Treating Dental Emergencies
Life can be unexpected, and often without warning, accidents happen. Whether you feel a minor toothache or you’re facing the aftermath of a bad fall, it’s crucial to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Putting off treatment can have serious consequences on your smile and oral health.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can be any type of pain that’s affecting the oral region such as a toothache or a physical injury. A broken oral appliance or braces with a damaged bracket can also constitute a dental emergency. If you’ve experienced a dental emergency, contact our office immediately at 248-646-8651 so we can address the problem and restore your smile.
Dr. Kosinski explains what to do in the case of several dental emergencies and how we can help.
Toothache
Patients often brush off a toothache, but it could be an indication of a more serious problem. If a toothache develops, clean the area with a soft-bristled brush and floss. Then rinse with warm salt water.
Dr. Kosinski recommends taking acetaminophen, or Tylenol, and applying a cold compress to relieve any swelling. Avoid placing an aspirin on the gums or teeth, as it may cause a burning feeling. If the ache persists, call us as soon as possible so we can recommend the appropriate course of action.
Knocked Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth has been avulsed, or completely knocked out, call our office immediately to arrange an emergency visit. We may be able to save the tooth if you get to our office on time.
Find the tooth, and holding it by its crown, gently rinse it off to remove dirt and any debris. Don’t scrub the tooth — if it doesn’t hurt too much, gently place the tooth back in its socket until you see one of our emergency dentists. Otherwise, transport the tooth in a container with milk or your own saliva.
Loose Teeth
A tooth that’s loose or comes part way out of the socket is referred to as an extruded. Place a cold compress on the tooth and take over-the-counter medication for the pain. Then call our office right away.
Dr. Kosinski will take the necessary measures to save the tooth and protect it from infection.
Fractured Teeth
Fractured, chipped, or cracked teeth require immediate dental care to prevent further damage and infection. It’s important to rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean and come in for treatment as soon as possible.
The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture. After our emergency dentist assesses the damage, we’ll be able to determine the best option to restore your tooth. Treatments may include smoothing out the chip, dental bonding, or placing a crown (cap) over the damaged tooth.
In some cases, root canal therapy may be necessary during your emergency visit or at a later date to protect the tooth from further infection.
Soft Tissue Injury
If you’ve bitten yourself or cut a part of your mouth and there’s bleeding, apply firm pressure with a gauze or clean cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, you should visit our office for emergency care. Severe cuts may require sutures, or stitches, to help your mouth heal.
Otherwise, Dr. Kosinski recommends cleaning the area with warm water on a piece of gauze or clean cloth. Then apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area to relieve any pain. If it doesn’t subside, contact our office for further instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a dental emergency?
Any problem that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve severe pain is considered a dental emergency. This includes chipped, cracked, broken, and knocked out teeth, as well as toothaches and mouth injuries.
Other indications that you may need emergency care include an abscessed or missing tooth, nerve damage, extreme pain, and lacerations inside the mouth. If you’re experiencing any of the following, call us immediately at 248-646-8651 and we’ll give you the care you need.
What if I’m not sure it’s an actual dental emergency?
If you’re uncertain about a dental problem, it’s best to contact our office and come in for emergency dental care to prevent further damage or infection. Our staff will assess the problem and determine the best course of action.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems listed above, we suggest that you follow Dr. Kosinski’s tips on what to do in the case of several dental emergencies. If the pain, discomfort, or bleeding persists, then call us immediately so we can help.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
Typically, a chipped tooth isn’t considered a dental emergency and can wait until the next time you’re able to come in for an appointment. Minor chips can be restored using cosmetic dental treatments, such as a dental crown or bonding.
However, if your tooth is cracked or fractured, it’s important to seek emergency care to prevent further damage. Apply a cold compress and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help ease any discomfort until you’re able to come in.
What helps with a severe toothache?
If you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain, we recommend using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin. If the pain persists, contact our office for emergency dental care so we can determine the root of the problem and help relieve the pain.
Before & Afters
Contact Dr. Kosinski for Emergency Care
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, our exceptional team will get you back on track. We’ll get you in for an appointment with Dr. Kosinski as soon as possible to fix any damage or discomfort.
Call our Bingham Farms office at 248-646-8651 or fill out our contact form if you have any questions concerning the procedure or if you’re seeking guidance. We’ll get back to you right away.