Ouch! My Mouth! Is It a Dental Emergency? Don't Panic, We've Got You Covered!

Let’s face it, dental emergencies can be a real pain. One minute you’re enjoying a delicious bagel, the next your mouth feels like it’s under attack. But between a stubborn popcorn kernel and a dull ache, how do you know when it’s a full-blown dental emergency or just a minor annoyance? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This post will be your guide to navigating common dental situations and knowing when to call your friendly neighborhood emergency dentist (hint: that’s us at Comprehensive Dentistry in Ypsilanti, MI!).

Is it a Dental Emergency?

Think of it like this: if your mouth is experiencing significant pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or a lost tooth, then it’s probably time to call an emergency dentist. Here’s a breakdown of the most common dental emergencies:

• Throbbing Toothache: This persistent pain, often accompanied by swelling, usually indicates an infection or a cracked tooth. Call the dentist right away!
• Knocked-out Teeth: Time is critical! If you lose a permanent tooth, find your dentist ASAP and try to gently put the tooth back in this socket (hold it by the crown, not the root!) If that’s not possible, store the tooth in milk and get to the dentist immediately.
• Broken or Chipped Tooth: Depending upon the severity, a chipped tooth might just need some smoothing or a filling. But for serious breaks, a visit to the emergency dentist is crucial to prevent further damage.
• Lost Crown: A lost crown can expose the tooth to sensitivity and potential damage. See your dentist quickly to limit any problems.
• Uncontrollable Bleeding: Gums shouldn’t bleed if you brush and floss regularly. If you experience excessive bleeding, call your dentist to rule out any underlying issues.
• Loose Tooth (For Adults): This can indicate gum disease or other problems. Schedule an emergency dental appointment to investigate.

Not Every Hiccup is an Emergency

Don’t panic over minor inconveniences. Here are some situations that can probably wait for your next regular checkup:

• Minor Sensitivity: Sensitive teeth might be due to worn enamel or receding gums. Let your dentist know at your next appointment.
• Mild Toothache: A dull ache that comes and goes might be caused by something stuck between your teeth. Try flossing gently and rinsing with warm salt water. If the pain persists, call your dentist
• Lost Filling: A missing filling can be annoying, and it needs to be fixed. But it usually doesn’t require an immediate visit, however, schedule an appointment to get it replaced as soon as possible.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Now that you have determined it is an emergency, it’s time to call your dentist. When you call explain the situation and they will give you more specific instructions and schedule a visit. Here at Comprehensive Dentistry, we can often treat emergencies the same day. With four dentists on staff, we can make room to see you ASAP.

Here are Some Temporary Relief Tips

Until you are able to call the dentist and get specific instructions, here are some tips to keep things under control until you can get into the office.

• Toothache: Try over-the-counter pain relievers and rinse with warm salt water.
• Bleeding Gums: Apply gently pressure with a gauze pad to control bleeding.
• Knocked-out-Tooth: If you can, gently put the tooth back in its socket. If not, keep it moist in milk and head to the dentist ASAP.

Remember, when in doubt, call your emergency dentist at Comprehensive Dentistry! We’re the experts and can advise you on the best course of action.

Here at Comprehensive Dentistry in Ypsilanti, Michigan, we’re always happy to answer your questions and get you back to a smile-filled day. With four dentists on staff, we can treat most emergencies the same day. So, if you need an emergency dentist, give us a call - we are here for you!