Have you ever busted a molar while chewing on popcorn at the movies? Or watched one of your kids get hit during a ball game and lose a tooth? If you have, then you know how badly these situations can catch you off guard. You need to find a dentist who can handle a dental emergency near you, and fast.
At Elegant Edge Dentistry here in Rochester Hills, we get it. And that’s why we set aside time for same-day appointments and walk you through what to do until you get here.
Chipped vs. Broken Tooth: Understanding the Difference
It’s usually just the outer layer that’s affected when you chip your tooth. In other words, the enamel. Things might feel uneven, but it won’t necessarily hurt.
But if you break a tooth, the damage can be more serious and expose the nerve. You’re more likely to feel pain or sensitivity if that’s the case, or even bleeding and swelling.
You need to see a professional either way, but a broken tooth is more urgent. Do an online search for an “emergency dentist near me” so you can get treated before things get worse.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Chip or Break a Tooth
- Use warm water to rinse your mouth: After rinsing, use a clean gauze to apply slight pressure until any bleeding stops.
- Save any loose tooth pieces: These should go in a container with saliva or milk in case they can be reattached.
- Apply a cold pack: This will help reduce the swelling and pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed: Ibuprofen helps with pain and inflammation.
- Cover sharp edges: If your tooth is cutting your tongue or cheek, put dental wax or sugar-free gum on it.
When to Call an Emergency Dentist Near You
If you’re in a lot of pain that won’t go away, or the bleeding won’t stop, call an emergency dentist near you right away. The same goes if the break reaches the gum line or if your tooth was knocked loose.
Elegant Edge Dentistry makes room in our schedule for emergency dentistry in Rochester Hills, so we can see you the same day. Dr. Mansour and our team have the training and equipment to treat your tooth and relieve your pain fast.
Nearly two million ER visits per year in the U.S. have to do with tooth-related injuries, but you’re better off going to a dentist right away before things get worse.
How Emergency Dentistry in Rochester Hills Can Help
When you come in, we’ll take X-rays to get a full image of the damage and to see what treatment makes the most sense.
If you’ve got a small chip, we usually reshape it with bonding, but you might need a crown for larger breaks. We can usually put in a temporary one the same day.
You might need a root canal to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection if the pulp’s exposed. Modern urgent dental care in Rochester Hills makes root canals a lot more comfortable than they used to be.
The American Dental Association recommends treating dental emergencies as soon as possible to control bleeding and prevent infection, not to mention getting rid of your pain. We’ll go over your options, like dental implants or bridges, if the tooth can’t be saved.
Why Timing Is Critical in Dental Emergencies
Waiting too long after a chipped tooth emergency can make things worse, since cracks and chips let in bacteria and lead to decay or infection. It’s better to fix a tooth with a simple crown right away than to let it fester and end up needing a full extraction.
Your best bet at saving your natural tooth is to get help within 24 hours. That’s why finding a good same-day emergency dentist matters so much.
Tips to Prevent Future Dental Emergencies
- Wear a mouthguard when you play sports: Elegant Edge Dentistry makes custom guards that protect better than anything you can buy off the shelf.
- Don’t chew on ice, hard candy, pen caps, etc.: If you do, your teeth are more likely to chip or crack.
- Get regular checkups: Preventive care visits let us catch weak spots or signs of grinding early on.
- Treat grinding or clenching: Custom nightguards protect your tooth enamel and reduce the risk of a chipped tooth emergency.
Get Help Today at Elegant Edge Dentistry
If you get in soon, we can usually fix chipped or broken teeth right away and get your smile looking normal again in no time.
Our Rochester Hills office offers dental pain relief Rochester Hills you can trust, plus we have flexible scheduling and the latest technology to make your visit as smooth as possible.
Get in touch right away if you’ve got a chipped or broken tooth. We’re taking new patients and have evening appointments available. Dr. Mansour and our team will help repair your tooth and get your pain under control.
FAQ
What should I do immediately if I chip or break a tooth?
Rinse with warm water, save any broken pieces in milk or saliva, apply a cold compress, and contact an emergency dentist near you right away. Take ibuprofen if you’re in pain, and cover sharp edges with dental wax.
Is a chipped tooth considered a dental emergency?
Small chips can wait for a normal appointment, but if it hurts, bleeds, or affects a large part of the tooth, you should seek emergency dentistry in Rochester Hills ASAP.
Can an emergency dentist fix a broken tooth the same day?
Elegant Edge Dentistry sets aside time in our schedule for dental emergency near me calls. We can often restore your tooth with bonding or a temporary crown the same day.
What treatments are available for broken or chipped teeth?
Bonding works well for small chips, but larger breaks may need crowns, veneers, or a root canal if the pulp is affected. If a tooth can’t be saved, we’ll discuss other options.
How can I prevent dental emergencies in the future?
Wear a mouthguard for sports, avoid chewing hard items, get regular checkups, and ask about a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Preventive care goes a long way in preventing another chipped tooth emergency.
