Teeth are the hardest structures in the human body and are considered one of the most important, thanks to the salient role they play in feeding, speech, and the general aesthetics of our face. However, despite how solid they are, they might crack, break or fall when we get involved in an accident. In addition to this, there might be other painful events, such as a tooth infection or an abscess, when we need to see a dentist fast. This blog post will discuss these unfortunate events and we’ll also point you in the direction of an outstanding emergency dentist in Warren, MI. 

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency encompasses everything from an injured gum, lips or cheek, to a chipped, knocked-out, or partially dislodged tooth. It also includes infections (abscesses), jaw pain, and toothache. These are the more common examples of a dental emergency. In most cases, all of them lead to bad aches, bleeding, and swelling, and if quick and proper care is not provided, they pose a high risk of permanent damage. 

What Should You Do in Case of a Dental Emergency?

The first thing you could do when you find yourself in a dental emergency is to evaluate the situation since there are a few self-help tips that could provide temporary relief. Then you can call the emergency dentist. An emergency dentist is oral healthcare personnel specifically trained and equipped to attend to patients who need immediate help. They’ll give you further instructions and tell you how soon you can come to the office. In the meantime, here is what you could do:  

Toothache

Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water to relieve a toothache and get rid of food debris. Take a tablet – or two, depending on prescriptions – of a regular pain reliever. 

Abscesses

In the event of swelling, an ice pack held outside the cheek would work fine as a temporary solution to control the swelling. Pain medication could also be used if pain persists.

Lost filling or crown

Crowns and fillings help a tooth to do its chewing function well and keep food and bacteria from getting inside. When a filling or crown is lost, the tooth could become very sensitive, hurt and accumulate debris and bacteria. To avoid getting an infection that might even lead to losing the tooth, it’s recommended to make an emergency appointment and have it repaired soon. In the meantime, keep the crown in a safe place, avoid chewing on that side and smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort. This can be purchased at a local pharmacy.

Knocked-out Tooth

If your tooth gets knocked out, the first thing to do while waiting for treatment is to make sure it is clean. Hold the tooth by the top and rinse whatever dirt it might have collected with milk. Make sure you do not touch the tooth’s root.

After a thorough cleansing, try to re-insert the tooth in the socket and hold it down in place. If you find replanting difficult or not possible, immerse the tooth in milk or your saliva to prevent it from drying out. To avoid keeping it in water, you could transport it in your cheek pouch.

Emergency tooth extractions 

Now, some people feel that when they have a tooth that aches too much, it’s better to remove it and replace it later with an implant. Your Neighborhood Dentist understands this position and offers emergency extractions for you. 

Emergency dentist in Warren, MI | Your Neighborhood Dentist

Your Neighborhood Dentist is conveniently located in Warren, MI. They provide emergency dental services and the passion and integrity for their work that allow them to create beautiful smiles for their patients. Book an appointment here or call (586) 573 4970 to get to an emergency dentist right away.