Emergency dental services can address unexpected dental problems. Dr. John Slate offers comprehensive emergency dentistry services in our Washington, DC, dentist office, and our team makes every effort to see you promptly based on your emergency care needs.
Emergency dental care can help you maintain your dental health. Our team is here to provide immediate care when you have a dental emergency. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment when a dental emergency arises. Prompt action can make all the difference in preventing more damage to the teeth and gums after trauma or infection. Emergency dental care is part of the general dentistry services we provide to the public.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can range from minor issues to severe problems. Common oral health issues we see and treat with emergency dentistry serviecs in Washington, DC office include:
Toothaches
A toothache might seem like a small problem, but it can be a sign of something worse, like an infection or decay. You can develop a dental abscess if the infection spreads from your tooth.
Contact our office if the pain is severe or lasts more than a day. At home, you can take pain medication and use a cold compress. But don’t wait for treatment.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth can crack or break from accidents, falls, or even biting down on something hard. Even if it doesn’t hurt right away, a damaged tooth can lead to bigger problems if not treated. Avoid biting with the injured tooth. Also, don’t try to fix the tooth damage on your own. Call Dr. Slate for treatment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth gets knocked out, time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently in water. You can try to gently place the tooth back in its socket and bite down. If this doesn’t work, call our dental office. Bring the tooth with you in a cup of milk to keep it moist. We may be able to save the tooth if you see our dentist immediately.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Fillings and crowns protect weak or damaged teeth. If one falls out, the tooth can become sensitive or painful. We can replace it to prevent further damage.
Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can lead to more significant issues and higher costs. Immediate care can help prevent complications and reduce pain.
Available Emergency Dental Treatments
Do you need immediate dental care? We’re here to provide dental care when you need it the most. Dr. Slate offers a range of emergency dentistry treatments in Washington, DC:
Toothache
A toothache can have different causes, and the treatment depends on the severity of the problem. If you have tooth pain, take pain medication at home. Then call our office.
A filling can repair the tooth and stop further decay if the pain is from a small cavity or minor crack. We may recommend root canal therapy if the tooth is badly infected or the inner pulp is damaged. A root canal can remove the infection and save your tooth. But in cases where the tooth is too damaged to save, a tooth extraction may be the best option to prevent further problems.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can be painful and needs quick care to avoid infection or more damage. As soon as you break your tooth, try to find and save any pieces of the tooth that came off. Rinse the pieces with clean water and place them in a small container with saliva to keep them moist. Bring the pieces with you to your dental appointment, and we may use them to repair your tooth.
While you wait to see the dentist, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce discomfort. Follow the directions on the label and don’t put the medicine directly on your gums or tooth. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce swelling. If your face is swollen, gently place a cold pack on your cheek
One of the strongest treatments for tooth damage is a crown. A crown is a strong cap that fits over the damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
If you have a small chip or crack, we may recommend bonding, but that isn’t an emergency. While you can wait to treat a small area of damage, we recommend scheduling a visit sooner than later.
Knocked-Out Tooth
As soon as you lose a permanent tooth, try to locate it. If you find your tooth, hold it by its top or crown. Then gently rinse your tooth to remove debris and avoid touching the roots.
You can try to put your tooth back in the socket and gently bite down to preserve your tooth. If this doesn’t work, place your tooth in a cup of saliva and go to our office. Dr. Slate can try to place your tooth back in your mouth. He can also provide an implant if he can’t reattach your tooth.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Call our office if an old filling or crown falls out and you lose it. Losing a filling or crown can leave your tooth exposed and sensitive. We can clean the area and put in a new filling or replace the crown to protect the tooth. Our office can also provide a temporary crown if needed to protect your tooth.
Your Emergency Dental Plan
When you have a dental emergency whether it’s a broken tooth that affects your smile or a serious problem that puts a tooth at risk, you want a plan that fits into your overall dental care. We’ll talk with you about how your emergency treatment connects with your long-term dental health. Our goal is to help you get out of pain quickly and work toward a healthy, lasting smile.
The cost of emergency dental care can be a concern, but immediate treatment is essential. Many dental insurance plans cover emergency services, but we advise you to consult with your carrier to understand covered costs. Slate Dental provides various payment and insurance options to help manage costs.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
No one wants to deal with a sudden tooth problem, but the good news is you can prevent some dental emergencies. Here’s how to protect your teeth and gums:
- Keep Up With Dental Checkups: Seeing Dr. Slate every six months helps catch small problems before they turn into big ones. Regular cleanings remove harmful plaque, and dental exams can spot weak spots in your teeth that might need attention.
- Brush and Floss Daily: We recommend that you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day to clean between teeth before you brush. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum damage.
- Break Bad Habits: Your teeth aren’t tools! Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. Don’t use teeth to open packages or bottles. Also avoid biting your nails because can chip or crack your teeth.
- Protect Your Smile During Sports: Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard if you play contact sports. We recommend custom sports mouthguards for patients of all ages. You could injure your gums or lose a tooth from a hit to the mouth or face.
Get Urgent Dental Care Today
Dr. Slate provides top-notch emergency dentistry services in Washington, DC, and surrounding areas. His experienced team is equipped to handle dental emergencies. For immediate assistance, contact Dr. Slate’s office directly.
Call (425) 584-3751 in case of a dental emergency. Request an appointment online you don’t need emergency care but have a current dental concern.