General Dentistry · Baltimore, MD
Emergency Dental Care in Baltimore, MD
A dental emergency is any surprising problem involving teeth, gums, or jaw. When one happens, it’s important to recognize and treat it as quickly as possible.
Emergency Dental Care
An emergency is any situation you haven’t planned for that calls for immediate action. A dental emergency is any surprising problem involving teeth, gums or jaw. Many of the various types and levels of dental emergencies involve pain, swelling, or bleeding — sometimes a broken or loose tooth. The cause of the emergency could be accident or trauma; other times symptoms may have begun slowly and built up over time.
Sometimes the emergency might be obvious, such as a broken tooth from a bite into a piece of hard candy, a sports injury or a fall. Other times it might be an undefinable pain or suddenly increased sensitivity to hot or cold. While a loose crown should be handled, this doesn’t normally constitute an emergency. It should be attended to, but can wait until normal clinic hours.
It’s important not to ignore dental issues, especially those that pop up unexpectedly. If you’re unsure of whether what you’re experiencing is an actual dental emergency, give us a call. We will be happy to help you adjudicate whether it’s something you need to take care of right away or whether it can wait until the next available appointment. We are here for you.
Our office is always happy to help people calling in with dental discomfort, painful swelling or a cosmetic emergency. Even when it’s a situation where the patient has put off dental treatment so long that it can’t wait any longer, we can assist in taking care of anything that has come up. Our only priority is the patient and relieving them of pain or embarrassment and returning them to comfort.
Watch
See emergency dental care explained
Why patients choose them
The benefits of emergency dental care
Recognize and treat quickly
Dental emergencies happen. When they do, it’s important to recognize and treat them as quickly as possible.
Peace of mind by phone
If you’re uncertain about whether what you’re experiencing is a true emergency, you can always call and speak to a member of our dental health team to know whether to seek immediate care or wait.
The least stress, the most comfort
When a patient calls us with an emergency, they can expect the problem to be solved with the least amount of stress and most comfort possible.
Prevention that helps
The risk of dental emergencies can be reduced or prevented with biannual exams and cleanings, so we can detect and treat any problems early on.
What to expect
The emergency dental care process
- 01
A cracked tooth
If the patient has bitten into something and thinks a tooth might have cracked, it might or might not be an emergency. If the crack is visible it should be checked out immediately. Also, if the tooth has become more sensitive after the suspected break it’s best to seek help right away.
- 02
Sensitivity to cold
Sensitivity to cold generally indicates the nerve has become slightly exposed — often due to a cavity — or that the teeth have been exposed to acids from beverages like teas, sodas and juices. The best way to reverse it is to treat any tooth decay and eliminate the source of sugar and acid. This is not usually an emergency, but the patient should call for an appointment as soon as possible.
- 03
Heat and cold sensitivity
A tooth can become increasingly sensitive to both hot and cold. When this occurs, chances are the nerve has become unhealthy and a root canal may be required. A throbbing sensation that goes back to the ear and continuing pain that begins for no obvious reason should be treated by an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
- 04
Facial swelling
Should facial swelling occur, the patient should call our dental emergency number right away. If we are not available, it’s best to contact an urgent care center. Facial swelling is indicative of an infection and antibiotics should be taken as soon as possible.
Common Questions
Emergency Dental Care questions
Not seeing your question? Call the office at (410) 889-7100 and someone will actually pick up.
Patient Reviews
What our emergency dental care patients say
“Wonderful practice. I had to go for an emergency visit as a new patient, they helped fit me in and save me from severe tooth pain and swelling with only days to spare before my wedding. Dr. O'Connor and the entire staff were super helpful and friendly.”
Robert K.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Had an emergency. They were able to get me in the same day. Very Pleasant and Professional. They also called the next day to follow up with me to make sure I wasn’t in any pain. The Most Awesome Dental experience I have ever had, because I HATE GOING TO THE DENTIST! But one thing is for sure.”
“A wonderful dentist office! Dr.Sarubin and all the assistants are so friendly and professional. I got severe toothache and went to see the dentist at the first time. Everything moves smoothly. They explain my illness throughly to me and arrange me the follow up appointment properly.”
Shuyuan Z.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Thank you for making room in your schedule for our emergency tooth problem. Enjoyed meeting Dr Sarbin Sr. with his friendly, gentle smile. He patiently explained how to care for my husband once we arrived home. We are ever grateful.”
Charma C.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Dr. O’Connor treated me promptly when I had a toothache, and my problem was fixed. The staff and doctors are friendly, caring, and professional at Smile Rotunda.”
Susan D.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Had to have an emergency appointment to have a tooth extracted. The practice was very responsive. Very kind staff and Dentist.”
Rosalie H.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Grateful for my emergency visit. The tech was incredible, the doctor was very patient. Thank you!”
Kerry C.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Excellent. Emergency appointment. Very professional. Follow up next week for procedure.”
Interested in emergency dental care?
Our doctors will tell you honestly whether emergency dental care are the right choice for your smile. Call our Rotunda office to schedule a consultation.