In the event of a dental emergency, call our office at (410) 221-3085
Dr. Paul Karpovich is an emergency dentist in Timonium, MD. Along with his dedicated dental team, Dr. Karpovich aims to accommodate his patients as quickly as possible. He is equipped to provide same-day emergency services for patients with broken teeth, lost teeth, infections, tooth pain, and more.
Emergency dentistry is a general dental service that can preserve the health of the teeth and gums. Our staff will help ensure that you feel relaxed and comfortable when you come to our dental office for care.
Common Dental Emergencies
We treat patients who have recent dental trauma or pain. The most common problems patients encounter include:
Knocked-out tooth
If you have just knocked out a tooth, apply a damp cloth to the tooth socket. If you can locate your lost tooth, handle it by the crown or top of the tooth. Gently rinse the tooth and place it in a glass of saliva or milk. Teeth that are preserved like this may be able to be reattached within one hour of loss. Dr. Karpovich may also suggest a single dental implant to replace your tooth if it is lost. Dental implants are sturdy restorations that blend in with patient’s natural smiles.
Tooth pain
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, contact our office right away. Sometimes, tooth pain can be caused by a tooth abscess or dental cavity. A broken dental filling or restoration can also cause tooth pain. We will find the source of your pain and determine the best course of treatment.
Broken teeth or broken dental restorations
If you have just broken a tooth or a dental restoration, do not try to fix or replace it on your own. Broken teeth need to be evaluated as soon as possible to determine the best treatment for repairing the tooth. A broken or dislodged dental crown or filling needs to be secured or replaced by our professional dental team.
Bleeding gums
One of the most common signs of gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is bleeding gums. If your gums bleed, we can provide periodontal therapy treatments like scaling and root planing. These treatments provide a deep clean and help stave off a gum infection.
Object stuck between teeth
Gently floss between your teeth to help remove the object. Do not use sharp objects to try to dislodge the object because this could damage the teeth or gums. If you cannot remove the object, contact our office so our staff can help you.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
With the right dental care, some dental emergencies are preventable. If you or your child play contact sports, a professional mouthguard can protect the teeth from injury. Patients with worn or weakened teeth may receive dental crowns to protect and support the dental structure.
During regular dental appointments, our hygienists thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Then, Dr. Karpovich examines the gum and dental structures to catch early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
A dental emergency can happen to anyone at any time. Read more to learn more about dental emergencies and what you should do in the event of one.
Can I experience a dental emergency if I take really good care of my teeth?
Yes, you can still experience a dental emergency. Chipping a tooth, breaking a dental restoration, or knocking a tooth out all occur when you experience trauma or a hit to the face. Something as simple as biting down on your fork accidentally at the wrong angle can chip or break your tooth. However, taking good care of your teeth does minimize the chances of one happening to you.
Can I go to the emergency room if I experience a dental emergency?
No, only a licensed dentist can properly handle dental emergencies. Most emergency rooms don’t have these. However, you should go to the ER if you have a concussion, a severe cut to the cheek, or excessive bleeding.
What’s the most common dental emergency?
Tooth pain is the most common dental emergency. Your pain can have a range of different causes, from a dental infection or abscess to decay and cracks or breaks can cause tooth pain. It’s always better to be safe when you experience pain and get it looked at.
What do I do if nothing helps my tooth pain?
If nothing seems to help your tooth pain, see Dr. Karpovich as soon as possible. Tooth pain can be a sign of a serious problem, like a cavity, infection, or damaged tooth. Dr. Karpovich can find out what’s causing the pain and recommend the right treatment.
In the meantime, try to rinse the area with saltwater, take pain medication, and avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
Can I fix a broken tooth at home?
You can’t fully fix a broken tooth at home, but we recommend that you follow these tips to help you until you get to our office:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to clean the area.
- Stop Bleeding: If there’s bleeding, gently press a piece of gauze on the area.
- Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold compress to your cheek to help with swelling and pain.
- Cover Sharp Edges: If the broken tooth has sharp edges, you can cover it with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your mouth.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the broken tooth.
These steps can help you manage the situation, but only a dentist can properly repair a broken tooth and prevent further damage or infection.
Are all dentists emergency dentists?
No, emergency dentists have extra training to handle immediate emergencies, not just typical preventative care and general dentistry tasks. Dr. Karpovich is one of those dentists. Our office is able to provide timely care for dental emergencies.
Can I prepare for a dental emergency?
Having a dental emergency kit ready can help you if you find yourself in this situation. Good items to include in a kit include gauze, dental numbing cream, small containers for broken teeth or restorations, and saltwater for rinsing out the mouth. It’s always better to be as prepared as you possibly can.
Do I have a dental emergency?
Anything that needs immediate attention is a dental emergency. If you have any sharp or sudden pain or bleeding, that’s a classified emergency. Others include a broken dental restoration, a large chip or break in a tooth, or a completely knocked-out tooth.
Request an Emergency Consultation
Call our Timonium, MD dental office for emergency care at (410) 221-3085. For non-emergency dental concerns, you may schedule an appointment with Dr. Karpovich on our website.