Common Types of Dental Emergencies
Not every dental problem qualifies as a true emergency, but some situations definitely require urgent care. Understanding the difference helps you make the right decision about when to seek immediate treatment versus waiting for a regular appointment.
Severe tooth pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication signals a problem that needs attention right away. This type of pain often indicates an infection, abscess, or significant decay that has reached the nerve. Waiting too long can allow the infection to spread to other parts of your body, potentially causing serious health complications.
A knocked-out tooth represents one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If you can get to our Shelby Township office within an hour, Dr. Borton may be able to reimplant the tooth successfully. Handle the tooth by the crown only, rinse it gently if it’s dirty, and keep it moist by placing it back in the socket if possible or storing it in milk or saliva.
Broken or cracked teeth need evaluation, even if they don’t hurt immediately. Sometimes the damage affects only the outer enamel, but other times cracks extend deep into the tooth structure. Dr. Kyle Borton uses digital X-rays and other diagnostic tools to assess the extent of damage and determine the best treatment approach.
What Constitutes a True Emergency?
Some situations clearly require immediate care, while others can wait for a regular appointment. Here’s what demands urgent attention:
- Uncontrolled bleeding that won’t stop after applying pressure
- Severe pain that prevents you from eating, sleeping, or functioning normally
- Facial swelling that affects your breathing or ability to swallow
- Trauma that knocks out a tooth or causes significant damage
- Broken jaw or suspected fracture
- Abscess or infection showing visible swelling and pus
Issues like a lost filling, minor chip without pain, or a loose crown can usually wait a day or two for treatment. Still, you should contact Regency Family Dental to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
Immediate Steps Before You Reach Our Office
What you do in those first moments after a dental emergency can significantly impact the outcome. Dr. Borton recommends these steps for common urgent situations while you’re on your way to get professional help.
For severe toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food particles. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling and numb the area temporarily. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum near the painful tooth, as this can burn the tissue.
If a tooth gets knocked out completely, time becomes critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse off any dirt with water, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not feasible, store it in milk or tuck it between your cheek and gum. Get to our Shelby Township office immediately for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Broken teeth should be rinsed with warm water, and any bleeding should be controlled with gauze. Save any pieces you can find and bring them to your appointment. A cold compress helps manage swelling and discomfort until Dr. Kyle Borton can examine and treat the damage.
How We Handle Emergency Situations
When you contact Regency Family Dental with a dental emergency, we make every effort to see you the same day. Our team understands that you’re in pain or distress, and we work quickly to provide relief and treatment.
Dr. Borton begins by assessing the situation and addressing any immediate pain or bleeding. Digital X-rays help identify problems that aren’t visible during a visual examination. Once we understand the full extent of the issue, we’ll discuss treatment options and create a plan that addresses both the emergency and any underlying problems.
Pain management is a top priority. Depending on your situation, this might involve medication, a temporary filling, draining an abscess, or other interventions that provide quick relief. Some dental emergencies can be completely resolved in a single visit, while others may require follow-up appointments for more comprehensive treatment.
Preventing Future Emergencies
While you can’t prevent every dental emergency, some simple precautions reduce your risk significantly. Regular checkups at our Shelby Township practice help Dr. Borton catch problems like decay or cracks before they turn into urgent situations. Small issues are much easier to fix than full-blown emergencies.
If you play contact sports, a custom mouthguard protects your teeth from trauma. These guards fit better and provide more protection than generic store-bought versions. Dr. Kyle Borton can create one that’s comfortable enough to wear consistently during games and practices.
Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, crack nuts, or hold objects. These habits stress your teeth in ways they weren’t designed to handle and can cause sudden breaks or cracks. Hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy also pose risks worth considering.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Dental emergencies cause stress and pain, but you don’t have to face them alone. Regency Family Dental provides the urgent care you need with the compassion and expertise you deserve. Dr. Borton and our team stay calm under pressure and work efficiently to resolve your emergency while keeping you comfortable throughout the process.
Don’t let pain or damage go untreated. Contact our Shelby Township office immediately if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. We’ll guide you through what to do and get you in for treatment as quickly as possible. Your comfort and oral health matter to us, especially when you need help most.