Life is full of unexpected surprises, and as we all know by now, many of them can be quite unpleasant. If you or a loved one suddenly find yourselves in need of immediate dental care, know that you can always turn to our emergency dentist in Greenbelt, MD. McCarl Dental Group is able to arrange same-day emergency dental appointments for patients in most cases, so we can get you out of pain and back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.
Why Choose McCarl Dental Group for Emergency Dental Care?
Same-day appointments available for emergency patients
If you’re in a car accident, get food poisoning, or break your arm, do you wait until Monday morning at 8 am to call your doctor? No. You would probably go to the emergency room right away, but for patients experiencing dental emergencies, waiting until the dentist has time to fit them in during regular office hours is often the only option. At McCarl Dental Group, we’re here to help when our patients need us most. If you experience a dental emergency, we will do our utmost to see you right away. In many cases, we can see patients on the day they call.
In addition to offering same day appointments whenever possible for emergency dentistry patients, one of our team members will happily walk you through how to care for your smile until you can make it in to see us. Your first step in any dental emergency should be to call our dental office in Greenbelt, MD at (301) 259-3604. If it’s after hours, listen to the message and contact one of the dentists on the mobile phone numbers provided.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Most dental emergencies fall into one of two categories. The first is emergencies brought about by sudden injuries or accidents, like a broken or knocked-out tooth. The other is emergencies that develop slowly over time, such as an intense toothache or lingering tooth sensitivity. Not sure your situation “counts” as a dental emergency? The odds are good that if you’re in pain or injured your tooth, you’re in urgent need and we can help. Even if you are unsure if you need urgent attention, we encourage you to give us a call right away anyways. Some of the most common urgent dentistry concerns we treat include:
The cost of emergency dentistry in Greenbelt following a dental emergency will vary depending on the treatment necessary, but as always, the McCarl Dental Group team is committed to offering quality, effective dentistry at a price that fits your budget. We will maximize your insurance benefits, work with you on financing options, and take all the stress out of paying for your necessary dental care. Your tooth may hurt but paying to repair it doesn’t have to! Contact us with any questions, so we can begin to help you save.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
When visiting your emergency dentist in Greenbelt, you’ll be pleased to learn the actual appointment does not cost nearly as much as you might expect. This visit is necessary, however, as we will need to check your mouth and identify the severity of the damage before crafting a personalized treatment plan. We’ll work quickly to address your immediate symptoms and alleviate any pain, but we’ll likely need to prepare you for more extensive treatment should the damage to your tooth or gums require restorative care.
The type of dentistry you’ll need will be determined by the type of problem you’re facing. Only then can we provide a clearer estimate as to how much it will cost to fix your dental issue. But don’t worry, we’ll explain the various options, so you can feel more confident when approaching a treatment that meets your budget.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Many dental insurance companies do offer coverage for at least one emergency exam each year, but this is not always the case. You’ll need to review your policy beforehand. Where the savings really occur, however, is when discussing the type of treatment you will need. Since most insurance carriers offer anywhere from 50-80% coverage for minor or major restorative care, you can breathe a sigh of relief should you need a dental crown, root canal, tooth extraction, or another customized service.
Of course, before they agree to pay a portion of the bill, your dental insurance company will make sure you’ve already met your deductible and determine how much of your annual maximum remains for the year.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
At McCarl Dental Group, we understand that dental emergencies are always an inconvenience. This usually means that you may or may not have the available funds to pay for treatment when you need it most. If you’re uninsured or need help to pay for a more extensive service, we have available payment options to make the financial responsibility less burdensome. By enrolling in interest-free financing through CareCredit, you can establish a personal line of credit for you and your family.
You can choose a payment plan that allows you to make monthly payments, and should you discover you need additional time to pay off your remaining balance, you can inquire about extended payment plans with low, fixed interest rates.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
It’s not always possible to prevent all dental emergencies, but you can take steps to improve the health of your smile and seek immediate treatment should you notice a problem occurring. Toothaches, infections, gum disease, and other similar issues can all be avoided if you maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine, avoid sugary and starchy foods, wear the proper mouth protection, and give up unhealthy habits (i.e., smoking, eating ice, biting your fingernails).
In doing these things, you can potentially save yourself thousands of dollars on emergency dentistry, allowing you to instead, put that money back toward a family vacation or a new car.
