A dental emergency does not wait for a convenient time. Whether you have woken up with a severe toothache, knocked out a tooth in an accident, broken a crown on a weekend evening, or developed sudden swelling in your jaw, you need a dentist who can see you quickly — not in two weeks.
At Churchville Dental Care, we reserve time in our daily schedule specifically for emergency patients. When you call (410) 838-1133 and describe a dental emergency, our team will work to get you in the same day. We understand that pain and dental trauma are frightening, and our priority is to relieve your discomfort and address the underlying problem as quickly as possible.
Located at 2832 Churchville Road in Churchville, Maryland, we serve emergency patients from across Harford County including Bel Air, Aberdeen, Abingdon, Joppa, and Edgewood. If you are in pain right now, please call us — do not wait.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Not every dental problem constitutes a true emergency, but when it does, knowing where to turn makes all the difference. At Churchville Dental Care, we treat a wide range of urgent dental situations including severe toothaches, cracked or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, dental abscesses, broken dentures, and soft tissue injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue.
A severe toothache — especially one accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste — may indicate an abscess or infection that requires prompt treatment. Dental infections can spread rapidly and, in rare cases, become life-threatening. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call us immediately or go to an emergency room if our office is closed.
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If you act within 30 minutes, there is a strong chance the tooth can be reimplanted successfully. Keep the tooth moist — in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum — and call us immediately. Do not scrub the root.
What to Do While You Wait for Your Emergency Appointment
While you are waiting to be seen, there are steps you can take to manage pain and protect the affected area. For a toothache, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and clear any debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help manage discomfort — avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as this can cause a chemical burn.
For a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. If the broken piece is sharp and cutting your tongue or cheek, dental wax (available at most pharmacies) can temporarily cover the edge.
If a crown or filling has fallen out, try to keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement, available at pharmacies, can protect the exposed tooth until you are seen. Never attempt to glue a crown back in place with household adhesives.
For all emergencies, call (410) 838-1133 as soon as possible. Our team will guide you through the appropriate steps for your specific situation while we prepare to see you.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable — accidents happen — many can be prevented with regular care and a few simple precautions. Attending your twice-yearly checkups allows us to identify and treat small problems before they become painful emergencies. A small cavity treated today is far less costly and disruptive than a root canal or extraction next year.
If you play contact sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard from our office provides far superior protection compared to over-the-counter options. We also recommend avoiding using your teeth as tools — opening packages, cracking nuts, or biting fingernails are among the most common causes of chipped and cracked teeth.
For patients who grind their teeth at night, a custom nightguard can prevent the fractures and wear that often lead to emergency situations. If you wake up with jaw soreness or headaches, mention it at your next visit — we can assess whether a nightguard is right for you.