Dental Emergencies in Bethesda

Dental Emergencies

Are You Looking For An Emergency Dentist?

Whether you or any member of your family are suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, wisdom teeth issues, or other problems affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and skilled care you need at Bethesda Row Dental.

While emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need, Bethesda Row Dental can help! As anyone who has ever had a toothache or sustained a dental injury can attest, the experience is both painful and upsetting. Although getting some measure of relief is a paramount concern, timely care is critical to prevent further consequences to your oral health and overall well-being.

At Bethesda Row Dental, our experienced, compassionate dental team provides a broad range of services to address dental emergencies. We can assure you that your smile is in the best of hands with us. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities. Our practice maintains a position at the forefront of advances in diagnostic and treatment technology to provide precise, gentle, and safe care.

We treat many types of dental emergencies and urgent oral health problems, including:

  • Toothaches
  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Abscesses
  • Loose or broken fillings
  • Dislodged or lost dental crowns
  • Broken, ill-fitting, or lost dentures
  • Problematic wisdom teeth
  • Acute Periodontal Problems
  • Loose or broken down teeth
  • Swollen, bleeding gums
  • Bacterial, viral, or fungal Infections affecting the tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, or other soft tissues of the mouth
  • Oral pain or swelling of unknown origin
  • Suspicious bumps, spots, and lesions

Let Bethesda Row Dental Help Alleviate Your Discomfort and Restore Your Oral Health

Our goal is to get you back on the road to oral health as quickly as possible. As a trusted emergency dentist, you can count on our office for prompt, skilled, and reliable care.

Treatment for dental problems such as a toothache or a fractured tooth can vary. It all depends on the extent of the damage caused by the decay or trauma. Care may involve the placement of a new dental filling, dental bonding, or a larger restoration such as a crown to rebuild the tooth's form and function. If the damage has reached the tooth's nerve and vital inner tissues, you may need root canal treatment to save your natural tooth. Root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure with a greater than 95% success rate. Although we provide leading-edge care and do all we can to help save your tooth, in some situations a dental extraction is required. While losing a tooth can feel a little overwhelming, there's no reason for despair.

With advances in dentistry, there are several options available for the replacement of missing teeth, including dental implants, conventional fixed bridges, and partial or complete dentures. Today, dental implants represent the most advanced method for replacing a lost tooth and reestablishing a complete and beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency?

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Yes. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate care to increase the chances of saving it. According to the American Association of Endodontists, reimplantation is most successful if done within 30–60 minutes of the injury.

Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

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No. Unless it's life-threatening (e.g., facial trauma or severe swelling affecting breathing), dental emergencies are best treated by a dentist. The ADA reports that nearly 2 million ER visits each year are dental-related but often result in only temporary relief.

Can untreated dental emergencies lead to serious health problems?

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Yes. Infections from abscessed teeth can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening if not treated. The CDC confirms that oral infections, if ignored, can lead to systemic complications such as sepsis.

Is severe tooth pain always a sign of a dental emergency?

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Yes. Persistent or intense tooth pain can indicate deep decay, infection, or a cracked tooth, all of which require prompt treatment. According to the NIH, tooth pain is the most common symptom reported before emergency dental visits.

Can I wait a few days to treat a chipped tooth?

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No. Even minor chips can lead to sensitivity, decay, or further breakage. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist as soon as possible to prevent complications.

Do dental emergencies always involve pain?

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No. Some emergencies, like a cracked tooth or a loose crown, may not cause immediate pain but still require urgent attention to prevent worsening. A study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that over 30% of dental trauma cases were initially painless.

Are emergency dental appointments available the same day?

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Yes. Most dental offices, including Bethesda Row Dental, reserve time for same-day emergency care. The ADA encourages practices to accommodate urgent needs promptly to reduce complications and discomfort.

Can a lost filling or crown be considered an emergency?

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Yes. While not always painful, a lost restoration exposes the tooth to damage and decay. The Journal of Prosthodontics notes that exposed dentin can lead to sensitivity and rapid tooth deterioration if untreated.

Will insurance cover emergency dental treatment?

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Yes, usually. Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of emergency care, especially if it involves urgent pain relief. The National Association of Dental Plans confirms that emergency visits are typically classified under basic or major services.

Can I treat a dental emergency at home?

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No. While you can manage symptoms temporarily with over-the-counter pain relievers or saltwater rinses, professional care is essential. Home remedies are not a substitute for treatment and can delay healing or worsen the issue, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Dental Office in Bethesda

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Contact Info

4833 Bethesda Ave
Suite 302
Bethesda, MD 20814

Office Hours

Monday
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 3:00 pm