It’s always best to have an emergency plan in place
before
an actual emergency occurs. This makes perfect sense, but would you know what to do if you or a family member was suddenly dealing with extreme dental pain? If not, you’re not alone, but McCarl Dental Group at Shipley's Choice is ready to help. Should you find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency, go ahead and call our Millersville dental office. We’ll be happy to see you that same day so we can take care of the problem and stop the pain. In fact, you should put our
dental office’s number
in your phone right now so you can act as quickly as possible!
Why Choose McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice for Emergency Dental Care?
Same-Day & Saturday Appointments Available
Trusted By Local Families Since 1938
Highly-Skilled Team that is Constantly Learning & Training
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Step 1: Call us right away.
No matter what type of dental emergency you’re facing, call us as soon as you can so we can schedule a same-day appointment for you. One of our experience team members will walk you through basic first-aid for handling your situation until you reach us.
Step 2:
Visit us for an emergency exam
. When you arrive, Dr. Clayton, Jay, or David McCarl will see you for an examination. Your Millersville emergency dentist will focus on alleviating your pain and evaluating your situation before recommending which treatment(s) to move forward with.
Step 3
:
Get the fast, professional care you need.
Once you’ve agreed to a treatment plan, we’ll get to work right away to address your dental emergency. Whether you have a toothache, knocked-out tooth, lost filling, or any other dental emergency, our top priorities will always be your health and comfort.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache or a broken/knocked out tooth, the first thing you should do is reach out for professional help. Contacting and coming to our dental office right away will allow our team to minimize any pain or damage as quickly as possible. Before you’re able to make it to us, however, here are a few things you can do on your own to help with a dental emergency:
Because there are so many types and severities of dental emergencies, there is no set cost for emergency dentistry. We’ll base our recommendations on each patient’s unique situation, with our primary goal being to get them out of pain first. We know that urgent dental care is always a surprise expense, so we’re happy to submit any dental insurance and offer interest-free financing to make this type of care more affordable.
To better understand the cost of emergency dentistry in Millersville, we invite you to review the information below and contact us with any questions.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Only until our team can examine a patient’s emergency and pinpoint the problem area can we determine how much the cost of care will be. No two emergencies are the same. While antibiotics may be enough to treat a minor infection, extraction and tooth replacement may be necessary for a severely cracked tooth.
No matter the reason for the emergency, we will create a treatment plan that aligns with every patient’s needs while also remembering the expected expenses.
At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we never want patients forgoing emergency treatment because they feel they cannot afford it. It’s important to recognize that seeking professional help early on is far better than waiting to see if the pain goes away on its own.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most dental insurance companies provide patients with one emergency exam each year. But it’s not the cost of the appointment that has individuals concerned. It’s usually the treatment that is required. Fortunately, a majority of carriers offer 40-80% coverage for minor or major restorative care. Whether a person needs a dental filling, crown, root canal, or tooth extraction, insurance will likely pay a portion of the total cost as long as the individual has met their deductible and has available annual funds remaining.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, our emergency dentist in Millersville is pleased to offer an alternative payment option for patients without insurance. By enrolling in a CareCredit flexible financing plan, individuals can remain within budget while paying off their treatment. Low or no-interest payment plans are available, making the process easy and stress-free.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
The moment a patient realizes they’re suffering from dental pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s essential to call our office immediately. The sooner we can examine the problem, the greater the chances of addressing it without complex or costly care.
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their chances of ending up in the emergency dental office. From brushing and flossing regularly to avoiding unhealthy foods and using teeth as tools, individuals should also remember to wear a protective mouthguard while playing sports or if they suffer from bruxism.
