Dental Emergencies

Prompt Emergency Dentistry in Leesburg & Lansdowne

illustration of tooth and medical kit No matter how good your dental hygiene routine, you can still face a dental emergency. In many cases, emergencies result from accidents or wear over the years, causing your old dental work to fail or a tooth to break. When this happens, urgent dental care becomes essential to protect your oral health from serious problems.

Vandana Sood, DMD, LLC, recognizes how serious a dental emergency can be. Treatment is available with same-day emergency appointments during our regular business hours. We also have an after-hours answering service and an emergency number to leave messages for Dr. Sood. If you are facing a dental emergency, call our compassionate staff to get help today!

CALL US: (703) 723-9332 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Treating Your Dental Emergency

Our practice uses advanced technology and tried-and-true treatment techniques to address your dental emergency. However, it is essential that you know how to deal with a dental emergency until we see you in our dental practice.

Below are emergencies you may face and possible ways to handle them.

Tooth Pain & Sensitivity

A toothache usually indicates that there is decay or infection. When in pain, you need to schedule a visit so we can help you determine the root cause of your pain and provide relief. Once we deal with your emergency, we will develop a comprehensive plan to revive your oral health and avoid future issues.

If you also experience gum swelling and feel pain radiating to your ear and neck, it could mean that the infection has reached the inner pulp of your tooth. Our team will schedule an emergency appointment to determine the cause of your pain. If you qualify for a root canal treatment, we will help you schedule the earliest appointment available with a skilled specialist.

Here is the best way to deal with the pain until you come in for your emergency appointment:

Rinse your mouth with warm water to help get rid of debris that may irritate the painful area.
Brush and floss gently, staying away from sensitive areas.
To help minimize pain and swelling, use an ice pack on your face around the affected area.
For severe pain, take over-the-counter pain relief such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.

Damaged or Lost Fillings

After years of use, your filling may experience some wear and tear and may even fall out. If this happens, the portion of your tooth protected by the filling becomes vulnerable to damage. Schedule an emergency visit to fix your tooth as soon as possible.

Until you see our dentist, here is what you need to do:

Put the filling in a safe place and bring it with you to our office.
If you experience pain, temporarily fill the infected area with dental wax or dental cement from the pharmacy. Only use dental adhesives in your mouth. Adhesives not intended for dental use are harmful.

Damaged or Missing Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are usually lost while eating or from an accident. They may also become loose if decay occurs underneath them. In such situations, reach out to us immediately and we will schedule your emergency appointment.

Until you can see us, here is what you need to do:

If you find the crown, wrap it in a wet towel and bring it with you when you see our dentist. In some instances, the crown can be fitted back on the tooth.
If your tooth becomes very sensitive, apply the dental adhesive. You can find it in the dental section of your local pharmacy.
Avoid eating any hard foods and candies until the crown is replaced.

Broken, Dislodged, or Lost Restorations

man holding lost tooth If your bridge, denture, or any other restoration is broken, dislodged, or lost, you need to take prompt action to have it treated before further damage affects your smile. If your restoration cannot be repaired, we can provide you with a new prosthetic, helping to restore your dental function, health, and aesthetics.

An Avulsed or Knocked-out Tooth

If your tooth is knocked out, your fast action may increase the likelihood of saving it. Here what you can do:

Handle the knocked-out tooth with care. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the roots, as that could damage them. If you need to clean it, rinse it in cold water and do not use soap.
Keep your tooth in lightly salted water or milk until you see us.
If you experience bleeding, apply pressure by biting down on a towel, gauze, or cotton pad until it stops. You can reduce swelling by holding an ice pack against your cheek.

Get Instant Help During Dental Emergencies

At the practice of Vandana Sood, DMD, LLC, our talented team knows that emergencies can occur at any time and is ready to help you manage your pain and restore your dental health. If you are an existing patient of ours and are currently dealing with a dental emergency, we are available for same-day and after-hours appointments whenever necessary. Call us immediately to get the help you need.