Emergency Dental Services | Livonia Family Smiles

From chipped and fractured teeth to lost fillings and crowns, knocked-out teeth, and oral pain, our Livonia Family Smiles team understands that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. From knowing when to call us to understanding how to protect your smile until you’re in our care, here are insights you need to know about emergency dentistry!

What Is Emergency Dentistry & When Should You Seek It Out?

Emergency dentistry addresses urgent dental issues that cannot wait for a regular appointment. By providing immediate relief and treatment, this type of dentistry helps prevent further damage, reduces pain, and ensures that your oral health is maintained. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or an abscess, knowing when and how to seek emergency dental care can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being.

While you should never hesitate to contact us if you have any oral health problems that deviate from your “norm,” it’s vital that you call us right away if you are in pain, are experiencing uncontrollably bleeding or swelling, or are exhibiting any symptoms of an infection (such as pus or fever). Our team should also examine any dental condition that interferes with your ability to eat, speak, or operate normally as soon as possible.

What Are The Most Common Dental Emergencies We Care For?

Toothaches: There are several reasons people get toothaches, and they range from cavities to infections to gum disease. Toothaches can cause moderate discomfort to excruciating pain, and it’s important that you don’t ignore this pain as it may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem that needs to be treated right away.
Chipped or Broken Teeth: Sports injuries, accidents, and biting down on hard objects can cause teeth to chip or break. In addition to being uncomfortable, a broken tooth can become infected if left untreated. Emergency dental care can stop further complications, fix the damage, and restore the tooth’s function.
Knocked-Out Teeth: In order to improve the tooth’s chances of survival, a knocked-out tooth needs to be cared for by our team right away!
Lost Fillings or Crowns: Fillings and crowns can become loose or fall out, exposing the underlying tooth to potential damage. Seeking emergency dental care can help replace the restoration and protect the tooth from further harm.
Abscesses: An abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. They can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Emergency care is crucial to drain the abscess and address the infection.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, and cheeks, can result in bleeding and pain. Emergency care can provide the necessary

treatment to control bleeding, reduce pain, and prevent infection.

Steps To Take Until You See Us

For a Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any debris. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

For a Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth gently by the crown and avoid touching the root. If dirty, rinse the tooth gently with water, but do not scrub it. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket or keep it moist in milk or a saline solution until you see us.

For a Lost Filling or Crown: Place a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental wax into the cavity to protect the tooth until you’re cared for. Avoid using any adhesive that is not intended for dental use.

For an Abscess: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce pain and draw the infection to the surface.

Emergency dentistry is vital for preserving your oral health and preventing more serious complications. If you need emergency care, we’re here to help. Contact us at Livonia Family Smiles today!