These proactive steps can reduce potential damage and decay, keeping smiles looking and feeling healthier for years to come.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to dental emergencies. Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice wants you to have valuable tips and techniques that will help you to be proactive about reducing your risk for oral injuries. Here are the best ways to prevent dental emergencies in Millersville:
Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments
It’s important that you keep your six-month dental checkups and cleanings with our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice. During these visits, we will not only check for signs of infection, damage, and other abnormalities, but we’ll offer suggestions to help keep your teeth and gums healthy in between appointments. By catching problems early on, we can help to reduce your chances of necessary dental work in the future.
Keep Brushing and Flossing
At-home oral hygiene habits must be practiced if you want to minimize your risk for toothaches, gum disease, and other infections. Brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing at least once each day before bed, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash can eliminate cavity-causing bacteria while also improving the strength of your tooth enamel. This daily routine will allow you to enjoy your smile day after day instead of scheduling sudden trips to the emergency dental office in Millersville.
Be Mindful What You Eat
Nutrient-rich foods can go a long way in making sure your mouth and body remain healthy. Consuming too much sugar and starch can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. Not to mention the harm it can cause to your heart and other vital organs. Swapping out chips, candy, and sodas for leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables can help not only decrease your waistline but also strengthen tooth enamel and improve gum health.
Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth
Sports-related dental injuries are common, which is why it’s recommended that you wear a customized mouthguard to protect your teeth during the big game. A hard hit or fall can lead to knocked-out or broken teeth, soft tissue lacerations, or even a fractured jaw. With a mouthguard created to fit your smile comfortably, you can rest easy knowing your teeth and gums are better protected.
Also, these oral devices are ideal should you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). While sleeping, a mouthguard can keep the upper and lower arches from touching, decreasing wear and tear on your tooth enamel and preventing jaw pain.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Scissors, pliers, and other tools are great for opening packages and containers. Your teeth, however, are not designed to sustain this amount of pressure. Not only are you putting your teeth at risk of serious damage, but you can harm the oral soft tissues that surround your pearly whites. Attempting to use your teeth as tools will have you in the dentist’s chair for an emergency appointment quite quickly, so it’s best if you let the tools do their job.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Are you concerned you will experience a dental emergency and be unsure as to how you should handle it? Are you worried there are situations we haven’t covered that will leave you with many questions should one happen to you? Our emergency dentist in Millersville, MD, is here to put your mind at ease and deliver clear and concise answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about emergency dentistry. Below is a list you are welcome to review. If you don’t see your questions listed, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Will my toothache go away on its own?
No, it’s very rare that a toothache will ever go away on its own. This is why it’s recommended that you schedule an emergency visit with our team. We’ll be able to examine the tooth in question to determine how best to proceed.
Some of the most common causes of a toothache include poor oral hygiene, sinus congestion, a cavity, facial trauma, or even something stuck between your teeth. Allowing a qualified professional to examine your smile will lead to a personalized treatment plan that includes a recommended solution to improve the health of your smile.
Should I visit the emergency room first for dental emergencies?
Although it might seem like a good option, the truth is that emergency rooms are unlikely to address the full extent of your dental injury. In fact, the only reasons you should ever visit the local ER when dealing with problems of the mouth are increased swelling making it difficult to swallow or breathe, continuous bleeding, or a broken or fractured jawbone.
Otherwise, there is a good chance your emergency dentist will be able to address the problem in-house, which is why it’s best to always call our office to find out which steps you need to take to seek help.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?
If you experience throbbing tooth pain, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with an infection or tooth inflammation. Cavities or cracks allow air and bacteria to enter and spread to the innermost layer of your tooth (the pulp). As a result, it can attack the nerves of the pulp, causing immense pain.
Another reason for this dental emergency in Millersville, MD, is bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching. The only way to know for sure the cause of your discomfort is to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist. This will allow us to review your smile and determine the underlying cause before suggesting an appropriate treatment option.
Can superglue be used to repair broken dentures?
It is not recommended that you use superglue to fix broken dentures. The reason is that not only is it highly toxic and can cause an allergic reaction, but it also does not work well in damp environments. Since your mouth is filled with saliva, it is unlikely that it would even hold the prosthetic together. If you don’t want the taste of your food to be affected, you’ll avoid superglue as well. Instead, it’s best to wait until you can get in to see a member of our team for assistance.
Is my toothache a dental emergency? Yes, you should plan to call and schedule an appointment
with our dental team as soon as you develop a toothache in Millersville. If you believe there may be
something stuck between your teeth, it is possible to remove it on your own; however, if this is not the
cause, it’s best to get in as soon as possible.
Should you discover you have signs of fever, a bump on your gums near the problem tooth, discoloration around
or on the tooth, or pain that lasts more than 24 hours, call us right away.
How you should handle a toothache: Use dental floss to remove anything that might be stuck
between your teeth. Otherwise, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and wait until you can see a member of
our team for professional care.
How we treat toothaches: At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we will examine
your problem tooth and take any digital X-rays for further evaluation. Once we’ve identified the
underlying issue, we’ll recommend one or more of the following treatments: antibiotics, a
tooth-colored filling, a dental crown, periodontal therapy, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? When chipping a tooth, you should expect to seek
professional help from an emergency dentist in Millersville within a few days of the incident. You
don’t want to wait too long, as infection or worsening damage can occur.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: At home, you’ll need to rinse your mouth with
warm salter before covering any jagged areas with dental wax. You can also use sugarless gum. It’s
best if you do not chew on that side of your mouth, and you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if
you experience any discomfort.
How we treat chipped teeth: When treating a chipped tooth, we’ll examine the severity
of the damage before deciding how to treat it. If possible, bonding can be helpful but also, but we can
discuss the possibility of customized veneers to repair your smile and give you a more confident appearance.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? You shouldn’t wait to seek help for your
cracked tooth in Millersville. Waiting too long for emergency care can result in further damage to your
mouth or a greater risk for infection.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water should be the
first step before placing dental wax over any areas of the tooth that may scrape or harm your oral soft
tissues. You’ll also want to avoid hard and crunchy foods and avoid chewing on that side of your
mouth.
How we treat cracked teeth: A cracked tooth can be treated using different methods depending
on the severity of the damage. If minor, bonding may be possible; however, if more severe, we can place a
customized dental crown over the tooth structure to hold it together and encourage strengthening. We can
also extract the tooth and discuss optimal solutions for replacement.
Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Very sensitive teeth can be the cause of
excessive teeth whitening, an abscess, a severe cavity, a cracked tooth, or even gum disease. Having your
sensitive teeth looked at by a member of our teeth should occur as soon as possible.
How you should handle very sensitive teeth: While waiting for your appointment at home, make
sure that you avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and do not consume hot or cold foods and beverages
during this time. It’s also important to not practice unhealthy habits such as biting your fingernails
or eating ice.
How we treat very sensitive teeth: The only way your emergency dentist in Millersville, MD,
can treat sensitive teeth is to first identify the underlying cause of the problem. If caused by gum
disease, we will administer periodontal therapy to eliminate bad oral bacteria and improve gum health. If
caused by excessive teeth whitening, you may need prescription mouthwash, desensitizing toothpaste, or
fluoride treatments. Should the problem be a cavity, we can place a tooth-colored filling, or if severe
decay or an abscess is the reason, we may need to perform root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Is my knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a lost tooth in Millersville, MD, should be
treated right away, as it is a time-sensitive issue that can cause you to potentially lose your tooth.
How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: It is best to retrieve the tooth, holding it only
by the crown, and rinse off any debris. Once your rinse your mouth, attempt to reinsert the tooth into the
vacated socket. If unsuccessful, place it between your cheek and gums inside your mouth or in a container of
milk. Make sure to bring it with you to your appointment.
