Emergency Dentistry – Annapolis, MD

Quickly Getting You Out of Pain

At Chambers Family Dentistry, we understand that you can’t plan for dental emergencies! No matter when a dental emergency in Annapolis occurs, our dental team is here to help you. If you or your child experience a dental emergency, call our dental office immediately. We will schedule you to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible, and our knowledgeable dental team may be able to suggest methods for relieving pain and discomfort in the meantime. Contact us today to learn more about our dentists and options for emergency dentistry in Annapolis, MD.

As frequently as possible, we offer same-day dental care for patients experiencing dental emergencies. If for some reason we’re unable to offer an appointment the day you call, we’re always happy to provide tips for care and pain management over the phone. Not sure your situation requires urgent treatment? Call us anyway. The sooner we get to work restoring your oral health, the better.

Why Choose Chambers Family Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Team of Dentists Serving You Care
  • Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Woman in pain before emergency dentistry
  • Set up your same-day appointment: Call our dental office to speak with our team directly about your symptoms and get your emergency appointment scheduled. We do our best to get you set up for a visit the same day you call, and we are open five days a week. You can also receive first aid tips over the phone.
  • Emergency exam and pain relief: On top of performing a detailed exam of your mouth, we want to do whatever we can to get you out of discomfort quickly. This process may involve the capture of digital X-rays depending on your emergency.
  • Breaking down our findings: Following your exam, we’ll have a much clearer understanding of your dental emergency and be better able to create a treatment plan based on your needs. We’ll explain your estimated costs and timeline beforehand so you can set expectations and make informed decisions about your care.
  • Get the care you need scheduled: Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to attend follow-up appointments with our dental office. Common services we recommend for dental emergencies include dental fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, extractions, and other options.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

If you visit us for an urgent dental problem, rest assured that your emergency dentist in Annapolis has seen it all before. Our doctors have years of experience treating all sorts of dental emergencies, such as the ones listed below. Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them before you reach our dental office.

Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

Dental team member and patients discussing the cost of dental emergencies

You probably never expect a dental emergency to happen to you, but they often occur when you least expect it. Despite the bad timing, you’ll need to see an emergency dentist in Annapolis right away. If you’re like many people, you might hesitate to contact your dentist because you’re worried about a large bill. You have nothing to fear. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.

What Factors Can Influence the Cost of Emergency Care?

Woman holding cheek in pain before emergency dentistry

It’s normal to be concerned about the cost of an unplanned trip to your dentist, but don’t let that deter you from getting the care you need. Unfortunately, there isn’t any way to determine how much you’ll pay without first having a consultation because there are various factors influencing the cost, such as:

  • Treatment: More complex procedures often have higher costs.
  • Dental Insurance: Every policy differs, but most plans offer some coverage for emergency care.
  • Location: Often, larger cities have higher fees than dental offices located in smaller areas.
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Financial Options Available

Woman discussing financial options available for emergency dentistry

During your initial consultation, we’ll provide you with an estimate and explain the fees associated with your treatment. We will also discuss your financial options, such as using your dental insurance. We are in-network with many leading insurance carriers, including:

  • Cigna PPO
  • Delta Dental

We work with both in-network and out-of-network patients to keep our services affordable. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We will explain how your benefits are being used and if you owe a remaining balance.

Our dental office accepts many forms of payment to cover any out-of-pocket expense. Besides traditional methods, we also offer a 10% discount if you pay the full amount upfront.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Man sharing healthy smile

While you might be worried about the cost of treating your dental emergency, you should always seek treatment sooner rather than later. Dental problems like toothaches and fractures typically worsen the longer you put off visiting us, resulting in higher treatment costs in the future. In the case of a knocked-out tooth, not seeing us in time could mean losing your tooth!

If you need immediate dental care, don’t wait to contact us. We know the cost of care can be concerning, but don’t let your anxieties put your smile at risk. At Chambers Family Dentistry, we know the situation is stressful enough. We’ll make a difficult time easier by helping you find the solutions you need to keep your emergency care affordable. If you have a dental emergency, contact our dental office today for an appointment. We will save your smile without draining your wallet.

 

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Family brushing teeth together to prevent dental emergencies

Want to prevent dental emergencies in Annapolis? Taking the right steps to safeguard your teeth and gums is essential if you want to minimize the number of times you see your dentist each year. Keeping your regular dental checkups and cleanings as well as continuing to practice good oral hygiene habits are some of the best ways to avoid chips, cracks, infections, and loose teeth. Giving up bad habits and adopting healthier foods into your daily diet can also make a significant difference in avoiding dental emergencies. To better understand what you can do, review the information below and contact us with any questions.

Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments

Woman talking to dentist during dental appointment

You should commit to seeing your emergency dentist in Annapolis every six months. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are designed to ensure you do not show any signs of decay, gum disease, or cavities. They’re also a way for hygienists to remove hardened plaque and tartar, leaving you with a healthier, fully refreshed smile. Making sure you do not skip these appointments will put you in a better position to avoid potential injuries later on.

Keep Brushing and Flossing

Man brushing teeth to prevent dental emergencies

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes? Do you use fluoride toothpaste? Are you flossing at least once before bedtime? Do you rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash? Establishing healthy at-home oral habits will help you be even more proactive about your oral health and how it sidesteps various injuries. With regular care and maintenance, you can avoid toothaches, infections, and other serious problems that can result in emergency restorative care.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Woman eating nutritious food

Are you eating enough leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy each day? Are you prone to grabbing the potato chips or candy instead? Sugars and starches are fine in moderation, but if you are incorporating them into your daily diet, you’ll be well on your way to the emergency dental office in Annapolis in search of help for your nagging toothache or irritated gum tissue. Bad bacteria can easily form when left on chewing surfaces too long, which is why you should minimize your consumption of sugars and starches and adopt healthier food choices to strengthen tooth enamel and improve gum health every day.

Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth

Hand holding a custom clear mouthguard

Do you play sports or grind your teeth because of added stress? A customized mouthguard can be a beneficial addition to your life. Not only do they protect against worn tooth enamel caused by bruxism, but they also absorb forceful pressure that can occur while engaging in physical activity. Sports can often lead to chips, cracks, breaks, or knocked-out teeth. However, with a customized mouthguard that properly fits your smile, you can feel more at ease heading out onto the track, court, or field.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Teeth

Person using a tool to open a package

Regular tools are meant to open those difficult containers and packages, not your teeth. Traditional tooth enamel is strong, but when too much pressure is applied, it can easily break or become chipped. It is far better to spend a few extra minutes finding the right tool instead of using your teeth to open anything other than food.

 

Root Canal Therapy

Model showing the inside of a tooth after root canal therapy

Despite its dubious reputation, root canal therapy is actually one of the best tools we have to relieve severe dental pain, not cause it! We typically use it to repair a tooth that has suffered damage to its innermost layer, and often, it’s how we can save the tooth from being extracted completely. Thanks to modern techniques and sedation, we can ensure that you’ll be completely comfortable during the procedure. Root canal therapy is really nothing to fear, and if you’re in severe dental pain, it could actually provide the path to complete relief.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

 

Tooth Extraction

Child in pain before tooth extraction

If a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, or if there is not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth, your experienced dentists at Chambers Family Dentistry may recommend a tooth extraction. In such cases, tooth extraction may be the best option for restoring your oral health. One benefit of tooth extraction is that it can prevent infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth. We will ensure that your dental treatment is comfortable and painless. If you are experiencing any type of tooth pain, we invite you to call our Annapolis dental office today. We are eager to help you achieve optimal oral health.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

 

Dental Emergency Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about what you should do in case of a dental emergency? Always be sure to contact our dental office first so our staff can walk you through first aid guidance and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. We’ve also answered some common questions that we get from patients below for your convenience.

Should I visit the ER?

Some patients worry about whether they should visit the local emergency room or an emergency dentist in Annapolis. The primary situations in which you should visit your ER instead are when you have a broken or fractured jawbone, a deep facial laceration that may require stitches, or anything that impairs your ability to breathe or swallow easily. Otherwise, it’s almost always better to visit your emergency dentist instead because they can provide you with a specialized treatment solution that’s both long-term and pain-relieving. As opposed to the ER, where they rarely, if ever, have a dental specialist on staff.

Do I need a root canal?

Patients who experience toothaches often fear the worse because their pain is so prominent. They worry that when they arrive at our dental office, we’re going to tell them they need a root canal. When these words first hit their ears, their immediate response is to worry; however, there’s nothing to fear. Root canal therapy has a scary reputation, but the truth is we make it so that you don’t feel an ounce of pain during the procedure, and after, your toothache will be cured.

Root canals are often required for infected teeth that have sustained severe decay or damage, making the vulnerable inner portion of the tooth accessible by harmful oral bacteria. When the nerves inside become aggravated and infected, the only way we can cure the pain is to remove them and restore your tooth’s structure.

