Emergency Dentistry FAQs

How can I prepare for a dental emergency?

We recommend adding our phone numbefr to your contacts so that you can quickly call us in the event of an emergency. We also suggest keeping a few dental-related items in your at-home emergency kits, such as gauze, a container to hold a knocked-out tooth, and salt for warm saltwater rinses.

If my tooth comes out, can my dentist put it back in?

If you still have your tooth, there is a chance we can put it back in. However, it depends on the health of your tooth and your specific situation. If your tooth gets knocked out, hold it by the crown and rinse it off. If you can, we recommend putting it back into the socket and biting down on a piece of gauze to keep it in place. If you can’t put it back in, put it into a cup of milk and transport it with you to our office.

What treatment options are there for a cracked tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, there are a variety of options to restore it. Below are a few restorative dentistry treatment options we recommend for those with cracked or broken teeth or dental appliances. 

Dental Bonding. This procedure is for teeth that have cracks or breaks on the outer part of the tooth. Dental bonding is a procedure performed with composite resin, the same material used to fill dental cavities. This putty-like material is formed to mold the outside of your tooth. It is then hardened with a blue light. The final tooth can be shaped to your comfort and liking. 

Dental Crowns. For more significant breaks that involve the biting surface of your tooth, Dr. Mualla may recommend a dental crown. The dental crown is a cap that is placed over the top of the tooth. Typically dental crowns are made of porcelain, which makes them durable and stain-resistant. With the proper oral hygiene routine, dental crowns can last for years. 

Dental Bridge. If more than one tooth is knocked out in a row, Dr. Mualla may recommend a dental bridge. Essentially, these are multiple dental crowns attached to form a bridge over a missing tooth. The teeth will appear natural, even though they do not have an artificial root. 

Dental Implants. If a break involves the entire tooth or your tooth is knocked out, Dr. Mualla may recommend a dental implant. An implant replaces a tooth from the root to the biting surface. There are three main parts of a dental implant:

1. The post is placed in the mouth’s gums and acts as the tooth’s root.
2. The abutment is placed that connects the post to the crown, denture, or bridge.
3. The attachment, typically a crown to replace one tooth or a denture or bridge to replace multiple teeth. 

Dental emergencies in Leesburg, Virginia, can be a scary experience. At Leesburg Family Dental, we are here to help you through the process. We are here for you, from diagnosing your dental emergency to treating it. For more information about dental emergencies or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.