Emergency dental care

The dentists at McCarl Dental Group strive to provide same day emergency dental care. Our dentists want to ensure the comfort and safety of each and every patient and encourage you to call should you have a dental emergency. Our dental offices in Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland are centrally located and convenient to Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Crownsville, College Park, Bowie,  and Laurel.

Many times people just aren’t sure whether or not they should come see us or wait it out. Here are some examples of some very common dental emergencies:

Broken Tooth
If you have sustained trauma to the mouth from an accident, sport, or other injury that resulted in a loose or broken tooth, call us immediately. If the tooth is broken off or has been knocked out, do not try to clean it off, but rather place the tooth in a cup of milk and contact a dentist at McCarl Dental Group immediately.

Toothache
Sometimes toothaches come on very suddenly and can cause severe discomfort. Other times dental pain may be slow and gradual. In either case, the thing to remember with toothaches is that they don’t go away on their own. If your tooth hurts, call our dental office and schedule an appointment so that our dentists can help make you comfortable.

Loose Dental Crown
When a tooth with a crown has recurrent decay around it, or the cement simply loosens, your crown may come off. This exposes the surface of the tooth below the crown and unless it is uncomfortable, you may not need an emergency dental appointment. Please schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a dental exam to determine why the crown came off, and what treatment is necessary. Left uncovered, the underlying tooth can easily decay. If the crown on a front tooth or a tooth that is visible when you smile comes off, even if you are not experiencing dental pain, we are happy to fit you into our schedule or come to the dental office to see you as quickly as possible. To keep the crown on temporarily you can use some denture adhesive, or toothpaste. Please do not use any type of glue to try to re-cement the crown!

Broken Dental Fillings
One of the most common dental emergencies is a broken filling. This may be because the filling is very old or there is new decay around the filling. Depending on the size of the filling, the tooth could be at an increased risk of breaking, infecting the nerve, or developing food traps that leads to problems. Teeth that lose fillings have lost some of the stability that is needed to withstand the pressure of chewing. Do not chew on these teeth until the filling has been replaced and make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Gum Swelling or Infection
If swelling of your gums, mouth or the surrounding area occurs, you should call us immediately. A small swollen area may be caused by a dental abscess that requires antibiotics and treatment. Infections are not to be taken lightly, they can lead to very serious health risks. Always remember to brush and floss your teeth daily and follow home care instructions after dental treatments to help prevent infections.

No matter what day it is, if you find yourself faced with a dental emergency, the first thing we’ll ask you when you call our Greenbelt, MD or Millersville, MD dental office is “How soon can you get here?” Even cosmetic procedures can become an emergency. We’ve had instances where one patient broke a tooth, and had to be in a wedding the next day. No matter what your dental emergency is, McCarl Dental Group is here to help. You can reach our Millersville, MD dental office at (410) 987-8800 or call our Greenbelt, MD location at (301) 474-4144.  For additional information about McCarl Dental Group, please visit our website at www.McCarlDental.com.

College is a time for new experiences, new friends, and unfortunately – new cavities. A diet high in sugar combined with changes in personal hygiene cause tooth decay and a dramatic increase in dental cavities during college years.

Today’s hectic college lifestyle is filled with fast food, sugar-packed coffees and soft drinks. Even diet sodas increase the likelihood of cavities because bacteria thrive in an acidic environment. Sugar-loving bacteria that are normally present in and around the teeth produce byproducts which cause breakdown of tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay and dental cavities. The Greenbelt Office of McCarl Dental Group is 10 minutes from University of Maryland College Park Campus. Students with dental concerns are often referred to our Greenbelt office directly from the University Health Center. The College Park Shuttle Bus stops right in front of our Greenbelt dental office. McCarl Dentists offer same day emergency dental treatment. We can also help order replacement Invisalign trays and, of course, offer a full range of preventive dental health services. Our new patient visit costs only $45 for a comprehensive dental exam, professional hygiene cleaning and necessary x-rays.

Symptoms of cavities and tooth decay vary depending on the location and depth. Initially, cavities may not cause symptoms. As tooth decay progresses, it may cause tooth sensitivity or a toothache.  A toothache can cause varying degrees of pain when you bite down or when you eat or drink something sweet, hot, or cold. There may be visible holes or pits in your teeth which can also cause discomfort or pain in your mouth or jaw. A dental cavity will not get better on its own. If you’re experiencing one or more cavity symptoms, it’s time to see your dentist at McCarl Dental Group in Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland.

When you have a dental cavity, your dentist will remove the bacteria and decay and fill the cavity to restore strength to the tooth. In deep cavities, the nerve of the tooth may also be infected. This requires additional cleaning of the infected nerve called a “root canal”. Luckily, this only occurs in the deepest of cavities. Usually there are warning signs, such as sensitivity to extreme temperatures and to sweet foods.

