Albemarle Dental
Associates
Proudly serving Charlottesville, VA

About Emergency Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry Q&A

If you suffer a dental emergency like a severe toothache or damaged crown, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you see a qualified professional, the less likely you are to experience tooth loss or other serious problems. At Albemarle Dental Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, the team specializes in treating dental emergencies. To schedule an appointment, call the office, or request a visit one online.


What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any type of oral health problem that requires immediate attention. Making it to Albemarle Dental Associates quickly for a dental emergency could mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth or needing to undergo a complex dental procedure like oral surgery.

What are some examples of dental emergencies?

At Albemarle Dental Associates, the team treats a variety of dental emergencies, including:

  • Severe toothaches
  • Bleeding gums
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Mouth sores
  • Broken, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Damaged oral prosthetics (e.g., crowns, bridges, and dental implants)

You might also benefit from emergency dental care if you get hit in the mouth while working or playing sports, or you get an object, like a toothpick, stuck between your teeth.

If I experience a dental emergency, what do I need to do?

If you or a loved one suffers a dental emergency, it’s important to act as quickly as possible and stay calm. If you damage a prosthetic like a crown or bridge, carefully pick up the pieces and put them in a plastic bag, then contact the team at Albemarle Dental Associates.

If you lose a permanent tooth, gently pick it up by the top and rinse it off in tap water. Try to put your tooth back in the socket, but if it wobbles around, place it in a glass of milk or tuck it inside your cheek. Contact Albemarle Dental Associates and explain how your tooth fell out and to schedule an appointment for treatment.

What actions can I take to lower my risk of a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies happen from time to time, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. The team at Albemarle Dental Associates recommends practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily and getting professional teeth cleaning and an oral exam every six months.

If you play contact sports like basketball, hockey, and football, or you mountain bike or skateboard, always wear a mouthguard. At the same time, it’s important to wear a night guard if you clench your jaws or grind your teeth.

Lastly, try to avoid bad habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice cubes, or opening objects with your teeth. 

To receive quality care for a dental emergency, schedule an appointment at Albemarle Dental Associates. Book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a team member.