Handling a Dental Emergency Wisely, Day or Night
It would be convenient if dental emergencies only occurred on weekdays when your dentist is open for business, but that’s not the case. A dental emergency can happen on a weekend, during your vacation, and in the middle of the night. A little knowledge can make handling a dental emergency much easier. For example, it's important to know if a specific problem can wait a few days for treatment or needs emergency dental care.
It’s also essential to have a plan and know who to call when a crisis occurs. However, knowing when you need to seek emergency dental treatment is not always clear-cut. If you have severe tooth pain, swelling, or signs of an abscess and think you need emergency dental care, call your dentist immediately. Even if the office is closed, call to obtain emergency numbers or to reach an answering service that may be able to direct you to a local emergency dentist, or help you determine if the problem requires a trip to the hospital.
A knocked-out, cracked, broken tooth often can be a dental emergency. A knocked-out tooth may be due to a sports-related injury or an accident involving facial impact, such as a fall. Try to place a knocked-out tooth back into its socket until you can get to an emergency dentist. If this isn’t possible, rinse the tooth, and place it into your mouth or in a glass of milk. Cracked and broken teeth often result from biting a hard piece of food or using your teeth on non-food substances. With a small fracture or a chipped tooth, you can sometimes wait to see your dentist until normal office hours. But if the crack is large, a piece of tooth is missing, or the tooth has been completely removed from its socket, seek emergency dental treatment immediately.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Michigan, call Gentle Dental of Michigan today at or make an appointment.
Gentle Dental of Michigan offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Michigan. With 4 affiliated practices throughout Michigan, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Michigan, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Michigan.
