We are concerned about our patient’s well-being and oral health at all times. If a dental emergency occurs during regular office hours, please call (410) 266-1007. Dr. Vernon Sheen is an emergency dentist in Annapolis, MD, and will make every effort to see you promptly. Emergency dentistry is one of the general dentistry services we provide to the public.
Please understand if you are not a patient of record, it is our office policy for all emergency patients to pay for services rendered. If you have dental insurance, we will gladly assist you by submitting your claim. However, your insurance will need to reimburse you. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards.
If an emergency arises when the office is closed, call (410) 266-1007. Please listen to the recording and write down the number you must call. DO NOT HANG UP. At the tone, leave a clear message that states your name, date, time of call, and a number where you can be reached.
Then call the emergency number provided, and leave a clear message and number where you can be reached. Your call will be returned shortly.
Emergency Dentist in Annapolis, MD
Our dental office can provide treatment for many common dental emergencies. We will review each type of dental emergency and instructions you must follow at home before you reach our office:
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm (room temperature) water to clean the area. Save the broken piece. It is not likely the piece can be saved, but it may sometimes be useful to replace front teeth.
Call the office at (410) 266-1007 to schedule a visit. If it is after hours and you feel you can wait until the office reopens, call and leave a clear message, giving your name, date, and time of the call and where you can be reached.
Someone from the office will call you as soon as the office reopens. If the pain is too severe to wait, contact our Annapolis dental office (410) 266-1007 and follow the instructions.
Crown Came Off
Remove the crown from your mouth. Rinse and gently brush and floss the area (if it is not too sensitive). Dry the area with clean gauze, cotton, and/or Q-tip. Place Vaseline or toothpaste (using a Q-tip or toothpick) inside the dried crown and place it back on the tooth. Do not eat on that side.
Please note that Vaseline or toothpaste is best if you cannot get to a pharmacy. As soon as your local pharmacy opens, you must purchase a tube of Fixodent and follow the same directions above. Place a very small amount of Fixodent instead of Vaseline or toothpaste inside the crown and reseat the crown in place.
Do not eat on that side. If, for some reason, you cannot reseat the crown, leave it off and BE SURE TO BRING IT WITH YOU AT YOUR SCHEDULED VISIT. Call the office at (410) 266-1007 to schedule an appointment immediately. If our emergency dentist in Annapolis, MD, Dr. Sheen, is unavailable, leave a message and call the emergency number on the machine.
Temporary Crown Came Off
Follow the same directions above and call the office at (410) 266-1007 to schedule an immediate appointment.
Cut Lip or Tongue
Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling. Call the office at (410) 266-1007 and follow the instructions.
Toothache
Rinse the mouth out with lukewarm water to clean it. Gently use dental floss or an inter-dental cleaner to ensure no food or other debris is caught between the teeth.
Never put aspirin, alcohol, or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth. This could cause a burn to the tissue. Call Dr. Sheen at (410) 266-1007 immediately. If you cannot reach Dr. Sheen and have excessive swelling (abscess/infection), go to the hospital. You may need to start a regimen of antibiotics immediately.
DO NOT wait if the swelling is severe. Infections in the face can be very serious!
Objects Caught Between The Teeth
If you have an electric toothbrush or water pick, try to remove the object with this device. Also, try to remove the object with dental floss gently; avoid cutting the gums. NEVER use a sharp instrument to remove any object stuck between your teeth. If this is unsuccessful, call the office at (410) 266-1007 to schedule a visit.
Tooth Knocked Out Completely
A knocked-out tooth is a common emergency. You will need to do specific things to avoid permanent tooth loss. Only hold or touch the tooth by the crown (the top part of the tooth with enamel).
Never touch the root. Rinse the tooth gently with warm water. DO NOT SCRUB the root. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and call the office at (410) 266-1007 as soon as possible.
Please place it in a small container of milk or water. If you cannot place the tooth into the socket or are unsure if you can, then call the office at (410) 266-1007 immediately. Additionally, if the area is bleeding, fold a piece of gauze (first aid kits usually have gauze). Place the gauze in the area of the socket (where the tooth came out), and bite down.
You can place ice compresses over the area to avoid swelling. If you do not have any gauze, use a moist tea bag (remove the string and staple). If Dr. Sheen is not available or cannot return your call, and the bleeding does not stop, or you feel you need sutures, go to the hospital. Take the tooth with you. The hospital may have an Oral Surgeon on call.
Dental Emergencies and Pain Medication
In any case, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. You can take Advil or Motrin for pain, provided you do not have any allergies to this medication. This medication is an anti-inflammatory as well as a pain medication.
If you DO have an allergy to this medication, take whatever medication you would for a headache or any other pain. Remember, never place the medication on the gum or tooth. Take as directed.
Prevent Dental Emergencies
Sometimes, you can stop dental emergencies before they happen. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. A custom-made professional mouthguard will protect your teeth and gums. Sports mouthguards can also cover and protect braces.
Bad oral health habits can also lead to emergencies. If you use your teeth to open objects, stop immediately. Using your teeth as tools puts pressure on the enamel. Sometimes, you can chip or wear down one or more teeth. Instead, find scissors to open packages.
A good oral hygiene routine can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, leading to toothaches and pain. Visiting the dentist regularly, flossing before brushing your teeth, and brushing twice daily can prevent dental infections.
Keeping your mouth healthy, receiving preventative dental treatment, and practicing good oral health habits can prevent dental emergencies.
Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Annapolis, MD
Do you need immediate dental care? Treat dental pain, lost teeth, broken crowns, and more. Call (443) 482-5202 in the event of a dental emergency. You can also schedule a dental appointment if you do not have an emergency but require dental care.