Also, should you discover pain, swelling, or bleeding inside your mouth, don’t wait to see an emergency dentist in Greenbelt. Get to our office right away, so we can begin to provide the treatment you need to avoid more extensive and costly procedures.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
It’s always reassuring to know you have a team here at McCarl Dental Group to provide immediate treatment should you suffer a serious dental injury. However, isn’t it more assuring once you realize you can take special precautions to prevent dental emergencies in Greenbelt? Believe it or not, there are some simple tips our team can provide that will set you up for a healthier, longer-lasting smile as long as you adhere to the following advice:
Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments
Our McCarl Dental Group is here to provide preventive services to minimize your risk of decay, damage, and infection. By continuing to keep your regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings, you are putting yourself in an ideal spot to maintain healthier teeth and gums while reducing your chances of developing what could become a serious infection. During these visits, our team will examine your teeth and gums to ensure there is no damage or decay developing. Not only does this safeguard your smile, but these visits also make it possible for us to check for oral cancer, which can be fatal if left untreated or undetected.
Keep Brushing and Flossing
Your at-home oral habits are almost equally as important at your six-month appointments with your dentist. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are essential if you want to keep your teeth and gums better protected in between appointments. By removing bacteria from your pearly whites and soft oral tissues (and your tongue), you can ensure a more balanced oral microbiome when you wake up and before you go to bed.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Carrots, celery, apples, sweet potatoes, romaine lettuce, lean turkey, fish, nuts, yogurt, cheese, and even kale are all nutrient-rich foods that promote healthier teeth and gums. Eating too many cookies, potato chips, and other sugary and starchy options can increase your risk for cavities and cause you to need extensive restorative dentistry if decay and disease are left untreated. Swapping out these foods for healthier options will leave you with more energy and the ability to maintain a beautiful smile that is free of tooth decay and gum disease.
Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth
The foods you eat are not the only way you can protect your teeth. You should also wear a protective mouthguard if you are planning to play sports or if you suffer from bruxism, which is the grinding and clenching of teeth. These unique oral appliances, serve as a cushion between your upper and lower arches, preventing significant pressure from being absorbed by a single tooth. Instead, they act as a barrier helping to spread out the impact so as not to affect one or two teeth.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
It’s far too easy to open a package or container with your teeth, but if you want to avoid a trip to the emergency dental office in Greenbelt, you’re better off finding the appropriate tool for the job. While it’s true your tooth enamel is strong, it is not indestructible. The truth is, once you lose it, you cannot get it back, so it’s better to look for the right tool and save your pearly whites from serious damage.
Dental Emergency FAQs
When faced with a dental emergency, it’s easy to panic. The fear of losing a tooth or causing further damage to your smile can cause many patients to be unsure of what to do when dealing with this type of pain at home. At McCarl Dental Group, however, our team is here to ensure you avoid uncertainty and instead, feel confident addressing your issue while waiting to see an emergency dentist in Greenbelt. To help you better prepare, you’ll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about emergency dentistry below.
Should I visit the emergency room first for dental emergencies?
We recommend that you do not visit the emergency room for a dental emergency unless one of the following occurs:
You break or fracture your jaw
You experience continuously bleeding that doesn’t cease after 10 minutes
Swelling continues to increase, making it difficult to swallow
All other injuries can be treated at our dental office by our trusted professionals, as we are capable of not only eliminating the pain but also developing a treatment plan that will mitigate the issue. In an emergency room, they would only be able to provide pain relievers and antibiotics.
Do chipped teeth heal?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body; however, it’s not indestructible, and it doesn’t grow back on its own. This outermost layer of your teeth cannot heal without the help of a professional, which is why no matter how minor or severe, it’s best to call and schedule an appointment with our team. Teeth are capable of remineralizing, but that’s the extent. Our team will be able to provide cosmetic and/or restorative treatment to repair the damage, restore your appearance, and improve your oral health.
Can I fix dentures that are broken in half?
Only a skilled prosthodontist can fix a denture that is broken in half. In most cases, however, you’ll likely need to have the denture completely replaced, as this type of dental emergency in Greenbelt typically cannot be repaired. While waiting for a new denture to be created, it is possible for you to wear a spare denture (if you have one) until your new one is finished. You should remember, though, that you will not want to wear it regularly.
Is my tooth pain from an infection?
