Emergency Dentistry Specialist

Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry -  - General Dentist

Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

General Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Lansdowne, VA

Dental emergencies don’t follow a calendar — they can happen at any time. At Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you have easy access to emergency dentistry services whenever you need them. Dr. Ellington is skilled in all types of emergency dentistry, and uses digital radiology (digital X-rays) for instant images of your mouth. You can reach us after hours to get the care you need when you need it. If you have a dental emergency, call our Lansdowne, Virginia, office, or use our online system to schedule a visit.

Emergency Dentistry Q & A

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is focused on providing fast treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms in your teeth, gums, and other areas of your mouth, and to prevent more serious problems from occurring. Some examples of oral health issues that require emergency care include:

  • Toothache
  • Swollen gums
  • Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • A tooth that’s been knocked out
  • Broken, loose, or lost bridges, crowns, fillings, or other restorations
  • Abscesses and other infections
  • Sores or unusual spots on the soft tissues of your mouth that take a long time to heal

Some issues require same-day treatment while other oral health problems can be treated the next day or during the next available appointment. Calling the office right away ensures you receive care as quickly as possible.

How can I tell if I need emergency dentistry treatment?

The best way to know if you need emergency dental treatment is to call the office so you can discuss the issue you’re experiencing. Delaying care is not a good idea since that can allow a relatively simple issue to become much more serious. At Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we always respond to patient phone calls, and you can even speak to Dr. Ellington after hours to make sure you receive the most appropriate care for your needs.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

A toothache is a sign that something’s not right with your tooth, gum, or underlying bone. It could be decay, a loose restoration, an infection, or another issue causing your pain.

You can rinse with a little salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to temporarily relieve the pain, but you need to call the office right away to schedule a visit and prevent the issue from becoming more serious. Dr. Ellington can take digital images of your tooth and the surrounding area to get an immediate picture of what’s causing your pain.

What should I do if a tooth falls out?

If you lose an adult tooth for any reason, you should call the office immediately. Dr. Ellington may be able to replant a healthy tooth that’s knocked out as long as you get care immediately.

Rinse the tooth gently to remove loose dirt, then try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible, or put it between your cheek and gum and call the office immediately, or head to the nearest emergency room. You can also place the tooth in a glass of milk. Be very careful not to touch the root since it can easily be damaged, and then Dr. Ellington may not be able to replant it.