How can I make a dental emergency first aid kit at home?

Making a dental first aid kit is a great way to minimize the stress of urgent situations if you ever experience one. It doesn’t require a lot of effort or money, simply go to your local pharmacy or dollar store and collect some of these items to keep in a small container:

  • A pair of latex-free gloves
  • Sterile individually wrapped gauze
  • Saline solution
  • Ibuprofen
  • The number to our dental office
  • Dental floss
  • A dental mirror

Be sure to keep your dental emergency kit in an easily accessible area of your home. You can even make a second one to keep in your car in case something occurs while you’re out and about.

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Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency?

There are numerous reasons why you could be experiencing a toothache. It could be the result of something minor, or it could be a more problematic issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you have a toothache that is sharp, throbbing, or accompanied by a small, pimple-like bump on the gums, you should schedule a visit with us right away.

How you should handle a toothache:

If you have a toothache, start out by rinsing your mouth with water and flossing around the tooth. You may want to swish some saltwater around your mouth to disinfect the area and reduce inflammation. To numb any soreness, try using an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed and apply a cold compress. Give us a call to schedule your appointment.

How we treat toothaches:

Before we can treat your toothache, we will need to determine why you are experiencing pain. In many cases, a toothache can be treated with a filling or dental crown. In more severe situations, gum disease therapy, root canal therapy, or an extraction may be necessary. When you visit our office, we will determine the best course of action to treat your smile.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

Chipped teeth aren’t always a dental emergency, but you should still schedule an appointment with us at your earliest convenience. Even if your chip is small and not very noticeable, leaving it without treatment can cause additional damage.

How you should handle a chipped tooth:

Begin by rinsing your mouth with water. Collect any large pieces of your tooth if you can. When you come to the dental office, bring them with you. In the meantime, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the chip is located. If your tooth is sharp or jagged, apply some dental wax so you don’t accidentally cut your lip or cheek. This can be found in the dental section at your local drug store.

How we treat chipped teeth:

Chip teeth can often be repaired with dental bonding in a single appointment. However, if your chip is on a more visible tooth, like a front tooth, you may want to consider a longer-lasting cosmetic option, like a veneer.

 Learn More About Dental Bonding

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

Cracked teeth can be very painful, and they leave your smile vulnerable to bacteria. In some cases, it can be difficult to see cracks in your teeth. If you notice that you have increased sensitivity or discomfort after biting down on something hard or taking a blow to the face, you may have cracked one or more of your teeth, so you should seek treatment as soon as possible.

How you should handle a cracked tooth:

You should start by rinsing your mouth with water. This helps to keep the area clean until you can receive treatment. Next, give us a call to schedule an emergency visit. If you notice swelling or are experiencing pain, this can be lessened with a cold compress and/or over-the-counter pain relievers.

How we treat cracked teeth:

The treatment we use for cracked teeth depends on how badly the tooth has been damaged. Minor cracks can sometimes be resolved with dental bonding, but more serious ones may require a tooth extraction. Oftentimes, cracked teeth can be treated by concealing them with dental crowns.

Learn More About Dental Bonding

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency?

It is common for teeth to feel sensitive to things that are particularly hot or cold. Sometimes, sensitivity is the result of thin enamel or a cavity, but it can also be a sign of other serious oral health issues, like an abscess or gum disease. If you notice any distracting, lingering, or sharp tooth sensitivity, give us a call so we can take a look.

How you should handle sensitive teeth:

Until you see us for your visit, avoid eating or drinking things that are particularly hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or sugary. Practice thorough oral hygiene and drink plenty of water. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help to manage discomfort.

How we treat tooth sensitivity:

We will need to take a look at your smile to determine the cause and the best way to address it. We may recommend specialized dental products, prescription toothpaste, fluoride treatment, or a dental filling. Other treatments include gum disease therapy, nightguards for bruxism, and root canal therapy.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency?

A knocked-out tooth is an urgent dental emergency that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Give us a call right away. For the best chance of saving your tooth, you need to seek help from an emergency dentist within an hour of the injury.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth:

Start by locating your knocked-out tooth. Remember to only touch the crown when you are picking it up. Avoid the root, and gently rinse your tooth with warm water, but don’t scrub off any remaining tissue. If you can, place your tooth back into the socket. If you cannot, keep it between your cheek and gums or place it in a container of milk or saliva. Your tooth needs to stay moist until you get to the practice, but don’t use water. This can damage the root surface cells of the tooth.

