Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. Knowing what to do in the case of a dental emergency can save you time, discomfort, and money. Dr. Justin Deckard and our team at DC Precision Dentistry provide emergency dentistry treatment in Washington, D.C.
We are committed to helping each patient receive the care they need. Emergency dental procedures are one of the general dentistry services we provide to the public.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call (202) 851-7554. Our dental care team will work with you to schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. In the event of excessive bleeding or injury to the face, call 9-1-1.
Emergency Dentistry Treatment in Washington, DC
If you have a dental emergency, you must receive prompt care. Our team at DC Precision Dentistry works closely with our patients to assess the problems and create a solution based on their needs. Common dental emergencies we treat in our office include:
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a buildup of pus. This buildup can occur outside of the tooth. The most common cause of an abscess is a bacterial infection. Never attempt to treat a dental infection at home. Take pain medication and contact our office.
We can drain the infection in our office. If the infection reaches your tooth, we can perform a root canal.
Broken Tooth
A significant break in the tooth can increase the risk of dental infection. Tooth fractures may expose the tooth’s nerves. If you break a tooth, keep the broken piece in a cup of saliva. We can try to reattach the broken piece. Otherwise, we may recommend a crown to cover and protect your tooth.
Tooth Pain
The first step in treating tooth pain is to discover its source. Tooth pain may stem from gum disease, dental trauma, tooth decay, infection, or other dental concerns. If you experience pain at home, apply a cold compress and take pain medication. We will determine which treatment you need in our office.
Dental Trauma
Common types of dental injuries include chipped, fractured, or broken teeth. This is a common dental emergency in children and active patients. If you have just hit or cracked a tooth, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth. We may recommend dental bonding or a dental crown. These treatments will cover and protect your teeth.
Broken Restoration
Contact our office if you just broke a crown, bridge, denture, or filling. Do not try to place the restoration back in your mouth. You can damage your teeth or gums. Instead, bring the restoration to our office. We will determine if we need to create a new restoration and provide a temporary one while you wait.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen to any patient, regardless of age or oral health condition. Even patients with healthy teeth are not immune to experiencing a dental emergency. In some cases, you can prevent a dental emergency.
Visiting our DC dental office for routine dental exams will reduce the risk of a sudden emergency visit due to poor oral health. During regular dental exams, Dr. Deckard can assess the condition of the teeth and gums and create a treatment plan for developing oral health concerns. Early care will prevent problems from progressing into more advanced issues.
Oftentimes, you can help reduce your risk of certain types of dental emergencies. Use these key tips to reduce your risk of a dental emergency:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports. A custom-designed mouthguard can act as a protective barrier between outside forces and your teeth and gums.
- Schedule routine dental exams and screenings. Regular dental exams allow Dr. Deckard to diagnose and treat developing oral health concerns.
- Develop and maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about emergency dentistry treatment in our Washington, DC office. Read answers to these common questions:
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is an event that requires immediate attention. Examples of this include extreme tooth pain, dental trauma, or a broken restoration.
What happens if I don’t get emergency dental care?
Avoiding dental care can have extreme consequences. For instance, if you have an untreated abscess, an infection can spread throughout the entire body, leading to sepsis. Other consequences are not as extreme but affect everyday life. Tooth pain and damage can make eating difficult. You may not get the nutrients you need if you can’t eat properly.
Should I try to treat a dental emergency at home?
Do not try to treat a dental emergency at home. Replacing a knocked-out tooth or trying to fix a broken tooth can introduce more bacteria into your mouth, which can worsen your dental emergency. Instead, use cold compresses, warm salt water rinses, and over-the-counter pain medication.
Should I go to the ER for tooth pain?
Severe tooth pain may require immediate dental attention. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, seek emergency dental care. While the ER can provide temporary pain relief and antibiotics, you should see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. If you cannot reach a dentist, you may need to visit the ER. We also recommend the ER if you have a physical injury and tooth pain. Our office can provide dental care after you receive medical care.
Do emergency dentists take insurance?
Emergency dentists may or may not accept dental insurance. It depends on the specific dentist and their practice policies. Some emergency dentists accept all types of insurance. Others may only accept specific plans. Check with your insurance provider to understand what dental services they cover under your plan. Also, ask about out-of-pocket expenses. Some emergency dentists may offer payment plans or other financing options if you don’t have dental insurance.
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most common dental emergency is a toothache. Cavities, gum disease, and tooth damage can create tooth pain. Dental emergencies can also include chipped, broken, or lost teeth. Treat any dental issue that causes severe pain, swelling, or bleeding as an emergency. If you experience an emergency, you should see a dentist immediately.
Contact Our Dental Office For Emergency Care
If you need dental care but do not have an emergency, request a dental appointment online. You may also call (202) 851-7554 for emergencies and non-emergencies. Contact us if you are unsure if you have an emergency. We can schedule an appointment or bring you in for treatment.