Emergency Dental Care in Bethesda, MD

Handling Dental Emergencies at First Class Smiles Bethesda

Dental emergencies don’t wait for convenient hours—and neither do we. When severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or other urgent dental issues strike, Dr. Arlene Asante and our experienced team at First Class Smiles Bethesda provide immediate treatment to restore your oral health and relieve your discomfort.

Serving Bethesda, North Bethesda, Rockville, and Chevy Chase, our state-of-the-art dental office is equipped to handle all types of dental emergencies with the exceptional dental care you deserve. Contact our Bethesda emergency dentist today at (301) 760-4451 for same-day appointments and urgent dental care.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Emergency dentistry focuses on providing immediate pain relief and treatment for unexpected dental issues that require urgent attention. If you’re experiencing any of these dental emergency symptoms, don’t wait—seeking professional treatment promptly can prevent further complications:

• Severe toothache or dental pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
• Knocked-out tooth (avulsion) from trauma or injury
• Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerves
• Dental abscess or infection with facial swelling, fever, or pus
• Lost filling or crown causing sensitivity or discomfort
• Oral bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Swollen gums with intense pain or discharge

If you’re unsure whether your situation requires emergency dental treatment, call our Bethesda dental office at (301) 760-4451. Our team will assess your symptoms and determine whether you need immediate attention or if treatment can wait until your next appointment.

Types of Dental Emergencies

Severe Toothache & Dental Pain

Persistent, intense pain from a toothache may indicate tooth decay, infection, or an abscess, requiring immediate attention. Our emergency dentist will identify the root cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment to address the underlying issue.

Knocked-Out Tooth

When a tooth is completely dislodged, quick action is critical. Gently rinse the knocked-out tooth without scrubbing, try to reinsert it, or store it in milk or saliva while you seek emergency dental care. With prompt treatment within 30-60 minutes, we may be able to save your natural tooth.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

Tooth fractures can range from minor chips to major breaks exposing the nerve. Our emergency dentistry services include tooth-colored bonding, dental crowns, or other restorative options to repair the damage and prevent further complications.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection that can become life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, fever, and a pimple-like bump on the gums. Emergency treatment may include drainage, antibiotics, or root canal therapy to eliminate the infection.

Lost Filling or Crown

When a restoration falls out, it leaves your tooth vulnerable to sensitivity and further damage. Our emergency dentist can replace your lost dental filling or recement your crown to restore protection and function to your tooth.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies, such as broken wires, loose brackets, or painful irritation from braces, require prompt attention. Our emergency dental services include adjustments and repairs to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track without unnecessary discomfort.

Dental Trauma

Accidents or injuries can lead to dental trauma, such as a fractured tooth, a dislodged tooth, or soft tissue injuries in the mouth. Dental trauma requires immediate attention to assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment. In some cases, quick action can help save a dislodged tooth.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Cuts, lacerations, or trauma to the gums, cheeks, tongue, or lips may require immediate dental care. We provide gentle, effective treatment to stop bleeding and promote proper healing.

Severe Gum Infection

Gum infections, such as advanced periodontitis or acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), can cause severe pain, swelling, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Immediate dental care is necessary to manage the infection, alleviate pain, and prevent further damage to the gums and underlying bone structure.

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

Follow these steps to manage your dental emergency in Bethesda, MD, before you reach our office:

1. Call our emergency dentist immediately at (301) 760-4451 for guidance and to schedule your same-day appointment
2. Control bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
3. Manage pain and swelling with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers
4. Preserve knocked-out teeth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution
5. Collect broken pieces of teeth or restorations to bring to your appointment
6. Avoid further damage by not chewing on the affected side

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you arrive at our stress-free Bethesda dental office for emergency treatment, our first priority is addressing your pain and immediate concerns. Here’s what to expect:

1. Comprehensive examination of your dental emergency, including X-rays if necessary
2. Clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options
3. Immediate pain relief measures to ensure your comfort
4. Treatment plan tailored to your specific emergency
5. Same-day treatment whenever possible to resolve your emergency
6. Follow-up care instructions to ensure proper healing

As a new patient experiencing a dental emergency, we’ll also collect relevant medical and dental history information to ensure safe, effective treatment.

What Our Patients Say About Our Emergency Dental Care

Here’s what our patients have to say when they receive their dental emergency care treatment at First Class Smiles Bethesda.

• “I am so grateful for Dr. Asante and her amazing team! Last week I called in for an emergency appointment due to a fractured tooth. She was able to get me seen within 24 hours! Today I came in and saw the amazing specialist Dr. Khalili. He was AWESOME! I almost fell asleep during my root canal! I’m grateful to have doctors that pay attention to the small details and give comprehensive explanations about my dental issues. Everyone from Dr. Asante to the front desk staff is amazing! 10/10 highly recommended!” – Anonymous
• “Dr. Asante and the staff were professional and personal. I had broken a front tooth as a result of a fall. I called and they scheduled me for the very next morning. I was able to leave with a temporary crown that looked great and gave me my smile back. I had a great experience and will highly recommend Dr. Asante and her team. They also play the best music!” – Cicely

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies

While our emergency dentistry services are always available when you need them, these preventive measures can help you avoid dental emergencies:

• Regular dental check-ups every six months for early detection of potential issues
• Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice daily and flossing
• Wearing mouthguards during sports or physical activities
• Avoiding using teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
• Not chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies that can crack teeth
• Addressing tooth decay promptly before it leads to severe pain or infection
• Following post-treatment instructions after dental procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I go to the emergency room instead of an emergency dentist?

Visit the emergency room for facial fractures, uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling affecting breathing, or if you’ve suffered trauma that may include a concussion or other injuries. For isolated dental issues, our emergency dentist can provide more specialized care.

Does dental insurance cover emergency dental treatment?

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency dental services, especially when addressing pain or infection. Our office staff can verify your benefits and discuss payment options for any out-of-pocket expenses.

Can I get same-day treatment for my dental emergency?

Yes, at First Class Smiles Bethesda, we prioritize emergency dental visits and offer same-day appointments for patients experiencing dental emergencies. Call us immediately at (301) 760-4451.

What if my dental emergency happens after hours?

Call our office at (301) 760-4451 even after regular hours. Our answering service will direct you to emergency contact information or provide guidance on managing your emergency until we can see you.

Exceptional Emergency Dental Care in Bethesda, MD, and Surrounding Areas

For immediate relief from dental emergencies, trust the experienced team at First Class Smiles Bethesda. Dr. Asante and our dedicated dental professionals provide comprehensive emergency dentistry services to patients throughout Bethesda, North Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, and beyond.

Don’t wait in pain—contact our Bethesda emergency dentist today at (301) 760-4451 for urgent dental care when you need it most.