How we treat knocked-out teeth:

If you are able to make it to the office quickly, we will do our best to reimplant the tooth. Your emergency dentist will do this by carefully positioning it back into the socket and splinting it to the neighboring teeth so it can begin the healing process. If your tooth cannot be saved, we can discuss tooth replacement options, like dental bridges.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency?

Both fillings and crowns are long-lasting, but they eventually need to be replaced. If one of your restorations falls out, give us a call. Even if you don’t feel any pain, it still needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further decay and damage.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown:

If you can, find the restoration and rinse it off. Try to put it back into its place, keep it in a small container and bring it with you to your appointment. Until then, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and drink plenty of water to keep the area clean.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns:

If your crown or filling is still in good shape, we may be able to put it back into its place. However, we will also take the time to determine why the restoration came out in the first place. This way, we can take all of the proper steps to keep this from happening again.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency? If you have a broken denture, you should consider treating the situation as a dental emergency. Without a replacement, you can put yourself at risk of damaging your soft oral tissues. Give our team a call as soon as you can so that we can help you.

How to handle a broken denture: Make sure to avoid wearing a broken denture, as any sharp edges can cause harm or injure your mouth. Store it in a glass or container of lukewarm water or soaking solution. Bring your restoration to your appointment and do not attempt to repair it with any home remedies. Products like superglue are not meant to be in your mouth and can make you sick.

How we treat broken dentures: If your denture has a small chip or crack, we may be able to fix it with dental bonding. We can also readjust or realign your restoration if it’s been warped. If the damage is beyond repair, you might consider replacing it with a new one or exploring alternative options, like implant dentures.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency? Your permanent teeth should never feel loose. If you’ve experienced a sudden impact on the face or have gum disease, this can weaken your pearly whites and increase their risk of falling out. Give us a call immediately before your condition worsens.

How you should handle a loose permanent tooth: Be sure not to touch or mess with a permanent tooth that feels loose, as this can result in it falling out. Contact your dentist right away and avoid eating or chewing on that side of your mouth. Try taking over-the-counter pain relievers and use a cold compress to alleviate any discomfort until you can see us for treatment.

How we treat loose permanent teeth: Our team may be able to stabilize your tooth by anchoring them to nearby healthy teeth. If the situation is due to gum disease, we’ll need to treat the infection to provide a more stable foundation. In case saving your tooth is not the most feasible option, you may require an extraction instead. We’ll then discuss your restoration options to renew your smile, such as dental implants.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Periodontal Therapy> 

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? While this kind of injury can often be treated at home, more severe situations will require a visit with your dentist. If you believe your teeth were also damaged in the process, give our dental team a call right away for help.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: An injury to the soft tissues in your mouth can typically heal quickly on its own. However, you can also keep the situation under control by cleaning the wound with a damp cloth or rinsing it with water and applying pressure. This can help stop any bleeding, and you can minimize discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and/or using a cold compress.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: We can suture the wound closed if necessary while ensuring that the area is clean. If you aren’t able to stop any bleeding, head straight to your local ER.

Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency? If you’re experiencing intense headaches, neck pain, or lockjaw, then you might have a TMJ disorder. This happens when your jaw joints sustain excessive tension or pressure, significantly straining them. While this isn’t always a dental emergency, you should visit us so we can address the underlying issue before it worsens.

How you should handle jaw pain: Make sure to avoid chewing anything on that side of the mouth and stick to softer foods until you come to see us. Take over-the-counter pain medications as directed to alleviate discomfort and any swelling. But if you think you might have a dislocated or broken jaw, head to your local ER.

How we treat jaw pain: We’ll first check for the root cause of your jaw pain. Once we’ve found the underlying issue, we can develop a detailed plan to address your condition to get you back to a healthy smile. This may include wisdom tooth extractions, TMJ therapy, or a custom-made nightguard for bruxism.

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About TMJ Therapy

Learn More About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

It can be quite uncomfortable to have food or something else lodged between your pearly whites. Many people can easily resolve the issue at home. Try rinsing your mouth out with water to weaken or dislodge the object. Afterward, use dental floss to carefully loosen the item. DO NOT use sharp objects to take it out, such as tweezers, toothpicks, or forks. This can cause serious damage to your mouth. If none of these methods work, feel free to visit our team for help.