Best Emergency Dentist in Rockville MD

4 Tips for Choosing the Best Emergency Dentist in Rockville

The best Emergency Dentist in Rockville MD can provide invaluable help when you encounter an urgent dental care need. Choosing an emergency dentist can be somewhat different than finding your general dentist. You often do not have a lot of time to spend pondering your options. Here are four simple tips to help you find the best emergency dentist in Rockville!

Ask Questions

If you are in the middle of a dental emergency, you likely do not have time to ask a lot of questions. As a result, you should stick to simple, straight-to-the-point questions if you call ahead to an emergency dentist.

Ask if they have experience with your particular issue, inquire about their training, and find out if there is anything you should do to help the injury before you make it in to the office.

Get a Referral

If you love your general dentist but they do not provide the emergency services you need, ask if they can refer you to an emergency dentist. Often, dentists that have a general practice know where to find specialty services.

Read Reviews

If you can not decide which emergency dentist to visit, look at online reviews. The opinion of others can give you an idea of how well regarded a dentist is.

Plus, you may learn whether they have previous experience with situations like yours.

Make Sure They Accept Emergency Cases

While it may seem obvious, that’s not always the case, so be sure to call ahead or check a dentist’s website to see whether they accept emergency cases.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Understanding the difference in a dental emergency and minor dental issues can save you time, money, and unnecessary pain. So, what qualifies as a dental emergency?

When to See an Emergency Dentist

The CDC reports that over 40% of American adults have experienced oral pain in the past year. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. But, knowing when that pain requires immediate care and when it can wait for your next appointment can be complicated. Knowing the difference can protect yourself from future dental and health problems.

Ask yourself these questions.

How much pain is there?

Severe pain, bleeding, discoloration, or swelling can point to a serious problem.

Did one or more teeth come out?

If you have lost a tooth, or teeth, going to the dentist immediately may save the lost tooth.

Do any teeth feel loose?

Adults should NEVER experience teeth that feel loose. Even without any pain, this is a sign of a serious issue. You need to see the dentist immediately.

Do I have signs of infection?

Infections in the mouth can be extremely serious. If you have swelling, fever, or other signs of infection like pus, see your dentist immediately.

Is there blood?

Bleeding gums are always a cause for concern, but it also depends on how much blood there is and whether you are experiencing other symptoms.

Most Common Dental Emergencies

Some of the most common dental emergencies include the following.

Sudden tooth pain without explanation

If a tooth suddenly starts hurting for no reason, there is likely something wrong.

Bleeding and/or swelling of the gums

You may experience a small bit of bleeding when flossing. That’s ok. But if you are experiencing bleeding gums for no reason, you should see your dentist.

Unexplained swelling

If you experience unexplained swelling in the mouth or jaw, you need emergency dental services. This can be a sign of infection, a lymph node issue, or other emergent problems.

Exposed nerves

An exposed nerve causes extreme pain. Delaying treatment will only worsen this problem. Prompt attention prevents further nerve damage, infection, and the need for more extensive treatments.

Lost Tooth

While it’s normal for small kids, adults should not lose teeth. Whether it was knocked out by force or not, this is a huge concern. Receiving treatment within a few hours can save the tooth. In addition to seeking dental care immediately, do the following:

• Pick up the tooth by the tip, don’t touch the root.
• Rinse the tooth gently in water but do not scrub
• If you can, reinsert the tooth in the socket. Be extremely gentle and don’t force it. If the tooth will go in, hold it in place gently with your fingers.
• Keep the tooth moist in either the socket, the inside of your cheek, or a glass of milk. Do not put the tooth in a glass of water.

Getting to the dentist immediately is your best chance of having the tooth reimplanted and saved.

Lost filling

A filling falling out is an emergency. Leaving the tooth without the structure of the filling makes it susceptible to breaking, chipping, or cracking.

Damaged dental crown

When a crown is damaged or falls out, the tooth left behind is at risk of infection or damage. Getting to the dentist quickly prevents the need for further dental work like a root canal or extraction.

Abscessed tooth

An abscess is a reason for immediate emergency dental care. This infection can spread quickly to the jaw and surrounding tissues. In fact, in severe cases it can become life-0threatening. Symptoms of tooth abscess include

• Pain
• Fever
• Swelling in the face
• Tender lymph nodes
• A bump on the gums near the affected tooth. This may resemble a pimple.

The Best Emergency Dentist in Rockville Can Save Your Day – and Your Smile!

If you need the best emergency dentist in Rockville, look no further than Rochelle Hackley, DDS, LLC. We are here for you in your time of need.

Contact us at 301-917-3964 to make your appointment as soon as possible!