(410) 939-5800
Dental Emergency? Stay Calm
A dental emergency happens to even the most careful of patients. You can lose your balance, sustain a sports injury, or just haven’t been keeping up with brushing. There are many things that can cause your teeth to become decayed, chipped, or fractured over time. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Dr. Richard Grubb is there at our Havre de Grace, MD practice to provide care during moments when you need it the most.
You can reach Family Implant & Restorative Dentistry by calling us at (410) 939-5800 so that a helpful staff member can schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you’re in the Havre de Grace Heights, Bayview Estates, and Osborne, MD, areas, Dr. Grubb can help.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Anything from a sudden injury to persistent, long-term discomfort in your oral cavity can be considered a dental emergency. If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing an emergency or not, the first thing to do is to call our office. This allows us to determine if you need urgent care or if it can wait until your next appointment. A dental emergency can include:
- Swelling or discoloration in the mouth
- Tooth fractures caused by injury or trauma
- An infected tooth requiring root canal therapy
- Consistent bleeding in or around the mouth
- Severe and persistent tooth pain
Dr. Grubb has tackled dozens of dental injuries over the years. Contact us right away so he can assess the damage, relieve your pain, and prevent further issues.
Common Dental Emergencies
Broken or Cracked Teeth
A broken or damaged tooth requires immediate repair. Otherwise, you risk even further complications and even infection. When you enter our Havre de Grace, MD office, Dr. Grubb will assess your tooth to determine the best restorative solution for you. If the damage is too much, we may recommend a natural-looking porcelain crown to protect the structure. We can also cover your teeth’s cracks or chips with convenient tooth-colored fillings.
Missing Teeth
Patients with strong oral health can sometimes have their teeth get knocked out, loosened, or become severely damaged. If this happens, Dr. Grubb and the team at Family Implant & Restorative Dentistry can help. If you can locate the missing tooth, we ask that you bring it with you during your emergency appointment in a glass of lukewarm water or milk. We’ll assess what’s going on and provide you with several solutions for your smile.
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
We advise that you go to urgent care or the emergency room before giving us a call. Certain emergencies like bleeding or trauma will require immediate attention before receiving repairs at our office. When you contact us, we’ll provide you with personalized assistance and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Once you visit our Havre de Grace, MD practice, Dr. Grubb will evaluate your dental issues to determine the best course of treatment.
It’s important to take action after an emergency. That’s why if you experience dental fear or anxiety, Dr. Grubb can help ease your worries with IV sedation. That way, your procedure will be painless and you’ll feel comfortable. No matter what your situation is, our dentist and team will do everything to get your oral health back on track.
What Is Not a Dental Emergency
Our dental concerns can sometimes be non-emergencies and can simply wait for a regular appointment. While some procedures like teeth cleanings can wait until your next visit, periodontal care due to a severe infection can require urgent treatment at our Havre de Grace, MD office.
Some examples of non-emergencies include:
- Minor cavities that aren’t painful
- Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening
- Routine extractions for non-painful teeth
- Cleanings and check-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Dr. Grubb replace a tooth that I’ve lost?
What steps should I take if my tooth falls out after an injury?
How can I lower my risk of having a dental emergency?
Is TMD a dental emergency?
How can Dr. Grubb replace a tooth that I’ve lost?
A tooth can’t be saved sometimes due to excessive damage. Fortunately, Dr. Grubb offers restorative dentistry to make your smile look good as new. Our options include:
- Dental Implants: These natural-looking, permanent prosthetic teeth are placed directly into your jawbone to give you a strong foundation and are topped off with a beautiful porcelain crown. Implants are also crafted to match the rest of your teeth.
- Dental Bridges: These restorations can fill in any gaps in your smile by using three custom-made porcelain crowns, which are supported by adjacent teeth. Just like implants, we’ll make sure your bridge feels like your natural teeth.
What steps should I take if my tooth falls out after an injury?
If one or more of your teeth gets knocked out due to an injury, contact our office immediately at (410) 939-5800. Dr. Grubb has put together a list of simple instructions to help care for your tooth and manage your pain in the meantime:
- Handle the tooth only by the crown
- Place the tooth in a container with milk or water
- Apply an ice pack to the area to help reduce swelling
- Take an over-the-counter reliever to alleviate any pain
- Bite down on a gauze pad to reduce the bleeding
How can I lower my risk of having a dental emergency?
While accidents happen, there are certain measures you can take to help lower your risk of dental emergencies. Dr. Grubb and our expert team recommend that you:
- Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports
- Brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals
- Wear a nighttime mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding
- Schedule bi-annual check-ups with Dr. Grubb
- Visit our office before an upcoming trip
Is TMD a dental emergency?
TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a condition that develops differently for patients. However, the symptoms are similar and include jaw pain, soreness, headaches, ear pains, and more. If you suddenly find yourself experiencing any of these issues, schedule an urgent visit so that Dr. Grubb can pinpoint the exact cause of your TMD. This way, we can start you on the path to experiencing both quality sleep and pain-free mornings.
Credentials
Emergency or Not; We’re Always Here to Help
A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. That’s why at Family Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry, Dr. Grubb and our team are prepared to give you the immediate care you need during the experience. We offer comprehensive dental services to ensure each of our patients receives the necessary treatment to reclaim their smile. Contact our office by calling (410) 939-5800 or filling out a convenient contact form.