Dealing With A Dental Emergency

Dental accidents and emergencies can happen at any time. Even something as simple as a stumble or slight fall can cause damage to your teeth or mouth. Although not fun, emergencies are a part of life. A dental injury can be anything from something as minor as a slightly bitten tongue to something as severe as a knocked out tooth. The most important tip to remember when dealing with an emergency is to remain calm and not panic. We know that this is easier said than done, but when you are prepared with the knowledge of how to deal with different emergencies, it can allow you to act with a clear head. We want to share some important information to remember about dental emergencies.

Tooth Discomfort

At times, toothaches can come on suddenly and it is difficult to determine if your mouth experienced a trauma or if the sensation occurred randomly. Dealing with a toothache can truly be debilitating and can lead to other discomfort such as headaches, sinus pain, and migraines. When dealing with toothaches, we recommend trying these steps, and if the discomfort does not subside, call our office for an appointment:

• Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water
• Use dental floss to remove any trapped food
• Look for swollen areas and use a cold compress
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

Dental Trauma

There are certain dental traumas that require an immediate call to our office. These would include events such as a chipped, cracked, greying, or fully knocked out tooth. We recommend trying these tips:

Tooth That Has Changed Color
Be sure the tooth is not loose or cracked. Apply a cold compress and take an over-the-counter pain reliever for any discomfort.

Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse the mouth with warm salt water. If the tooth is broken, try to find the broken piece and bring it with you to the office. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent bacteria and infection.

Knocked Out Tooth
Locate the tooth and, if you are able, place it in the socket, and head to our office immediately. If you are unable to place the tooth in the socket, put it in a cup of milk.

We are able to treat a variety of dental emergencies at our office located in Burton, MI. Following a dental emergency, we recommend calling our office as soon as possible to determine the next steps. We are always here to help you restore your smile.