Emergency Dentist Chevy Chase, MD

Emergency Dentist
There are many reasons that patients throughout Maryland need an emergency dentist. We have found that a dental emergency can strike at any time. Dr. Stevens and our staff at James J. Stevens DDS will try to accommodate any last minute appointment requests so that you, our patient, doesn’t have to live with oral pain. If you have a toothache or a major dental emergency, call (301) 656-3900 right away. We offer extended hours as needed and will do our best to get you treated immediately.

Do I need emergency dentistry? Call us if…

• Toothache – Did you brush, rinse and floss and it still hurts.
• Tooth Knocked Out
• Gum/Tongue/Cheek Injuries – If bleeding will not stop.
• Broken/Loose Braces – Call your orthodontist immediately.

• Chipped/Broken Teeth – If the chip is significant or your tooth is cracked or your tooth is in pieces.
• Lost Filling/Crown
• Tooth Loose
• Abscess

Reasons for Needing an Emergency Dental Visit
The American Dental Association reported that the number one cause of adult tooth damage every year is playing sports. This spans all types of athletics and creates the need for emergency appointments throughout Chevy Chase MD. Most adults don’t have the time to play for an organized league, even a casual one. This means that even a backyard game of basketball can lead to a tooth being damaged or knocked out. The same holds true for kids playing sports throughout the 20815 area. There are ways to protect yourself like wearing a mouth guard but when an emergency strikes call 301-656-3900.

Car accidents are another leading cause of tooth injury. While the enamel on your teeth is strong, it may not be strong enough to prevent your tooth from breaking when colliding with the steering wheel. With millions of accidents a year, teeth are a common victim. We recommend that patients of James J. Stevens DDS get examined at a local emergency room after being in a car accident, just to make sure that they haven’t sustained any physical injuries. Afterwards, patients in the Chevy Chase MD area should call for a dentist appointment. The emergency room does not treat tooth damage, so you will need to see both types of medical providers.

Chevy Chase, Maryland Emergency Dentist

Severe and sudden toothaches are another reason people in Maryland end up needing an emergency dentist. Dr. Stevens is an expert at examining teeth and determining what is causing the pain. It may be a little cavity that grew into a big one and now requires a root canal. Another possibility is gum disease which can cause the gums to recede, leaving the tooth and roots exposed. Both can lead to intense pain and require emergency treatment. We don’t want patients of James J. Stevens DDS to experience oral pain and will do our best to treat you right away so that you can remain comfortable.

If a tooth infection is left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to a dental abscess. This is extremely painful. An abscess is a major tooth infection that can settle into your jawbone and the floor of your mouth. If it does, oral surgery may be necessary in order to remove the infection. We can let you know if we see an abscess during your dental exam with Dr. Stevens.

99% of dental related emergency room trips could have been handled by an emergency dental office for a fraction of the cost.
AHRQ, November 2012

How can I relieve dental pain while waiting for an emergency dental appointment?
We help people throughout the 20815 to stay comfortable and live a life that is pain-free. If you come into our James J. Stevens DDS offices in pain, we will identify what is creating the issue and the treatment options available for dealing with it. Often, we will also prescribe medication to help with the pain. This can prevent you from feeling discomfort while your tooth is being treated and at home. You may also want to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area in order to reduce or prevent swelling.

Treatment Options
When a tooth has fallen out…
If your tooth has been knocked out, try to find it. Once located, rinse the tooth under warm water without scrubbing it. Next, place it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your dental appointment. We will try to save the tooth, if possible. If not, Dr. Stevens will discuss options for replacing the tooth. This may include dentures, a dental bridge or dental implants.

When a tooth is broken…
It is common for people to damage a tooth while playing sports or getting into a car accident. It is likely that the tooth will become cracked or chipped. As long as the tooth structure remains in place, it can typically be corrected using cosmetic dentistry. There are multiple ways that we restore teeth in Maryland. Some of which include dental veneers and a dental crown. Both are excellent options and can restore your tooth to full functionality while keeping it natural looking. As an emergency dental facility, we can provide you with information on what your options are and the best way to restore your tooth while achieving the goals that you have for your smile. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 656-3900.

When a tooth is infected…
As an emergency dentist, we will assess the situation and inform you of what is infected and the best way to treat it quickly. Our job is to keep you comfortable, healthy and pain-free. Patients throughout Chevy Chase MD trust us to remove infections and keep their teeth and gums in excellent oral health. Whether fixing a general cavity or treating a dental abscess, we make it possible for a tooth to be free from infection and pain. Dr. Stevens is an expert at resolving the issue in a way that keeps patients comfortable during any necessary procedures.

How can an emergency dentist help me?
At James J. Stevens DDS we strive to keep our patients comfortable and free from injury or pain. As such, we are cognizant of the fact that most dental emergencies are unplanned and may not happen during normal business hours. If your tooth has been damaged or you are in pain, call 301-656-3900 right away so that we can schedule your appointment and treat the issue quickly. Our friendly staff will do our best to accommodate your schedule and ensure that you can get back to a life that is free from oral pain. While many dentists, require you to schedule appointments far in advance – our staff will work with you in each situation to get you treated right away. You can also help to avoid dental emergencies by having your teeth cleaned twice a year and maintaining healthy diet year-round.

There is a much higher rate of emergency dental visits in families with annual incomes less than $35k. Don’t let the cost of care get in the way of your oral health, call us for financing options.

Emergency Dentist FAQ

Q: What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap — use only water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Get to the Emergency Dentist immediately. (Call the emergency number if it’s after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Q: What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact your emergency dental office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Contact your Dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.

Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: You need immediate medical attention. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. A severe head injury can be life-threatening.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Call our office immediately. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

88% of all emergency dental visits could have been prevented by routine care.
Read more

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
• Colgate®. Lost Filling Or Crown. 2016
• Orajel™. Toothache & Denture Pain Relief. 2016
• WebMD. Dental SOS. 2015

About our business, license, and website security

• James J. Stevens DDS was established in 1976
• We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
• We serve patients from the following counties: Montgomery County
• We serve patients from the following cities: Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Northwest Washington


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