Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergency in Prince Frederick: What to Know

Emergencies are scary, no matter what they are, but it can be especially anxiety-inducing when it comes to your oral health.

Knowing when you should seek immediate care or can wait another day to book an appointment with your dentist is crucial.

Here’s the differences between an urgent and non-urgent dental emergency in Prince Frederick, plus what to do!

What Is an Example of a Non-Urgent Dental Concern That Doesn’t Need Immediate Care?

A non-urgent emergency refers to a dental issue that requires prompt attention but does not pose an immediate threat to your oral and / or overall health.

Examples of a non-urgent issue could be a dull toothache, a small chip in your tooth, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. While these should be addressed by your dentist, they do not typically require immediate care and can often wait for a scheduled appointment.

How Do You Know if You Have a Dental Emergency in Prince Frederick?

Urgent dental emergencies are situations that require immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, prevent further complications, or save a tooth.

An example of an urgent problem could be a severe toothache accompanied by swelling or fever. This could indicate an infection or abscess that needs to be treated promptly to prevent the spread of infection. A loose or knocked-out tooth is another example.

What Should You Do for a Toothache?

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the painful tooth. Use dental floss to gently remove any trapped food or debris that might be causing the pain.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can temporarily alleviate discomfort until you can see a professional. However if the pain is severe, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to determine whether it’s from an infection or other complication.

What Should You Do for an Abscess?

It’s important to seek dental care promptly if you have an abscess. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to help reduce bacteria and soothe the area. Avoid pressing on the abscess, as this can lead to further infection. Contact your dentist to schedule an urgent appointment for proper evaluation and treatment.

What Should You Do for a Loose Tooth?

If you have a loose tooth, whether due to trauma or other factors, try to avoid wiggling or moving it. You can gently bite down on a piece of clean gauze or a soft cloth to stabilize the tooth and protect it.

Make sure to see your practitioner right away to assess the cause of the movement and determine the appropriate course of action.

What About for a Knocked-Out Tooth?

For knocked-out teeth, time is of the essence. Handle the tooth by the crown, avoiding touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket. If that’s not feasible, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva.

Seek immediate dental attention, as the chances of saving the tooth are highest if reimplantation occurs within the first hour of the incident.

Never Fear – Dr. Joseph Luke and Dr. Jonathan Luke Are Here to Save Your Oral Health!

Whether it’s complex oral surgery or a simple extraction, our team is here to help! We’re conveniently located in Leonardtown and Lusby to help you address all of your dental concerns.

Now that you know what to do during a dental emergency in Prince Frederick, it’s time to give us a call today at 301-880-4439 or request an appointment online and take care of those urgent (and non-urgent) concerns!