Emergency Dentist Gambrills, MD When a dental emergency happens, what you do in the minutes beforehand can make a real difference in how the situation resolves. While these steps are not a replacement for professional care, they can ease pain and protect the affected tooth until you reach Dr. Antonino Barbaro Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.
Knocked-Out ToothPick the tooth up by the crown only, never the root, and rinse it briefly with water if it is dirty. If possible, try gently placing it back into its socket and holding it there with light pressure. If that is not possible, keep the tooth moist in a small container of milk or your own saliva. Time matters here, so call our office and head in as soon as you can. Cracked or Broken ToothRinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken piece, save it and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you are seen. Severe ToothacheRinse with warm salt water and gently floss around the tooth in case food debris is contributing to the pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can help in the short term, but persistent pain usually signals a problem that needs to be examined rather than simply managed at home. Lost Filling or CrownIf a crown has come loose but is intact, keep it in a safe container and bring it with you, since it may be possible to recement it. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth, and keep the area clean by rinsing gently with warm water. Bleeding or Soft Tissue InjuryApply firm, gentle pressure with clean gauze or a damp cloth to control bleeding. A cold compress on the outside of the face can help reduce swelling from an impact injury. If bleeding does not slow after a reasonable amount of direct pressure, this becomes more urgent and warrants a same-day call to our office. How We Treat These EmergenciesOnce you arrive, Dr. Antonino Barbaro will examine the affected area, often with the help of digital imaging, to understand the full extent of the problem. A knocked-out tooth may be reinserted and stabilized with a splint. A cracked tooth might need a bonded restoration or, in more significant cases, a crown to protect what remains of the healthy structure. Persistent pain from an infection is addressed at its source, which may involve treating the tooth's interior to remove infected tissue. A lost crown or filling is typically recemented or replaced with a new restoration, depending on its condition. While a chipped tooth may seem like a dental emergency, it may not be. Depending on the severity of the chip, you may be able to wait until a regularly scheduled appointment to have your tooth looked at. Orthodontic IssuesA broken wire or loose bracket can be managed temporarily at home by covering the sharp end with a small piece of orthodontic wax or a bit of clean cotton to protect the inside of the mouth. Avoid attempting to cut or bend the wire yourself, as this can lead to further irritation or accidental swallowing of a small piece. Once you arrive at our office, we will adjust or repair the appliance so it no longer causes discomfort. Follow-Up Care Matters TooMany emergency treatments are designed to relieve pain and stabilize the tooth right away, with a follow-up visit scheduled to complete any additional work. Our team will walk you through what to expect next so you feel confident about your recovery. If you are dealing with a dental emergency right now, call Dr. Antonino Barbaro Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at (443) 300-0400 for guidance on home care and to get in for treatment as quickly as possible. |
Contact UsDr. Antonino Barbaro Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 1071 Route 3 North, Suite 201, Gambrills, MD 21054-1784 New Patients: (443) 300-0400 Existing Patients: 410-721-8777 Office HoursMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:00am-3:00pm 7:00am-2:00pm 7:00am-2:00pm 7:00am-2:00pm Closed |