“Pit and fissure” cavities are the most common type of cavities. Back teeth or molars have natural grooves, fissures and pits on their chewing surface.  Toothbrush bristles cannot reach inside deep pits, grooves, or fissures, which allows plaque and tartar to accumulate. During college years, flossing is often ignored, leading to tooth decay and cavities in between the teeth. Because of their location, cavities between the teeth or “interproximal” cavities are frequently only seen with an x-ray.

Preventing Dental Cavities
The first step in preventing cavities is to maintain good oral hygiene to minimize bacterial colonization. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It is also important to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals with limited snacking. The use of a fluoride rinse also helps strengthen tooth enamel.  Although college schedules are busy, it is very important to maintain regularly scheduled dental visits for teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment.  Dental exams improve the likelihood of early detection of cavities and treatment with a small rather than large filling.

Complete this checklist before you return to college!

1. Schedule a dental check up now. Call 410-987-8800 -we were voted best dentists in Millersville Maryland 21108 and 301-474-4144 for a top dentist in Greenbelt Maryland 20770.

2. Get your wisdom teeth checked. Wisdom teeth often erupt during college years. If they are not correctly aligned or are impacted they can cause pain or get infected requiring emergency dental care.

3. Ask for an NTI nightguard appliance. College students frequently experience stress. Grinding and clenching your teeth can cause chipping and excessive wear to your teeth, NTI dental mouthguards can eliminate the pain and discomfort associated with teeth grinding.

4. Want to dazzle your new friends with your smile? Have your teeth whitened!

5. NOW IS THE TIME TO DEVELOP  EATING HABITS FOR A LIFETIME OF HEALTH!

Best wishes from your dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group!

Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Therapy
BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH FOR A LONGER HEALTHIER LIFE!
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/brush-and-floss-your-teeth/

DENTAL CARE BEFORE AND DURING CHEMOTHERAPY
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/dental-care-for-chemotherapy/

Teeth Whitening
ARE OVER-THE-COUNTER WHITENERS AS EFFECTIVE AS PROFESSIONAL WHITENING PRODUCTS?
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/over-the-counter-whiteners/

White Composite Fillings

COMPOSITE FILLINGS FOR TOOTH DECAY

http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/composite-filling-tooth-decay/

Minimally Invasive Implants, Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Dental Implants
ANNAPOLIS DENTAL IMPLANT PATIENT HAPPY WITH EASE AND SPEED OF PROCEDURE
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/annapolis-dental-implant/

The Newest Dental Implants are a Convenient and Affordable Solution for Missing Teeth
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/dental-implants-missing-teeth/

Invisalign Orthodontics
GREENBELT DENTIST FEATURES INVISIBLE BRACES WITH INVISALIGN ORTHODONTICS
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/greenbelt-dentist-invisalign/

Porcelain Dental Veneers
NO PREP VENEERS – BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS

http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/no-prep-veneers-photographs

No Prep Veneers by McCarl Dental Group
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/no-prep-veneers/

PORCELAIN VENEERS AND THIN VENEERS
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/porcelain-veneers-lumineers/

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges
COSMETIC DENTISTRY WITH PORCELAIN CROWNS AND VENEERS BY MCCARL DENTISTS FEATURED ON NATIONAL DENTAL WEBSITE!
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/cosmetic-dentistry/

HOW WE COMBINE TECHNIQUE, TECHNOLOGY AND ARTISTRY TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL PORCELAIN CROWNS AND VENEERS AT MCCARL DENTAL GROUP
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/porcelain-crowns-and-veneers/

Oral Cancer Screening
ORAL CANCER RATES INCREASING IN YOUNG WOMEN
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/oral-cancer-in-young-women/

Emergency Dental Care
DENTAL EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR BROKEN TEETH
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/dental-emergency-treatment/

DENTAL EMERGENCIES – SAME DAY CARE AT MCCARL DENTAL GROUP
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/dental-emergencies/

EMERGENCY DENTAL TREATMENT FOR A BROKEN TOOTH
http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/emergency-dental-treatment/

All of our McCarl Dental Group blog articles are carefully researched by health care professionals and reviewed by a McCarl Dentist. We are passionate about providing the highest quality dental care and patient education. McCarl  dentists serve patients in Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Gambrills, Crownsville, Millersville, College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, and Greenbelt, Maryland. Our featured dental services   include traditional porcelain veneers and no prep veneers, porcelain crowns and bridges, Invisalign orthodontics, teeth whitening, minimally invasive and traditional dental implants, composite white fillings, dental hygiene and periodontal treatment. The Dentists at McCarl Dental Group are listed in America’s Top Dentists,  Best Dentists by Capital Gazette Communications and HometownAnnapolis.com and Top Dentists by What’s Up? Annapolis. Visit McCarlDental Blog at http://www.mccarldental.com/blog/.

