What is Emergency Dentistry?              

Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. One feature they all have in common is that they tend to be unexpected and pose an immediate threat to your health.          

Common symptoms of a dental emergency may include severe toothache that does not go away with over-the-counter pain medicine, bleeding, a broken jaw, losing a tooth due to accident or injury, lost dental fillings, a cracked, chipped or broken tooth, injury to the jaw, face, mouth, tongue, or gums, and more.

Imagine this: You slip walking up the stairs, causing you to break a tooth. Or your loved one has a fender bender and suffers a broken jaw. Perhaps your daughter is at softball practice, and you get a phone call that she has lost a tooth after being struck by a foul ball. In another situation, you are chewing ice and a filling comes loose. Or it could be as simple as a toothache that isn’t going away with over-the-counter pain medication. None of these scenarios are pleasant to think about, but the truth is that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. If and when they do, Lakeshore Dental Specialists we are one of the best emergency dentists Detroit has to offer, and are here to help.              

Types of Dental Emergencies      

Unexpected things can happen, and dental emergencies can be stressful. We’re here to help in these cases in order to address the urgent need as well as to preserve your long-time dental health.

Broken or Fractured Teeth          

Depending on how a tooth is broken, it can pose a risk of infection or more damage. We can assist with protecting your damaged tooth and get a repair appointment scheduled as soon as possible.

Lost or Knocked-Out Teeth          

Emergency dentistry can save a knocked-out tooth if you receive care immediately after the incident. To aid in preservation, gather the tooth or any broken pieces and rinse them with warm water, carefully avoiding contact with the root. Replace the tooth gently into the empty space if possible. If that is too painful, keep the tooth in between your gums and cheek to sustain moisture. The sooner you contact us for next steps, the greater the chance we will be able to save your tooth.

Tooth Sensitivity          

In many cases, tooth sensitivity may not require urgent dental attention. If the sensitivity is sudden or begins without explanation, prompt care is appropriate to rule out infection or fractures.

Advanced Tooth Decay          

If a decayed tooth has been deteriorating for some time, it may eventually and suddenly become sensitive or even extremely painful. If this happens, it is worth getting it checked to prevent infection and plan the best course of action.

Loose or Lost Dental Fillings          

If a filling detaches fully or partially, that tooth is now exposed, and can become quite sensitive or even painful. As soon as you notice an issue with a filling, contact us so we can address it promptly.

Lost or Loose Dental Crowns          

Tooth exposure due to a lost or damaged crown can lead to infection or damage. Our emergency dentists can put in a temporary replacement until a permanent fix can be scheduled.

Pain or Injury Caused by an Orthodontic Device          

Braces or other devices can fail or break unexpectedly. If this happens after hours, contact us to address any pain or discomfort and make corrections for continued comfort.

Worn Tooth Enamel From Grinding Teeth          

Teeth grinding (or bruxism) or clenching during your sleep or during the day can wear down enamel and cause weakness and tooth damage. To prevent further damage to your teeth, we can fit a customized night guard or use strengthening applications.  

Sinus Pressure          

Ongoing, uncomfortable sinus pressure or pain could be caused by a dental issue. Emergency dentists can determine if your pain stems from your sinuses or is the result of dental problems like infections, impactions, or abscessed teeth.  

What to do if you lose a tooth.        

The emergency dentistry pros at Lakeshore Dental Specialists will do everything we can to save your tooth and reattach it. However, you can take a few steps on your way to us that will improve your odds. If you’re dealing with a tooth that has come out, you should take the following steps:

Step One:                    

Keep calm. If you have someone nearby helping you, have them contact us at 586-777-0260 to help guide you through the process and try and save your tooth.

‍Step Two:                    

Locate the tooth. Once you find it, be sure to grab it by the white portion of the tooth and avoid touching the root if possible.

‍Step Three:                    

If your tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken, try to find the pieces of the tooth. In some cases, we can use those and attempt to restore the tooth.

Step Four:                    

Clean the tooth. To do this, rinse the tooth gently with cool water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not use soap or other cleaning products.

‍Step Five:                    

Gently place the tooth back in position if possible. Then, bite on a handkerchief or clean towel to keep the tooth in position on your way to our office.

Step Six:                    

If you cannot place the tooth back in position, store it in cold milk if possible. Avoid storing the tooth in water. If no milk is available, place the tooth back in your mouth, inside the lip or cheek. Take care not to swallow the tooth!

‍Step Seven:                    

If someone else hasn’t done it already, contact us immediately to schedule emergency dental care.

Benefits of Emergency Dentistry        

When you are having a dental emergency, it is in your best interest to seek prompt treatment.

Waiting to see a doctor can make matters worse, or prolong your recovery time. Lakeshore Dental's emergency dental experts in Detroit make it easy to see a qualified dentist when you can’t wait days or weeks. Our doctors understand that a sudden dental problem can be extremely painful or cause a major disruption to your day. Just because you are having an emergency, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your care. It is our mission to make sure you have access to the most qualified dentists in Detroit for all your emergency dental needs.

The Emergency Dental Visit Procedure        

It can be frightening to have an unexpected dental emergency. That is where the highly trained doctors at Lakeshore Dental come to the rescue.      

After examining your teeth (and performing X-rays, if needed), our dentists take swift action to correct your dental concern. In most cases, our top Detroit dentists can perform emergency procedures on the same day. For example, you might need oral surgery or a temporary replacement for a chipped tooth. We offer nearly every dental procedure you might need in an emergency situation, including extractions, missing teeth repair, dental implants, and more.

Your Emergency Dental Visit Results        

Every dental emergency is unique. However, at Lakeshore Dental, we strive to make sure the outcome is the same. It is our goal to ensure you have a successful result, no matter the reason for your visit.      

Not only will your smile look good cosmetically, but it will also function just as well as it did before in terms of your ability to bite, speak or chew. In other words, our dentists will make sure your smile is as good as new!

     
What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Recovery              

Our dentists offer comprehensive care both during and after your visit.

Your recovery can vary considerably depending on the reason for your visit. At Lakeshore Dental Specialists, we aim to ensure you know exactly what to expect as you heal. If you have any questions during your recovery, call our office for assistance.

Emergency Dentist Cost and Financing        

Each dental emergency will require different levels of intervention and treatment, so costs will vary. We are happy to work with each insurance situation and can also discuss options for financing your dental work. Dental health is important for overall health, and we want to make sure our patients have a way to care for their teeth.

     
Call Now to Speak with a Dental Emergency Specialist in Detroit        

At Lakeshore Dental, our Detroit dental specialists have decades of experience in multiple facets of dentistry, including emergency dental care.

Our team is standing by to help, no matter what kind of dental problem arises for you or your loved ones. You can rely on their expertise and calm demeanor to quickly assess the situation and competently address it. For immediate assistance for all your emergency dental needs, call Lakeshore Dental Specialists today at 586-777-0260