How we treat knocked-out teeth: If we see you within one hour of your injury, it is possible
for us to reattach the tooth with a splint so it will reintegrate with the tissues. However, if too much
time has passed or there is too much damage to the tooth, we’ll need to discuss ways to replace it
using a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? A lost filling or dental crown does not
require immediate, same-day treatment. You don’t want to wait several days, however, before seeking
care, like an infection or further damage can occur.
How you should handle a lost filling or crown: While waiting for your appointment with a
member of our team, you’ll want to rinse out your mouth before attempting to reinsert the restoration.
Using temporary dental cement, you can try to put it back into place. However, if you’re not
comfortable with this process, you can wait until you see us.
How we treat a lost filling or crown: If the restoration is not damaged, we will sterilize
and re-bond it into place. However, if your filling or lost dental crown in Millersville, MD, cannot be
re-bonded, we’ll need to create a new tooth-colored filling and/or metal-free crown.
Is my broken denture a dental emergency? Yes, a broken denture is a dental emergency that
should be seen by a member of our team right away.
How you should handle a broken denture: Instead of purchasing a denture repair kit, it is
best if you avoid wearing your prosthetic to keep from damaging your soft oral tissues and healthy teeth.
How we treat broken dentures: When arriving at our office, we will survey the severity of
the damage to determine if it can be repaired, a new one should be made, or open discussions about switching
to an alternative option such as dental implants.
Is a loose permanent tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a loose permanent tooth is a serious
problem and requires immediate dental attention.
How you should handle loose permanent teeth: If you’re faced with a loose tooth, make
sure to avoid touching or prodding it with your finger or tongue. Also, be careful when cleaning around it
to prevent it from falling out. You’ll also need to stay away from anything hard or crunchy if you
must eat before seeing a member of our team.
How we treat loose permanent teeth: Adults should not have loose teeth, so when this
happens, they must be treated quickly. If gum disease is the culprit and it has infected the soft oral
tissues to the point your teeth are loosening, we will need to administer periodontal therapy. If an
infection inside the tooth is the problem, a root canal may be necessary. If the tooth is loose from a
traumatic blow, it needs to be secured in its proper position. However, if the tooth cannot be saved,
we’ll need to extract it and discuss your options for tooth replacement such as dental bridges or
implants.
Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency? Minor soft tissue injuries are
not usually deemed dental emergencies simply because they often heal on their own. However, you are always
welcome to contact our office should you be concerned that it is more than minor.
How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue: Taking care of a soft tissue
injury at home should involve rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying clean gauze to the wounded
area. If bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes, apply pressure with the gauze. When the
bleeding stops, place a cold compress to minimize swelling and discomfort.
How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue: It’s important that we understand
how your injury occurred, which is why we will likely recommend a customized athletic mouthguard
(sportsguard) if you play sports. If we discover that your injury is bad enough, we will apply stitches as
well.
Is jaw pain a dental emergency? Yes, jaw pain can be a dental emergency if you wait too long
to seek help. It is recommended that you call our office to inquire about the need for an appointment.
How you should handle jaw pain: Once we’ve determined if you should come in right away
or wait, we’ll provide tips designed to help you manage the discomfort at home. This may include
avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that add more pressure onto your jaw joints. Also, you’ll need
to avoid bad habits like nail-biting and eating ice.
How we treat jaw pain: Jaw pain can occur for many reasons (i.e., stress, teeth grinding,
TMJ/TMD). We’ll examine your oral and facial structures to determine what might be the underlying
cause. Only then will we recommend the appropriate method of treatment, which is likely to include a
customized nightguard if you suffer from bruxism. You may also be advised to seek treatment for TMJ/TMD or
undergo wisdom tooth extraction if your third molars are the problem.
When an object is stuck between your teeth, it usually does not warrant a trip to see your emergency dentist.
You can typically remove it with warm water and dental floss. However, if you begin to use sharp objects
(i.e., tweezers, toothpicks, forks, etc.), it can cause damage to your teeth and gums, resulting in the need
for emergency assistance.
