No matter how careful you are, a dental emergency can happen at any time. Kids roughhouse, you bite down on something hard, an old filling reaches the end of its rope and falls out.

But while you can’t prevent every possible emergency with your teeth, you can educate yourself on how to handle one when it occurs. You will be less likely to panic and more likely to get appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

If you live in Highland and have a dental emergency on your hands, call Highland Advanced Dental Care at 248-329-3552 and we will fit you in as soon as we are able.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can happen due to trauma or no obvious reason at all. Here are a few common types and how to handle them until you are able to get in to see us.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you or a child’s permanent tooth is knocked out of its socket, it can be a bit traumatic as you ponder a future with a big gap in your grin. This is a case in which a cool head and swift action is particularly important — if you get to our office fast enough, we may be able to reattach the tooth.

If you think you can do so safely and without danger of swallowing the tooth, pick it up without touching the root and place it back in its socket. We do not recommend doing this with children. If you can’t put the tooth back in its socket or between your cheek and gum, store it in a little milk or saliva and call our office right away at 248-329-3552. It is critical to keep the tooth moist.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

If your tooth is broken or chipped off, save the pieces, carefully rinsing them as well as your mouth. Use gauze to stop any bleeding, and a cold compress (held to the outside of the mouth) can be helpful for swelling and pain. Call us as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment.

Lost Filling or Crown

If your filling falls out, you can use dental cement or a bit of sugar-free gum to protect the area until you get a replacement. If a crown falls off, be sure to save it as it can be reattached.

Clove oil dabbed on the sensitive area can help with pain. If possible, slip the crown back over your tooth, using a bit of dental cement, denture adhesive, or toothpaste to keep it in place until you get in to see us.

Toothache

Sometimes you begin experiencing pain but can’t pinpoint a cause. If you experience a sudden toothache, call us to make an appointment. In the meantime, gently rinse your mouth out with warm water and use floss to dislodge any stuck food. A cold compress held to the outside of the mouth will help reduce swelling and pain.

Call Highland Advanced Dental Care for an Emergency Appointment

In any dental emergency, it’s critical that you call us quickly so we can fit you in for an emergency appointment and get you the help you need. Call our Highland office at 248-329-3552 and we will fit you in as soon as possible.