Depending on the type of pain, location, and other particular symptoms, there is a good chance your tooth pain is the result of an infection that has formed. Typically, if you notice that you have bad breath, tooth sensitivity, a loose tooth, reddening and swollen gums, and an oral sore near the bothersome tooth, you likely have an infection that needs to be treated right away. This is the only way to know for sure if what you are experiencing is an actual infection. If so, we’ll work quickly to get you the help you need.
How long can a restoration be temporarily attached?
When wearing temporary restorations, it’s important to remember that these are not meant to last forever. Only until the finalized crown, bridge, denture, or veneer is ready should you be committed to wearing this type of restoration in the meantime. The typical length of time for a temporary is a few days of stability. Once it’s time to receive a dental filling, your dentist is the only person who can restore it should a previous one fall out or become chipped. Also, dental crowns can be restored temporarily; however, while the finalized crown is being created, you’ll want to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Toothaches
Is my toothache a dental emergency? A toothache in Greenbelt is something you should have checked as soon as possible. The reason is that it can be caused by a variety of problems ranging from a cavity to a dental abscess to sinus congestion. It’s best to have a member of our dental team examine the tooth in question sooner rather than later.
If you notice you develop a fever, tooth discoloration, fatigue, nausea, or a bump on the gums near the problem tooth, call our office right away.
How you should handle a toothache: If there is something stuck between your teeth, use dental floss to remove it. Otherwise, take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce the discomfort and wait for your dental appointment.
How we treat toothaches: There are many options for treating a toothache, and our team of experts will identify which one is best for your needs. It may include antibiotics, a tooth-colored filling, a dental crown, root canal therapy, periodontal therapy, or even tooth extraction.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? If you experience a chipped tooth, you still need to see an emergency dentist in Greenbelt; however, it’s often not necessary that you seek same-day treatment. You can wait a few days before getting in to see us.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: In the meantime, you’ll want to rinse your mouth to remove any debris from inside the mouth. You’ll also want to cover damaged areas of the tooth to avoid further harm to your oral soft tissues. Finally, it’s best to not chew on that side of your mouth.
How we treat chipped teeth: To treat a chipped tooth, it is possible to seek some form of bonding, but if you are concerned about the overall appearance of your smile, we can discuss the placement of veneers. These customized restorations can be created to help you see a new and improved appearance in just two visits.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Yes, you should seek immediate dental treatment if you are experiencing a cracked tooth in Greenbelt. This is because an infection or further damage can occur, putting the rest of your smile at risk.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: While at home, make sure that you rinse your mouth with warm salt water to eliminate any bad oral bacteria. Also, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent more damage to the tooth. It’s also helpful to protect your tooth and nearby oral soft tissues by placing dental wax or sugarless gum over the jagged areas of the tooth structure.
How we treat cracked teeth: Our dental team at McCarl Dental Group can treat a cracked tooth in several ways. If necessary, we can use a dental crown to seal and protect the vulnerable tooth, encouraging it to strengthen over time. However, if the tooth is too badly damaged, it may need to be removed before discussions can begin on how to replace it.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? If you have very sensitive teeth, it is best to go ahead and schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Greenbelt. Because this problem can form as a result of many different reasons (i.e., abscess, severe cavity, cracked tooth, excessive whitening, gum disease), it’s best to undergo an evaluation sooner rather than later.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: You’ll find that drinking lukewarm water does not irritate or cause pain like hot or cold beverages. You should also avoid hard and crunchy foods as well as practicing unhealthy habits that apply unnecessary pressure to the tooth.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: Once you arrive for your appointment, we will discuss the reason for your sensitive teeth and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment. This can include prescription mouthwash, fluoride treatments, desensitizing toothpaste, tooth-colored fillings, periodontal therapy, root canal therapy, or even tooth extraction.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, you should not wait to seek professional help for a knocked-out or “avulsed” tooth. This is a time-sensitive issue that requires immediate treatment.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: After your rinse out your mouth, hold the lost tooth by the crown. You can gently rinse off any debris with water before trying to reinsert it into the vacated socket. If you prefer, you can place the tooth between your cheek and gums inside your mouth or in a container of milk or saliva and bring it to your appointment.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: We will need to evaluate the tooth to determine if it is still viable. If so, we will attempt to reintegrate it with the bone tissue using specialized instruments and materials to hold it in place. If not, we will begin to discuss ways to replace the tooth with a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? When faced with a lost filling or crown, you should call as soon as possible for treatment. Some situations are more urgent than others and require the first available appointment.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: While at home waiting for your dental appointment, make sure to rinse your mouth. If possible, use dental cement to temporarily reinsert the restoration. If this is unsuccessful or you’d rather wait for a professional to try, please make sure you bring the filling or lost dental crown to our dental office in Greenbelt to your appointment. In the meantime, do not chew on that side of your mouth.
