Accidental injuries to the mouth or unexpected tooth pain can disrupt everyday life. One second you’re playing sports and the next you’re scrambling trying to deal with a knocked-out tooth. Whatever the dental emergency, our Washington, MI, dentist is here for you.
Here’s what you need to know about dental emergencies and when it’s important to seek out care.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Anytime you’re experiencing a higher degree of dental discomfort, it’s easy to think it’s an emergency. However, a true dental emergency is defined as a problem that requires immediate attention to reduce severe pain, stop bleeding, and save a tooth.
For example, a is considered an emergency because it could mean there is a dental abscess present. If not treated, an abscess can lead to serious oral and general health problems. A small crack or chip in your tooth, on the other hand, is not exactly a time-sensitive issue that needs to be solved right away.
We encourage you to schedule an appointment for any non-urgent dental emergencies during regular office hours. If you lose a filling on a Saturday, our dentist can easily have it fixed the following Monday.
Common Dental Emergencies
Below is a list of some of the more commonly experienced dental emergencies. If any of the following are currently happening to you, please call our Washington dental office as soon as possible and we’ll provide you with the care you need.
- Knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Dental Abscess (pocket of infection in gums)
- Partially dislodged tooth
- Injury to the tongue, gums, lips, or cheeks that won’t stop bleeding
At-Home Solutions Before Arriving at Our Dental Office
While you wait to be seen by our dentist, there are a few things you can do at home to both reduce swelling or pain and increase the likelihood of your tooth being saved.
For a knocked-out tooth:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not the roots.
- Rinse the tooth with water if dirty but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue.
- If possible, turn the tooth so it’s facing the right way, and try to place it back into the socket.
- If step 3 is not possible, place the tooth between your cheek and gum or submerge it in a glass of milk so it doesn’t dry out.
- Call or visit our dental office ASAP. Your tooth has the highest chances of being saved if returned to its socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.
For a severe toothache:
- Rinse out your mouth with warm water and try using floss to remove any trapped food and debris.
- Put a cold compress on the outside of your mouth or cheek to help reduce any swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed and directed. Never attempt to put medication against the gums near the tooth as this can lead to gum tissue burns.
- Call or visit our dental office ASAP.
For a broken or cracked tooth:
- Locate and save any pieces of tooth.
- Rinse your mouth and any broken pieces with warm water.
- For bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until it stops.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lips near the tooth to reduce swelling and help with pain.
- Call or visit our dental office ASAP.
Need Help? Give Us a Call
Our emergency dentist in Washington, MI, urges all patients to act quickly when it comes to painful dental emergencies. The longer you take to visit our office, the more you risk permanent damage that can require extensive treatment later on. To be seen by our dentist, please call Romeo Family Dentistry at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment.