Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies Dentist Troy, MI

A dental emergency is any oral health problem that requires immediate dental treatment to save a tooth, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or alleviate severe pain. Seeing our Troy emergency dentists when something is wrong reduces the risk of permanent damage including tooth loss or extensive tooth repairs in the future.

Pain is a signal your body sends you for a reason. Do not ignore painful teeth and gums and seek emergency treatment for your symptoms. The sooner you get emergency dental services, the better your chances are of saving a tooth.

Here are a few examples of urgent and non-urgent dental emergencies, plus what you can do before arriving to see our dentists.

Urgent Dental Emergencies

  • Severe toothache
  • Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth causing severe pain
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Partially dislodged tooth
  • Bulges on or swelling of gums (dental abscess)

 Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

  • Lost filling, crown, or dental bridge
  • Broken or cracked tooth without severe pain
  • Food lodged between teeth
  • Dull toothache
  • Bitten lip or tongue that does stop bleeding

 What to Do During Dental Emergencies

It goes without saying that a dental emergency is best treated by our dentists. Call our Troy dental practice and set up an emergency appointment. We’ll do our best to rearrange our schedule so you are seen ASAP.

But how should you manage the situation until you are able to be seen?

Here are steps you can follow at home for a handful of common dental emergencies. If your situation is severe enough and you can’t wait for our assistance, please go to the nearest emergency room.

  • Knocked-out Tooth

    Hold the tooth by its crown (top), not the roots. Otherwise, you could damage the roots and make it impossible for our dentists to reattach the tooth. Next, carefully rinse any dirt or debris from the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth in its original socket.

    The tooth may be held in place with your fingers or by gently biting down. If unable to place the tooth back in the mouth, submerge the tooth completely in a glass of milk to keep moist. Teeth that are allowed to dry out can fracture if not kept moist. Lastly, call our dentists for emergency dental care.

  • Broken or Cracked Tooth

    Save all pieces of your broken or cracked tooth. Rinse your mouth carefully with warm water. Apply cold compress to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. Seek emergency dental care from our dentists.

  • Dental Abscess

    If you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gums that is painful, contact our office immediately. In the meantime, rinse with a mild saltwater solution (½ tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of water) to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface.

  • Severe Toothache

    If you have a persistent toothache, don’t be alarmed. It’s not uncommon for food particles to get stuck between teeth to cause pain or gum irritation. Try rinsing with warm water, and gently floss between the affected teeth to remove debris. If the pain persists, contact our office and take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

How You Can Avoid Dental Injuries

For the most part, dental emergencies are unpredictable. Yet, there are a few easy precautions you can take in your everyday life to save yourself from injury.

  • Practice Daily Oral Hygiene
  • Wear Mouthguards for Sports
  • Avoid Chewing Hard Snacks

 Practice Daily Oral Hygiene

A great place to start is to regularly practice good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and flossing daily. It’s a bonus if you integrate an antiseptic mouthwash into your routine to combat dental plaque.

Wear Mouthguards for Sports

If you play contact sports in your free time, our dentists recommend wearing a protective mouthguard. When you put one on, you are shielding your teeth and absorbing intense hits to your mouth. Mouthguards are a cost-effective way to prevent costly dental damage.

Types of sports or recreational activities that call for mouthguards include but are not limited to football, soccer, basketball, rugby, and lacrosse.

Avoid Chewing Hard Snacks

It’s enjoyable to munch on popcorn during a movie or drink an ice-cold beverage on a summer day. What’s not so fun is a broken tooth. The good news is that a broken or chipped tooth can be avoided if you refrain from chewing on kernels, ice, or hard candy. It can be hard to break a habit like this, but your teeth will thank you!

Get the Emergency Dental Care You Need

Our emergency dentists in Troy, MI, have experience helping patients restore smiles after sports dental injuries, toothaches, and more. If you ever have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call Mosaic Dental at (248) 528-2270 and request an appointment.

This blog post has been updated.