Emergency Dentist in Virginia
Emergencies are stressful, and when you're unaware of your options, it only adds to the stress. Dental emergencies are especially stressful because you or your child may be in pain, and you just want the pain to stop. Rather than wait until you have an emergency, we recommend that you plan ahead by having the appropriate emergency phone numbers on a list so that you're ready in case of an emergency.
If you have a dental emergency during regular business hours, then call our Virginia office, and we'll see you as soon as possible. For more urgent matters, we'll try to work with you on the same day. Sometimes, though, an emergency can wait until the following morning, but we'll assess that when you call. If it's after hours, however, don't endure agonizing pain. Instead, go to your nearest emergency room. Pain is your body's method for notifying you of a problem, so don't ignore it. The sooner it's resolved, the better the outcome.
What's Deemed a Dental Emergency in Virginia?
The following may help you to determine if you have an emergency:
- If your issue can cause long-term or permanent physical or dental issues, then you have a dental emergency.
- If you're in severe pain, you have a dental emergency.
- If your issue has suddenly flared up, you have an emergency.
Don't delay in seeking treatment because you're unsure whether you actually have an emergency. It's better to seek emergency treatment when you don't need it than to need it and not get it.
The six most common dental emergencies we see are:
- Abscessed teeth
An abscessed tooth shouldn't be an emergency because you shouldn't have let your tooth get to the abscessed stage. However, an abscessed tooth can be life-threatening and should be attended to promptly. So if you have an abscessed tooth, don't delay obtaining emergency treatment for it, whether from an emergency dentist or your local emergency room. - Broken tooth
A broken tooth is one of the most common emergencies we see. Teeth can break due to trauma, disease, genetics, or several other reasons, so if you have a broken tooth, call our Virginia office for an appointment. If it's after hours, you can probably wait until the next day, or you can go to your local emergency room. Using dental wax, cover the jagged edge of your tooth until you receive treatment so that you don't damage the inside of your cheek. - Knocked-out tooth
Like a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth usually occurs unexpectedly. It's a common event among young children and teens, although active adults can also be prone to a knocked-out tooth. If your tooth gets knocked out, rinse it well, replace it in the socket, and call our Virginia office. If it's after hours, then go to the nearest ER. When a knocked-out tooth is treated immediately, it can usually be saved, so you'll avoid the necessity of an artificial replacement. - Lost or loose crown or filling
A lost or loose crown or filling can be considered an emergency, but if it's after regular business hours, treatment can often be delayed until the following business day. However, it needs prompt treatment so that the interior of the tooth doesn't become contaminated with bacteria and begin to decay. If you have a loose crown or filling or if you've lost one of them, see your dentist as soon as possible. - Orthodontic device causing pain
Your orthodontic appliance shouldn't cause you pain. If it does, then notify your dentist when it's being installed. This is especially true for braces. If they're not properly fitted, then they won't perform well, and you'll defeat the purpose of having braces. This isn't always an emergency, but it can be. Call your emergency Virginia dentist or local ER, explain the situation, and they'll advise you of the appropriate course of action. - Severe toothache or pressure
If you develop a sudden, severe toothache, or pressure, it's an emergency, and you should call your emergency Virginia dentist immediately or go to the local emergency room without delay. A sudden onset of pain or pressure can indicate a potentially serious problem that should be treated immediately.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
If you have a problem that can cause long-term or permanent damage to your physical health or your oral health, then it's an emergency, and you should seek immediate treatment for it.
Is Minor Pain a Reason to See an Emergency Dentist?
You can have an emergency without having severe pain, although the two are usually linked. If the pain occurs suddenly, even if it's minor, then call your Virginia emergency dentist or the ER for guidance.
How Do I Know If I Should Go to the ER or an Emergency Dentist?
If you have any of the following, then you should immediately call your emergency dentist. If it's after hours, then go directly to your local emergency room:
- Severe bleeding
- Severe swelling
- Sudden injury, especially to the face, head, jaw, or teeth
If any of the above are accompanied by chills, fever, or difficulty with breathing or swallowing, you need to be treated immediately. You should go to the local emergency room. You may still need to go to your dentist, but you may have issues that require medical treatment as well as dental treatment, so don't delay going to the ER.
If it's not an emergency, then you can wait until the following day. However, if it is indeed an emergency, you shouldn't wait because you're unsure.
How Can I Find an Emergency Dentist in Virginia?
If you need an emergency dentist in Virginia and it's during regular business hours, then call Dental One Associates of Virginia at , and we can help you. If it's after hours, then go to your nearest emergency room for help.
Call Us Today If You Have a Dental Emergency
If you have a dental emergency during regular business hours, then call our office, and we'll see you as soon as possible. Otherwise, go to your local emergency room for treatment.
