry service to stop current and future oral health problems.
Dr. Denise Halliburton is an experienced dentist who, along with her dental team, wants patients to leave her office with healthy smiles. Some dental emergencies can be preventable. Schedule routine biannual checkups with Dr. Halliburton and maintain your oral hygiene at home to keep your smile clean and healthy.
Common Dental Emergencies
Our Ellicott City dental office helps patients get the care they need for these common emergencies:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Call our dental office if you have sudden or severe tooth pain. Sometimes toothaches can be caused by a dental infection, tooth abscess, or cavities. If you often experience minor tooth sensitivity and pain regularly, we can keep track of your oral health at regular appointments. Our team can ensure that tooth sensitivity does not develop into more dangerous problems.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: Please contact us if you have just lost a permanent tooth. If you can locate the tooth, hold it by the top or crown, and rinse it in cold water. You can transport it to our office in a cup of cold milk to keep it moist. We may be able to reattach the tooth if it is properly preserved. However, we can also coordinate dental implant treatment if the tooth cannot be reattached. We work with local oral surgeons to provide implants, implant-secured bridges, and dentures.
- Broken Dental Restorations: Call our office if you have just broken a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. We ask that you not attempt to fix your broken dental restoration alone. Trying to reattach your restoration can damage your teeth and gums. Our team will examine your teeth to create a new restoration for you.
- Object Stuck Between Teeth: If you have an object stuck between your teeth, try to floss it out gently. Do not use other methods to free the object, as you can damage your teeth or gums. Our professional team can remove the object for you without damaging your smile.
- Excessive Bleeding: Many patients with gum inflammation experience bleeding gums when they brush or floss their teeth. This type of bleeding is not a dental emergency but a sign that patients must keep up with their oral hygiene routine. However, patients who experience excessive bleeding, especially after a recent dental procedure, must contact our office.
Preparing for a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it, so it’s important to be ready. Knowing how to act can make a big difference, whether it’s a chipped tooth, knocked-out tooth, or sudden tooth pain.
Keep Your Dentist’s Contact Information Handy
The first step to being prepared is to have your dentist’s phone number saved in your phone or written down in a place you can easily find. Many dental offices offer emergency services or can refer you to someone who can help. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or a broken tooth, calling your dentist immediately can save time and help you get treated quickly.
Assemble a Dental First Aid Kit
You should have a first aid kit for cuts and bruises and a kit for dental emergencies. Here are some items to include:
- Gauze: To control bleeding in case of a knocked-out tooth or injury to the gums.
- Dental wax: Useful for covering sharp edges of a broken tooth or braces.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with toothaches and swelling.
- Salt: Salt can make a saltwater rinse, which soothes irritated gums and reduces swelling.
- A small container with a lid: If a tooth gets knocked out, it can hold it until you get to the dentist.
- Hand sanitizer and gloves: These are useful to prevent infection if you need to handle a knocked-out tooth.
These items can make a big difference if a dental emergency occurs.
Stay Calm and Act Fast
During a dental emergency, staying calm is key. Panic can make it harder to focus and act quickly. Take a deep breath and follow the steps outlined for the specific emergency. Acting fast can reduce pain, prevent infection, and increase the chances of saving a damaged tooth.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
One of the best ways to prepare for a dental emergency is to prevent one from happening. Regular checkups with your dentist can help identify problems before they become emergencies. If you play sports or grind your teeth, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
You can confidently handle dental emergencies and protect your smile by being prepared.
What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
If you find yourself in need of emergency dental care, knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety. Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens during an emergency dental visit:
- Initial Assessment
The dental team will assess your condition when you arrive at the dentist’s office. They may ask about your symptoms, the cause of the injury, and any medical history that could be relevant to your care. This initial assessment helps the dentist understand the severity of the emergency and decide on the best treatment plan.
- X-rays and Examination
If needed, the dentist may take X-rays to examine the affected tooth, gums, or jaw more closely. This step is especially important if the emergency involves trauma, an infection, or a tooth that is cracked or broken below the surface.
- Pain Management
One of the dentist’s first priorities is relieving your pain. They may use local anesthesia to numb the area or recommend other forms of pain relief. This will allow them to work on your teeth without causing you discomfort.
- Treatment
The type of treatment you receive depends on the nature of the emergency. Common procedures during emergency dental visits include:
- Filling or Bonding: To repair a broken or chipped tooth, the dentist may use a filling or bonding material to restore its shape and function.
- Root Canal: If the tooth is severely damaged or infected, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
- Extraction: Sometimes, the dentist may need to remove a tooth if it’s beyond repair.
- Stitching: For injuries to the gums or soft tissues, the dentist may stitch the wound to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Aftercare Instructions
Once the emergency treatment is complete, your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your mouth at home. This may include recommendations for pain relief, eating soft foods, avoiding certain activities, and using special mouth rinses to keep the area clean.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While accidents and injuries can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of a dental emergency.
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups can prevent many dental problems before they become emergencies. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the first defense against issues like cavities, gum disease, and infections.
2. Wear a Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury if you play contact sports. Mouthguards help absorb the impact from blows to the face, preventing teeth from getting knocked out or broken.
3. Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Chewing on ice, hard candies, or pens can lead to chipped or broken teeth. Avoid these habits and stick to softer foods less likely to cause damage.
4. Address Dental Problems Early
If you notice any signs of a dental issue, such as sensitivity, pain, or a loose tooth, don’t wait for it to become an emergency. Seeing your dentist early can help prevent the problem from getting worse.
Do I Have a Dental Emergency?
You’re experiencing a dental emergency if something is happening that needs to be taken care of immediately. An emergency means you must get care as soon as possible, or it can harm your oral health. Typically, pain accompanies a dental emergency. However, if you notice anything out of the ordinary in your mouth, call us directly. We can help you determine if you’re experiencing a dental emergency or if this is something that can wait for a normal office visit.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Contact our office immediately for emergency dental care at 443-232-0656. For non-emergency care, you may request a dental appointment with our team on our website. Halliburton Family Dentistry treats patients from Ellicott City, Columbia, Elkridge, and the Howard County area. If you are unsure if you are experiencing a dental emergency, call our office.