Similar to a medical emergency, a dental emergency is something you cannot predict. Which is why it is crucial to understand what to do if and when a dental emergency occurs. In some instances, you should seek out dental care right away, while at other times, it may not be necessary for immediate care.
If you are unsure of what to do in the event of a dental issue, keep reading for expert advice.
Assess the situation
The type of care needed depends on the type of dental issue you are having. But we have outlined below several common dental issues and what action you should take if they do occur.
If a tooth has been knocked out, time is truly of the essence.
In this case, if you still have the tooth in your possession, try to place it back in socket to help salvage it. If this is impossible, the next best thing is to place the tooth in milk or your own saliva until you are able to go to the dentist. In some cases, your tooth can be placed back into its correct position. If this is not able to be done, then a veneer may be the next best option.
If your tooth has been chipped, which can be caused by a number of things, including simply chewing on a hard piece of food, you should first wash your mouth with saltwater to avoid infection. Then, though not required to go immediately, you should call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
In this case, Dr. Milan may suggest a crown or a veneer or even just bonding. Taking proper care of your mouth with brushing, flossing and dental visits can keep your teeth strong to help avoid chips.
If you have a toothache, which is a somewhat common dental issue, it is important to uncover the underlying cause with a dental visit. A toothache can be the result of an abscess or a gum issue. In some cases, it may require a root canal.
A dental emergency that does not involve teeth is a soft tissue injury that affects the surrounding tissues of the teeth and can be caused by puncture wounds or tears to the lips, tongue or inner cheeks. It is important to flush the area with water and then visit the doctor or dentist for assessment if the injury appears serious.
Dental emergency dentist is Birmingham, Michigan
As a highly sought-after dentist in metro Detroit, Dr. Milan and his dental staff have assisted many people over the years who have found themselves in an emergency dental situation. For more than two decades, he has been providing exceptional care of his patients’ dental needs — from preventative to restorative to advanced and cosmetic dentistry, along with emergency care.
Dr. Milan leads the dental industry with only the most advanced technology and procedures available that can restore your smile to the utmost health and beauty. No matter if your smile needs just a little help or if it needs a complete overhaul, he is here for you. Contact Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to learn more.