Call 911Go to the nearest emergency room if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding that won't stop, or a jaw injury.
Dental emergencies are common. A toothache can come on suddenly, or a tooth can break on something hard. Some can be avoided with a few habits, which you'll find at the end. When one does happen, quick care can limit the damage to your teeth.
Below are the four we see most often, with what you can do right away. If you're in pain, call us first, so we can have a chair ready when you arrive.
01Toothaches
If you have a toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Check whether anything is stuck between your teeth.
- Brush and floss gently.
- Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and hold it on the painful tooth.
An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help for now. It eases the pain but doesn't fix the cause, which can be decay, an abscess or a crack in the tooth.
See usIf the pain lasts more than two days, don't wait any longer. Request an appointment and we'll find the source of the pain.
02Knocked-out teeth
If a tooth is knocked out
- Rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Press on the gap with wet cotton to stop the bleeding.
- Hold a cold compress to your face for the pain and swelling.
- Find the tooth. Hold it by the top, not the root, and rinse off any dirt without scrubbing.
- Keep the tooth in milk, or in water if you have no milk, so it doesn't dry out.
A knocked-out tooth can often be saved, so keep it and bring it with you. Without treatment, a lost tooth can weaken the teeth around it.
Call nowA knocked-out tooth is a serious emergency. Call (734) 882-2777 so we can see you as soon as you arrive.
03Chipped or cracked teeth
If a tooth chips or cracks
- Press wet cotton on the tooth.
- Find the broken pieces and rinse off any dirt.
- Keep the pieces in milk or water and bring them with you.
A chipped or cracked tooth is weaker than it looks and can become sensitive. A small chip can sometimes be smoothed. A larger one often needs a crown to protect the tooth and restore its shape.
See usContact us to have the tooth checked before it's damaged further.
04Dental abscesses
An abscess is a pocket of pus in the gums, a tooth or the mouth. It's a serious infection and needs a dentist to treat it.
If you think you have an abscess
- Don't try to burst it.
- Don't put anything on the infected area.
- See a dentist as soon as you can.
We drain the abscess and clean the area. If the infection has reached the inside of the tooth, you may need a root canal.
Call 911If the swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Otherwise, call us today.
05How to avoid an emergency
Most of these habits take a minute a day.
- Brush and floss every day.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports.
- Cut back on sugary foods.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods, like hard candy.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Use a good toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly.
- Come in for regular checkups.
Decay often causes no pain until it's advanced. A regular checkup catches it early. Request a checkup at a time that suits you.