If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office immediately at (410) 956-5555. If it is after hours, our answering service will direct your call for assistance and guidance on how best to handle the problem.
Dr. James Wooddell and Dr. Joseph Passaro understand that even with the most conscientious dental care, emergencies can happen- often at the least convenient time. We make every effort to assist both current and new patients in the event of a dental emergency and will provide a same day appointment when possible and appropriate.
Tips for Common Dental Emergencies
Always contact our office to discuss your dental emergency before using a home remedy to avoid further damage. Here are some quick tips for common emergencies to save a tooth, reduce pain and stabilize until your are seen by a professional.
- Chipped or cracked tooth: rinse the area with warm water to remove any debris; contact our office to schedule a visit for an evaluation and possible tooth repair.
- Object stuck between teeth: gently brush or use dental floss to try and remove- do not use any sharp objects. If the issue persists contact our office for assistance.
- Sudden tooth pain: sudden pain or throbbing pain after trauma can indicate a wide range of issues and should be addressed by one of our dentists. Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area and use an oral over the counter pain reliever as needed. Any noticeable swelling can be managed with an external cold compress.
- Laceration of the tongue or inside the mouth: it is not recommended to take aspirin in the event of a laceration as it can thin the blood and prolong bleeding. Rinse the mouth and use an external cold compress to reduce swelling and bleeding. If bleeding persists contact our office for advice on how to proceed.
- Knocked out tooth: the most serious of dental emergencies, a knocked out tooth needs prompt treatment by a dental professional. If it is possible to find and save the tooth, pick it up by the crown (biting surface) and place in the socket, between the teeth and gums or in a container of milk until you can be seen.
Dental Safety: Preserve your smile
There are several ways you can prevent or avoid a dental accident or sudden emergency:
- Routine dental care: visiting with us twice a year or as advised enables Dr. Joe and Dr. Woody to monitor your oral health, spotting developing concerns and often avoiding a sudden dental problem with appropriate and conservative treatment.
- Custom sports mouth guard: active patients, especially those who participate in contact sports should be fitted for a custom sports mouthguard for the best protection. Comfortable and snug fitting a custom mouthguard can even improve your on field performance by reducing the energy spent on clenching the jaw to keep your appliance in place.
- Lifestyle habits: avoid nail-biting and using the teeth to open packaging of any kind as they can often be the cause of tooth damage or a laceration to the soft tissues of the mouth.
“I actually found Dr. Joe in the yellow pages after suffering from a dental emergency. Believe it or not, that was my lucky day. Once visiting with Dr. Joe and his team, I was completely hooked. They were patient, kind and completely understanding. After getting through my dental emergency, Dr. Joe worked diligently to transform my smile. I now get compliments from others on what a beautiful smile I have. I owe all my thanks to Dr. Joe and his great team!”
~Linda Austin, Davidsonville, MD