Broken teeth needing emergency dental care by Greenbelt dentist

Emergency repair of broken teeth by Greenbelt dentist

At McCarl Dental Group, we treat patients who need emergency dental treatment every day. When a dental emergency is causing pain or prevents you from going out in public, we ask, “How soon can you get to our dental office?”

Pain, swelling, broken teeth and a lost crown are the most common dental emergencies. Sometimes dental emergencies happen when you are traveling or when you just can’t get to a dental office.

Here are some short term remedies you can try before you see your dentist.

Tips for Lost Crown, Veneer or Permanent Bridge – If your crown, veneer or bridge has come loose, the primary short term goal is to NOT swallow or lose it!

If there is any risk of swallowing or losing your crown, veneer or bridge, keep it out of your mouth, store it in a safe place and make an appointment as soon as possible!
Hint: a clear sandwich bag or medicine vial is much safer than wrapping it in a tissue or paper towel – they are often accidently thrown away or simply disappear.

•    Sometimes a patient can re-seat a crown and have it “snap” into place.

•    Another temporary solution is to use Vaseline or an FDA approved denture adhesive as a temporary glue. DO NOT     use super glue or any other type of permanent glue to hold your crown, veneer or permanent bridge into place!

Emergency Dental Care for a Broken Tooth – Does cold air or water cause pain? If so, you should schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. Do not eat on that tooth – a crack can spread and cause major damage.

What to do when a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out
Gently pick up the tooth by the chewing surface being careful to not touch the root of the tooth. If dirty, gently rinse the tooth in water or milk. Do not use soap, scrub the tooth or wrap it in a tissue. Try to reposition the tooth in its socket immediately – do not use excessive force. The sooner the tooth is replaced the greater the likelihood it will survive. If you cannot get the tooth back into its socket, keep it moist either by carrying the tooth in cool milk or in the mouth – do not swallow the tooth!

Make an appointment with your Greenbelt dentist or Millersville dentist  at McCarl Dental Group as soon as possible and ideally within 30 minutes. You may also apply a cold compress to the mouth and gums to decrease pain and bleeding.

Washington Capitals forward Eric Belanger said he felt his teeth shatter immediately upon impact with Canadiens defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron’s hockey stick. Fans watched as Bellanger handed broken teeth to his trainer. Belanger had his lip sutured and emergency dental work most likely including a root canal between periods and returned to play more than 10 minutes of the game.

Apparently he does not wear a mouth guard because he is already missing three of his top front teeth, making it impossible to bite down on a guard. Belanger will need additional dental care but says he will be 100 percent ready to play in Game 6 Monday night in Montreal. Bergeron wasn’t penalized on the play.

A frequent source of dental emergencies is broken or chipped teeth from people using them as scissors, pliers or fingernail clippers. You would not believe the things people try to open or cut with their teeth – bottles, plastic bags, tape, string, fishing lines, cloth … you name it! We see chipped teeth and broken teeth that damage the dental enamel of natural teeth, but also in porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns. PLEASE DON’T USE YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS!

Crunching ice causes severe problems. Chewing on large pieces of ice causes stress fractures in even the healthiest teeth. Ice is hard and brittle but also cold which causes contraction in the tooth enamel of natural teeth.  Porcelain crowns also break and chip when chewing ice. Damage from chewing ice occurs in molars and often results in a severe fracture, not just a small chip. Fingernail biting is also a frequent reason for chipped enamel or porcelain in front teeth.

Treating dental emergencies is a routine aspect of comprehensive dental care. McCarl dentists strive to provide same day emergency dental treatment to people experiencing dental pain or a broken tooth causing cosmetic dental concerns. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group serve Anne Arundel County and Prince Georges County.  Our dental offices are conveniently located near Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Crownsville, College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Greenbelt and Millersville.

Unlike bones, fractured teeth do not heal themselves. A tooth may or may not cause pain when it is cracked or fractured and many minor tooth fractures do not cause symptoms. Deeper fractures are often painful because the damage extends to the nerve inside the tooth. Pain from fractures may come and go or may be constant. It is always best to treat the dental emergency as soon as possible to try to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Please STOP USING YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS. Visit the dentists at McCarl Dental Group for top quality dental care for damaged and healthy teeth.

At McCarl Dental Group, we see several patients who need emergency dental treatment every day.  When a dental emergency is causing pain or prevents a patient from going out in public, we ask, “How soon can you get to our dental office?”  Pain, swelling, broken teeth and a lost crown are the most common dental emergencies.  We also treat cosmetic dental problems as true dental emergencies.

Yesterday, on New Year’s Eve, one of the dental emergencies treated by Dr. Clayton McCarl in the Greenbelt, Maryland office of McCarl Dental Group was a young woman with a broken front tooth who is in the wedding of a family member today.  Your dentist needs to be there for you when you need them. We are!