An emergency dentist is a valuable resource to have when it comes to your dental health, especially considering that there are 2.1 million 
dental emergencies each year according to the American Dental Association. Early treatment allows your Mt. Pleasant, MI dentist to reverse dental decay or damage instead of resorting to extraction. It also allows you avoid costly and often unnecessary visits to a hospital emergency room. Know in advance how to deal with a dental emergency so that you'll have a smooth experience.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Any dental concern that causes you pain or disrupts your daily routine can be considered a dental emergency. Some of the most common emergencies are injuries (such as a knocked out tooth), advanced tooth decay, soft tissue injuries, or a broken dental restoration (like a crown or implant). If you're teeth or gums are painful and swollen to the point where you have headaches or can't eat, this should prompt you to call a dentist immediately.
How to Deal with a Dental Emergency
The first thing to remember when you have a dental emergency is to remain calm. Do your best to retrieve any lost dental matter or devices. Call your Mt. Pleasant, MI emergency dentist to schedule your visit. Here are a few other tips keep in mind:
- Preserve any pieces of teeth in milk to increase the chance that it can be re-bonded.
- Try to carefully insert a (clean) knocked out tooth back into the socket before your appointment.
- Avoid chewing on or aggravating the affected area. Keep your mouth clean and gargle with warm salt water.
- If there's swelling, apply ice to the cheek.
Advantages of Going to an Emergency Dentist
When you have an emergency dentist to call, you can rest assured knowing that you'll be presented with the best options for saving your smile. If you go to a local ER, you may be presented with just one option, extraction, when a root canal or crown may be a better choice. You can also relax knowing that you won't have to wait long to see someone for proper care.
Dental Help When You Need It
Having access to a skilled dentist in an emergency will help you keep your smile healthy and complete. Call (989) 773-9793 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Bever Jr. or Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof at their office in Mt. Pleasant, MI.