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Emergency Dentistry

Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC

Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Washington, DC

In a perfect world, accidents and infections wouldn’t happen. Unfortunately, if you or a loved one suffer a dental emergency, it’s important to act quickly. Abscesses, jaw injuries, and knocked out teeth require immediate care. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington DC, Dr. Culotta-Norton, offers emergency dentistry services and same-day appointments. Call today, use the online booking tool, or simply walk into the office.

Emergency Dentistry Q & A

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is a branch of oral health care focused on treating injuries to the gums, teeth, tongue, jaws, and temporomandibular (TMJ) joints. 

The emergency dentists at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC work quickly to prevent permanent damage while lowering your risk of more complicated or expensive treatments later on. 

What are some common dental emergencies?

The team at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC treats a wide variety of dental emergencies including: 

  • Cracked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Toothaches
  • Dislodged teeth
  • Lost fillings
  • Lost crowns
  • Broken braces
  • Abscesses

The team also works with patients who have knocked out one or multiple teeth. 

If I knock out a tooth, what steps should I take?

If you knock out a tooth as the result of an accident or injury, carefully pick up the tooth by its crown. Rinse it off with water, but avoid scrubbing it or removing any attached tissue fragments. 

If you can, try and put the tooth back in its socket. If this isn’t possible, put your tooth in a glass of milk or tuck it into your cheek, just make sure you don’t swallow it. Then, call the team at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC right away.

The team always sets aside time for same-day appointments. When you call, let your provider know what happened. They will try and see you right away in order to save your permanent tooth. 

Is there any way to prevent dental emergencies?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent dental emergencies entirely. However, there are steps you can take to significantly lower your risk. 

For example, if you play contact sports like football or rugby, make sure to invest in a mouthguard. Mouthguards are cheap and significantly reduce your risk of injuries like cracked and chipped teeth and even concussions. 

You should also avoid bad habits such as chewing on ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as scissors. Practices like these take a toll on your teeth and wear them down. 

What if I experience a dental emergency outside of your office hours?

If you experience a dental emergency outside of normal office hours and require immediate medical attention, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. For more minor issues like toothaches, you can leave a message or wait and call the following day.

The team at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC hopes you never experience a dental emergency, but if you do, they’re standing by to assist. Make your appointment by calling the office, walking in, of scheduling online.