When patients suddenly experience extreme pain, severe bleeding, or swelling in the mouth, they should seek immediate care from an emergency dentist. Emergency dentists can care for patients undergoing dental issues relating to trauma to the mouth or teeth. Broken dentures or lost crowns are also considered dental emergencies and require urgent care from a dental professional.

Patients who have oral infections can also benefit from emergency care. Abscesses, which are pockets of infection that form on the gums, can cause severe pain and are a serious oral health concern. Patients experiencing these types of problems should visit Lifetime Smile as soon as possible to minimize the risk of the infection spreading and causing more harm.

When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?

Patients often wonder when a dental issue is considered to be a dental emergency. Generally, you should see your dentist for routine cleanings and preventive care every six months or at a time interval the dentist recommends for your specific concerns. However, in some situations, immediate dental care is necessary. 

This is especially true for traumatic injuries such as a knocked-out tooth, crack or chip in your tooth, loose or broken crowns, or a lost filling. These situations require an immediate appointment with our emergency dentist for treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring to the affected teeth. 

We also recommend calling our practice if you are experiencing severe pain and pressure in your mouth. In these cases, we’ll work with you to determine the best course of action for your pain and schedule an appointment if necessary. 

If, for example, you’re experiencing a toothache that hasn’t responded well to at-home treatment, such as rinsing with warm water and salts or taking medications, we will likely need to examine your mouth and determine the cause of your discomfort before recommending treatment. 

If you need an emergency dentist, visit Lifetime Smile at 101 Lakeforest Blvd Suite 101, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or call (301) 869-1170. Our team is always happy to assist patients and help them restore and protect their oral health.