Dental emergencies are dental problems that require immediate care. Immediately treating a dental emergency can prevent future complications and maintain your oral health. Dr. Christopher Banks, your emergency dentist in Washington, DC, provides prompt dental treatment for patients with sudden or severe dental issues. We treat dental emergencies as a general dentistry service in Washington, DC. Call Dupont Dental in the event of a dental emergency at (202) 946-4720.
Emergency Dentistry Services in Washington, DC
Visiting the dentist for professional, prompt care is essential in a dental emergency. Urgent dental care can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Our emergency dental treatments can address problems that include:
Tooth Pain
If you experience tooth pain, you may have a dental injury, tooth wear, or even a tooth infection. While tooth sensitivity is not an emergency, we will recommend that patients visit us for treatment to address common problems like tooth wear. However, if you experience severe tooth pain, contact our office.
Depending on where you feel pain, you can apply a cold compress. You may also take pain medication before your visit. We will examine your smile and determine the best treatment for your pain. We may recommend a root canal, tooth removal, or gum disease treatment based on the source of your toothache.
Broken Tooth
After you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the area to stop bleeding. You can also take pain medication as needed and contact our office. If a large piece of your tooth breaks off, bring it to us in a cup of saliva. We may be able to attach it back on your tooth.
Depending on the extent of your damage, we may recommend dental bonding treatment or a crown. Bonding can add structure to teeth, including chipped or cracked teeth. Tooth crowns are caps that fully cover teeth to address wear and fractures. Both treatments use tooth-colored materials to make your broken teeth indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Missing Tooth
Have you just knocked out a permanent tooth? If you can locate it, hold it by the top or crown. Then, clean the tooth with water. You can try to place the tooth back in its socket and bite it down. However, contact our office if you cannot place the tooth back in your mouth.
Bring the tooth with you in a cup of saliva. If you reach our office within 30 minutes of your tooth loss, we may be able to reattach the tooth.
Our office may recommend a dental implant if patients lose their tooth or teeth. Implants are titanium metal posts that support restorations like dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Unlike removable restorations, dental implants restore teeth at the root.
Broken Dental Restorations
If you have just broken a dental filling, tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture, receiving a temporary restoration is essential to prevent damage to the teeth or gums. Do not try to place the restoration back in your mouth.
You can bring the restoration to our office. In the meantime, we will make a temporary restoration so you will not be without teeth as you wait for your new restoration. We will work with you to create a custom replacement as needed.
Soft Tissue Bleeding
If you have cut the soft tissues of your mouth or experience excessive bleeding after dental treatment, you must receive professional care. Use gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding area. When you visit our office, we will find the source of your bleeding and the best treatment for your needs. If you cannot reach us and you continue bleeding, visit a hospital.
Do I Need to Visit a Hospital for a Dental Problem?
You should visit a hospital for a dental emergency if you have a physical injury and a dental injury. Common reasons why you may need to visit a hospital before the dentist include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Traumatic facial injury
- Complicated tooth abscess
We want you to stay healthy. You can contact us for emergency dentistry care in our Washington, DC office as soon as you are physically healthy. If you have an urgent dental problem and cannot reach our dentist office, you should also visit the hospital.
Can You Prevent a Dental Emergency?
Most dental emergencies are sudden. However, in some cases, you can prevent dental emergencies:
- Wear a Custom Sports Mouthguard: If you or your child play contact sports, you need custom athletic mouthguards. A sports mouthguard will protect you from dental injuries and tooth loss. Hits to the mouth from other players or equipment can damage your teeth. We also recommend mouthguards for patients who wear braces to prevent gum injuries.
- Brush and Floss Daily: Your oral hygiene routine is the best defense against cavities and gum disease. Remember to brush and floss twice a day. Floss before you brush to help the active ingredients in your toothpaste reach between your teeth.
- Visit our Dentist Twice a Year: At regular visits, we take digital X-rays to keep track of your oral health. We also screen for gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. Our office also provides regular cleanings to remove bacterial buildup. Dental visits every six months can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you ignore telltale signs that you have a gum or tooth problem, you may need more costly or complex treatment over time. As soon as you notice a change in your oral health, contact our office. Preventive dental care will reduce your chance of a dental emergency. Our office uses the latest technology and techniques to catch dental issues early.
Receive Dental Care Today
Do you have tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a lost tooth? Contact our office for emergency dentistry care in Washington, DC, at (202) 946-4720. If you need dental care but don’t have an emergency, schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online.
You can also contact us if you have a problem but are unsure if you need emergency care. We’re here to help.