How we treat a lost filling or crown: Once we have the chance to review the restoration, we will determine if we can re-bond it into place. If not, we’ll need to have a new tooth-colored filling or metal-free dental crown created for your smile.
Is my broken denture a dental emergency? Yes, a broken denture in Greenbelt is a dental emergency and should be treated by our dental team as soon as possible.
How you should handle a broken denture: You may be tempted to purchase a denture repair kit, but it is advised that you do not unless it is vital that you have your teeth for a specific reason (i.e., work presentation, big event). Instead, it is best if you avoid wearing your prosthetic teeth until you can get in to see our team.
How we treat broken dentures: When dealing with a broken denture, we may be able to address it with cosmetic bonding if the break does not hinder its functionality. If the break is damaging enough that the teeth no longer work as they should, we’ll need to either send the denture out for repair, have a new denture created or discuss the option of transitioning to dental implants.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? A loose tooth in Greenbelt is a serious emergency that should be treated in a timely manner. Permanent teeth are designed to remain firmly in place for the remainder of one’s life. Should one or more become loose, you should seek immediate treatment.
How you should handle loose permanent teeth: You’ll need to avoid biting down on anything hard or crunchy. Also, do not practice habits that apply additional pressure to the vulnerable area. Do not attempt to poke or prod the tooth with your finger or tongue, as this can cause it to fall out.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: A loose permanent tooth can develop for many reasons: gum disease, facial trauma, poor oral hygiene, etc. Once we’ve captured digital images and reviewed our findings, we’ll determine the best way to treat the problem. If gum disease is the culprit, we may need to perform periodontal therapy as well as a bone graft to try and hold the tooth in place. If caused by facial trauma, and the tooth cannot be saved, we may need to remove it and replace it with a dental bridge or dental implant.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? A minor injury to your lips, gums, tongue, or cheek is not considered a dental emergency, as these tissues typically heal on their own. However, more severe injury may require sutures and an antibiotic.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Handling soft tissue injuries at home is usually not a problem; however, if you cannot stop the bleeding after 10 minutes, from a cut or laceration to the outside of your lips, you should see a plastic surgeon or Ear, Nose and Throat physician for careful closure. Please contact our dentists at McCarl Dental Group for an intra-oral laceration that needs sutures.
When you discover there is a laceration on the gums, lips, or cheek, make sure to rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out any bad bacteria. Place gauze on the area to minimize bleeding before applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: If you schedule an appointment with our team, you can expect us to determine if you require stitches for your injury. We may also suggest a customized mouthguard/sportsguard if the injury occurred while playing sports or engaging in outdoor extracurricular activities.
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Chronic jaw pain can be a dental emergency, and it is best if you schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist in Greenbelt once you begin to notice problems opening and closing your mouth, soreness in the jaw, or a popping or clicking noise.
How you should handle jaw pain: If you have broken or fractured your jaw, do not wait to see our team. Instead, go to your local emergency room for immediate medical attention. Otherwise, do not bite down or chew on anything hard or crunchy, and avoid any bad habits such as eating ice, biting your fingernails, or attempting to use your teeth as tools.
How we treat jaw pain: The reason for your jaw pain will ultimately determine the type of treatment you receive. If caused by bruxism (teeth grinding), we will likely recommend a nightguard that prevents the upper and lower arches from touching while you sleep. If caused by inflammation of the jaw joints, you may need to seek TMJ Therapy. If caused by impacted wisdom teeth, you’ll need to consider the option of wisdom teeth extraction.
Having something stuck between your teeth is not considered a dental emergency. It is recommended that you rinse with warm water to loosen the object before using dental floss to try and dislodge it. If you attempt to use toothpicks, tweezers, or any other sharp objects to remove the food, it can lead to damaged teeth and gums, resulting in a dental emergency. If you are unable to dislodge the object between your teeth, please contact our dental office for an appointment.
