Much like a medical emergency, we cannot plan when a dental emergency may occur. However, it is important to know and understand the steps to take if you find yourself in such a position. Many times, it is crucial to seek dental care immediately, while in other situations, you may have a little more flexibility.
Read on to learn more.
Distinct types of dental emergencies
Chipped tooth
Perhaps you’ve experienced an injury or an accident that causes a chipped tooth. Even eating hard candies, popcorn kernels or chewing on ice can cause this, believe it or not. Regardless, in this case, you should do a saltwater mouth rinse to reduce any chance of infection. Then you should see your dentist as soon as possible to help avoid any further chipping or cracking.
Options to treat a chipped tooth include bonding, a crown or a veneer, depending on the case. To avoid a chipped tooth, be sure to wear a mouthguard during contact sports and take proper care of your teeth at home to keep them strong.
Missing tooth
In the case of a tooth that has been knocked out altogether, time truly is crucial. If you can, place your tooth back into the tooth socket, as this can help salvage it. If this doesn’t work, place your tooth in a dish of milk or your own saliva (not water!) until you get to the dentist. A dental veneer is a viable option if the tooth cannot be saved.
Toothache
If you are experiencing a toothache, it could be due to an abscess or even a gum issue. While over-the-counter pain reliever may help ease pain, at times, this will require a root canal. As such, proper diagnosis is necessary.
Facial swelling
In the case of facial swelling, you should see your dentist or doctor right away, as this could be a sign of a tooth or bone infection.
Overall, it is best not to take chances with any dental issue you may be experiencing. Oftentimes, time is of the essence and proper treatment is required.
Dental emergency Birmingham, MI
As an elite cosmetic dentist is Michigan, Dr. Milan’s metro Detroit dentist office has helped countless patients who found themselves in dental emergencies. For over 20 years, Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has been providing the height of dental care in Birmingham, MI with expertise in preventative, cosmetic, restorative and advanced dentistry. No matter your dental issue, chances are, Dr. Milan has a solution.
Dr. Milan is proud to have restored thousands of smiles back to healthy and beautiful. And he is even more proud that the majority of his patients find him by way of referral from other happy patients. This is the biggest compliment of all.
With a state-of-the-art dental office, top-notch staff and a passion for dentistry, Dr. Milan looks forward to helping you achieve dental health excellence. Contact him for your appointment today.