If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call 410.666.1178.
Valley Dental Health offers emergency dental care services for patients in Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Phoenix, MD and the surrounding areas.
Whether you are a new patient or a patient of record, we will make every attempt to see you on the same day. If your emergency is happening during normal hours, call our office to schedule an appointment.
If your emergency is taking place after normal hours, please call Valley Dental Health and leave a voicemail. Your message will be delivered to the dentist on call who will get back to you promptly. Our dentist can advise on your situation, call in prescriptions, offer treatment advice and schedule a visit if needed.
What To Do If You Have A Dental Emergency
The best thing to do in a dental emergency is to call the dentist for further instructions. Many dental problems only get worse without treatment. Seeking treatment quickly can save you time, pain, and money in the long run.
Our goal is to treat your dental emergency promptly and with the highest level of service so that you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile.
Broken or missing crown or filling
It is unlikely that the restoration can be reused, but please save it if possible. Do not attempt to glue or reattach the filling or crown.
Broken or knocked-out teeth
If you have a broken or knocked-out tooth, please contact our dentist’s office immediately. Retrieve the tooth, if possible, holding it by the crown (the part that is normally exposed in your mouth).
You may gently rinse the tooth with water to remove dirt but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments that may be attached.
The ADA recommends storing the tooth in a small container with your own saliva or milk. Teeth have the greatest chance of being replaced in the socket within one hour of being knocked out.
If you cannot save your tooth, Valley Dental Health offers a full range of restorative dentistry services, such as implants or bridges. Your dentist may use the natural tooth as a model for the new restoration.
Tooth Pain
One of the most common oral health concerns is toothache or tooth pain. There are a number of things that cause a toothache, our first suggestion may be to try brushing or flossing around the tooth to remove any trapped food or other particles. You may also try rinsing with warm water or a diluted salt solution.
If you experience any swelling, apply a cold compress to the cheek or outside of the mouth to reduce discomfort.
Cavities can also cause considerable discomfort and may require a root canal. In rare cases, an abscess can cause tooth pain. Do not attempt to open or drain the abscess, and do not apply painkillers directly against the gum area or aching tooth.
Broken Dentures or Broken Bridge
If possible, save the broken denture or bridge and bring it with you to your appointment. In some cases, a dentist can repair dentures and bridges. We will evaluate your denture or bridge and make the best recommendation for repair or replacement.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most common dental emergencies are toothache or cavities. Rinsing with warm salt water and flossing can help with toothaches.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
The best thing to do when experiencing a dental emergency is to rinse with saltwater. If you’re bleeding, you may apply gauze to the area until bleeding stops. Also, using a cold compress and holding it near your pain can help numb the area and relieve pain.
What are the common causes of a dental emergency?
The most common causes of dental emergencies are riding a bike, outdoor play, work accidents, or biting into something hard.
What are the 3 C’s when dealing with an emergency in order?
The three C’s to remember when dealing with a dental emergency include check, call, and care. Check the mouth to determine what is wrong, call our office, or a dental office near you to schedule an appointment asap, and lastly get care for the issue.
Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?
A broken tooth is not necessarily a dental emergency, however it can be if the patient is in extreme pain, or the area of the incident will not stop bleeding. It is important to call our office, or an office near you asap to schedule an appointment.
What to do if a tooth breaks in half?
If your tooth breaks in half, the first step is to call our office, or a nearby office immediately to schedule an appointment. It is not advisable to ignore a broken tooth, as the condition may worsen and the tooth may become infected.
