We Make It Easy to Find Emergency Dental Services Near College Park

Most of us will experience a dental emergency such as a toothache or damaged tooth at some point in our lives. Prompt treatment from a knowledgeable dentist will not only stop the pain, but it can also prevent long-term damage to the tooth and the need for more expensive and invasive procedures later. We are proud to offer affordable, quality emergency dental care near College Park in a caring and professional environment. If you are tired of living with a painful or damaged tooth, call our walk-in dental clinic today for more information about our emergency services.

While most dental offices do their best to accommodate same-day appointments for individuals with urgent issues, such as acute pain, a damaged tooth, or a missing or loose filling, an emergency dental clinic is usually the best solution for emergencies that happen outside of normal office hours. These clinics are often open on weekends and holidays and typically have short wait times even without an appointment. The quality of the work is comparable to what you would receive from your primary dentist and the prices are surprisingly affordable.

Severe pain and facial injuries are the most common reasons to see an emergency dentist. Other situations may be less obvious. The following are just a few examples of situations requiring emergency dental care.

Pain-Related Dental Emergencies

Severe pain, bleeding, or obvious tooth damage are always signs that you need emergency dental care near College Park. These issues will not resolve on their own and can result in long-term tooth damage and even dangerous infections if not addressed promptly by an emergency dental provider.

Fractured Tooth:

Cracks in the teeth, even when they are so small that they are difficult to see with an X-ray, can cause sudden sensitivity to pressure, cold, or heat when you eat or drink. Depending on the extent of the damage, a dentist may be able to reinforce the tooth to protect it from further damage.

Infection of the Tooth or Gum:

A crack in the tooth or severe decay or periodontal disease can lead to a bacterial infection of the tooth or gums. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the bones and soft tissues of the cheek, jaw, and throat, which can be life-threatening. Common symptoms include painful, pus-filled abscesses, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Tooth Decay:

Cavities damage the hard surface of the tooth, which can cause pain when eating or drinking and make the tooth more susceptible to infection or structural damage.

Infected Root Canals:

Although relatively rare, a tooth can become infected even after a root canal has been performed.

Teeth Grinding:

The unconscious grinding of the teeth and jaw, also known as bruxism, can cause pain in the mouth and jaw that can even radiate to the shoulders, neck, and ears. Over time, it can even cause structural damage to the teeth.

Sinus Infections:

Infections and inflammation in the sinus cavities can cause toothaches by placing pressure on the nerves of the teeth, especially the upper rear teeth.

Gingival Recession:

In cases of severe periodontal disease, the gums can recede to the point that they expose the tooth root, which can cause sensitivity and pain.

Worn or Damaged Tooth Enamel:

Excessive erosion of the tooth enamel, which can be caused by teeth grinding, a diet high in acidic foods and beverages, or frequent vomiting, can expose the underlying nerves and dentin resulting in increased pain and sensitivity.

Trauma-Related Dental Emergencies

Sports injuries, falls, and vehicle or biking accidents are common causes of dental trauma. While trauma-related dental emergencies can occur at any age, they are most common among children. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 33% of children will experience a traumatic injury to their primary teeth, and roughly 20% of 12-year-olds will experience an injury to their permanent teeth. If your child experiences a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, it is important to seek emergency dental care near College Park as quickly as possible.

According to the American Association of Endodontists, Americans experience more than five million knocked-out teeth each year. Although a knocked-out tooth is distressing, it may be possible to save the tooth with the right emergency dental care. Ideally, you should see an emergency dental provider within 30 minutes of the incident. For the best results, you should contact the dentist ahead of time for instructions on how to handle, store, and transport the tooth. If it is not possible to reimplant the tooth, the dentist will go over your replacement options.

Should I Get Emergency Dental Care Near College Park for a Missing or Damaged Filling or Crown?

A missing or damaged dental restoration can impact the structural integrity of the tooth and open the door to infection. It should be considered a dental emergency if you are experiencing pain or sensitivity to air, pressure, or temperature. An emergency dentist can recommend an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever until you can get into the office for the necessary repairs. If you aren’t in pain, the dentist may be able to recommend temporary repairs that you can do yourself to protect the tooth until it is convenient for you to come into the office.

Is It Appropriate to Go to the Emergency Room for Dental Issues?

In general, a qualified dentist is the best person to treat a dental emergency. While emergency physicians are adept at handling most issues related to facial trauma, they are not trained in dentistry or able to perform invasive dental procedures, such as extractions. On the other hand, the emergency room may be your best option if you suspect a severe infection since ER physicians are able to administer intravenous antibiotics.

If you experience a dental emergency near College Park, you can trust the team of your local Dental Care Alliance practice to deliver the highest level of care in a compassionate environment. Call today for more information.