If you have a dental emergency please contact our Annapolis dental office at (410) 989-8298.
We make every attempt to treat emergency dental patients as quickly as possible. If the emergency is taking place during regular office hours, we will try to schedule you on the same day. Calls placed after hours will get a recording for more information. If you are having a major medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the hospital.
Dental emergencies should be addressed as quickly as possible to avoid permanent or costly damage. Common dental emergencies are toothache, pain in the teeth, jaw or gums, broken teeth, knocked out tooth, broken fillings and swelling in the gums or mouth.
- Knocked out tooth – Contact your dentist immediately. If possible, retrieve the tooth. Hold it only by the crown (the top part of the tooth), not the root. If it is dirty, you can rinse gently with water, but do not scrub or remove attached tissue fragments. The best way to store the tooth is in your own saliva. Milk is a great alternative. Knocked out teeth have the best chance for survival if they are returned to the socket within one hour of being knocked out.
- Abscess – Call your dentist immediately. An abscess is a serious condition that can worsen with time and spread infection to the rest of your body if left untreated. To ease discomfort, you may rinse with a mild saltwater solution.
- Lost Filling or Crown – Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Never use glue or adhesives to try and replace the filling or crown yourself. Avoid drinking or eating very hot or very cold foods. Over-the-counter pain reliever may ease discomfort.
- Toothache – Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Try rinsing your mouth with warm water or flossing to remove any lodged food. If you have swelling, a cold compress may be applied to the outside of the mouth or cheek.
Emergency Dentistry FAQ’s
Are you open 24/7 for emergency visits?
Unfortunately, we can’t be open all the time. That being said, we try to accommodate all emergency patients based on 1) Our availability outside of regular appointment hours, and 2) The severity of the issue needing to be addressed. Sometimes, our dentists or dental care team can guide you through your dental emergency over the phone until you can come in to the office.
Will my insurance cover emergency dental care?
It depends on your provider and the issue at hand. We try to make finances the least of your worries when coming in for an emergency visit, but it may be beneficial to ask a customer care representative along with your provider for more information when scheduling your emergency visit.
Should I go to the hospital for a dental emergency?
It depends on the severity of your issue. While it certainly never hurts to call us, if you are experiencing extreme pain from your ailment, it may be best to see the nearest emergency medical professional. If you’re experiencing excessive bleeding, call 911.
