Emergency Dentistry in Silver Spring, MD

A toothache that persists may indicate an underlying infection, decay, or nerve trauma. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, do not wait—it may get worse or spread to other areas of your mouth or face.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water

• Gently floss to remove trapped food or debris.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

• Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling.

Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums—it can cause chemical burns.

Treatment options:

Once we arrive at our office, we will perform an X-ray to determine the cause of the pain. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include a filling, root canal therapy, or an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present. Our team delivers exceptional care that prioritizes both pain relief and long-term solutions.

Time is critical when dealing with a tooth that has been completely knocked out.

What to do:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root

• Rinse it gently with water—do not scrub

• Attempt to place it back into the socket if possible.

• If you cannot reinsert it, place it in milk or your saliva to keep it moist.

Please arrive at our office as soon as possible—ideally within 30–60 minutes.

Treatment options:

If the tooth is brought in quickly and is still viable, we may be able to re-implant it and stabilize it with a splint. If the tooth cannot be saved, we will discuss options such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to restore your smile.

Even small cracks can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, leading to discomfort or infection. These cracks and breaks can even be caused by mundane activities, including eating hard foods, chewing ice, or bad habits such as biting pen caps.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

• Avoid chewing on the affected side.

• Save any broken fragments and bring them to your appointment.

Treatment options:

Treatment depends on the severity of the break. Minor cracks may be repaired with dental bonding. More significant damage may require a dental crown, while severe fractures involving the nerve may need root canal therapy. In extreme cases, extraction followed by restorative options may be necessary. Regardless of the severity, we deliver exceptional care to achieve the best possible outcome.

An abscess is a severe infection that occurs around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. It may appear as a painful bump or cause severe tooth pain, swelling, or fever.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm salt water

• Take over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and fever.

• Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess.

Treatment options:

Abscesses often require root canal therapy to remove the infection and save the tooth. In some cases, incision and drainage may be necessary to reduce swelling and inflammation. We may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection. If the tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be the best course of action.

Lost Filling or Crown

Without a filling or crown, the tooth underneath is vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. Crowns wear out over time and sometimes even become loose. If you lose a crown, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the now-exposed tooth.

What to do:

• Try to recover the filling or crown and bring it to your visit

• Apply dental cement or petroleum jelly as a temporary fix.

• Avoid chewing on the side of the exposed tooth.

Treatment options:

If the original crown is intact, we may be able to clean it and re-cement it into place. If the crown or filling is damaged or no longer fits, we will create a new restoration to replace it. We will also examine the underlying tooth to ensure there is no decay or structural damage before proceeding.

Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth can result in heavy bleeding. At the same time, you are most likely to see these types of injuries in sports and physical activities, and accidents and falls can also result in soft tissue injuries.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with salt water

• Apply pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

If bleeding continues after 10 minutes of pressure, please contact our office immediately.

Treatment options:

After evaluating the injury, we may clean the area thoroughly and suture any lacerations. For severe or deep wounds, antibiotics or a referral to a specialist may be required. We will also assess for any related damage to the teeth or jaw and provide care accordingly.

Some light bleeding is expected; however, continuous or heavy bleeding may require further evaluation. Excessive bleeding can be alarming, but taking these steps can help alleviate the issue while you wait to be seen by our office.

What to do:

• Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes

• Avoid dry socket by not using straws or rinsing for the first 24 hours.

• Keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity.

Treatment options:

If bleeding persists, we will clean the site, apply hemostatic agents, and, if necessary, place a medicated dressing. If there is suspicion of dry socket, we will provide a special paste or dressing to ease discomfort and promote healing. We will also check for signs of infection or clotting issues to ensure proper recovery.

Sometimes, food or debris can get lodged and create discomfort or swelling.

What to do:

• Gently floss the area

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

• Never use sharp objects or tweezers.

If the object will not come out, please call our team for safe removal and to prevent injury to your gums.

Treatment options:

We will carefully examine the area and use specialized dental tools to safely dislodge the object without causing trauma to the surrounding tissue. If swelling or infection is present, we may prescribe antibiotics or a medicated rinse to reduce inflammation and support healing.