According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 26 percent of American adults have undiagnosed tooth decay. Without treatment, tooth decay can spread, lead to tooth loss, and prompt an emergency dental visit.
Emergency dental visits accounted for 10 percent of all dental visits in 2020, including visits to the emergency room.
Let’s look at the most common dental emergencies in Royal Oak, MI, all of which mean a call or visit to an emergency dentist.
Common Emergency Dental Visits
Before diagnostics, the most common complaints among patients seeking emergency dental treatment include:
- Toothache
- Jaw pain and swelling
- Broken or lost tooth
- Broken or lost restoration
- Oral injury
Toothache Relief in Royal Oak, MI
Emerging toothaches have been shown to escalate quickly, leaving patients no choice but to seek emergency dental treatment. Toothaches can interfere with sleep, work, and life commitments.
If the cause of the toothache is not obvious with an exam, dentists typically take x-rays to diagnose the problem. Reasons for a toothache may include nerve issues, emerging wisdom teeth, dental cavities, gum disease, and root infections.
Jaw Pain and Swelling Treatment Near Clawson, MI
Jaw pain and swelling often accompany toothaches and are commonly associated with oral infections, including teeth with deep decay or those with root infection involvement.
Broken or Lost Tooth
A broken or lost tooth is a common dental emergency. If the tooth is broken but salvageable, dentists can intervene with tooth-saving measures. However, in some cases, extraction is the only solution.
According to the American Association of Endodontics, more than five million teeth are knocked out every year in people of all ages. However, timely intervention may mean a dentist can restore the tooth to its socket.
Broken or Lost Restoration
When a restoration is broken, bacteria can enter the tooth and lead to infection. In some cases, it is the infection from the broken restoration that prompts the emergency dental visit. Other times, the emergency dental visit is a proactive step to prevent pain and infection.
Oral Injury
An injury to the teeth or soft tissues may mean visiting a leading emergency dentist in Royal Oak.
These injuries can result from trauma, be sports-related, or even be the consequence of untreated bruxism (grinding and clenching teeth).
Common Emergency Dental Treatments
Emergency dental treatment may stabilize pain and call for follow-up treatment at a later date. But according to a study released in 2020, only 43 percent of patients follow up with dental care after their emergency treatment.
Common emergency dental treatments include:
- Root canal therapy
- Cavity treatment
- Extraction
- Tooth Resetting
- Restoration repair
Emergency Root Canal Treatment in Royal Oak, MI
Toothaches and jaw pain or swelling often point to root infection—an infection deep in the root of a tooth.
In this situation, a dentist anesthetizes the treatment site, makes a small hole, and removes the infected tissue. Then the tooth is closed with a healing agent and closed with a temporary filling. At a future appointment, the tooth is capped with a dental crown or receives a permanent filling, depending on stability following infection and treatment.
Cavity Treatment
A large dental cavity can cause pain. In this case, a dentist numbs the treatment area, clears the decay from the tooth and closes with a dental filling.
Emergency Tooth Extractions Near Clawson, MI
A tooth broken below the gumline or one that is severely damaged or decayed may not benefit from tooth-saving treatments like root canals, fillings, or dental crowns.
Emergency dentists will typically recommend extraction in these cases to prevent damage to other teeth or the spread of infection.
Dentists provide extraction after the delivery of anesthesia and may offer tooth replacement options to restore function and aesthetics after recovery.
Tooth Resetting
Tooth resetting into the gum after a tooth has been dislodged calls for prompt intervention from a dentist and careful handling in the meantime.
A patient should take measures not to overhandle the tooth and keep it stored in a cup of water or saliva until their emergency dental visit.
Restoration Repair and Replacement
Dentists may opt to repair or replace a broken restoration, depending on the restoration type. A composite resin filling (tooth-colored) is a practical replacement, while a fitted dental crown may benefit from a repair or scheduled replacement at a future date.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
According to the University of Chicago School of Dentistry, up to 80 percent of children's cavities can be prevented with dental sealants.
Examinations and teeth cleanings also play an important role in reducing the risks for dental emergencies, specifically those that are infection or decay-based.
Bruxism treatment and mouthguards may also mitigate fracture risks and subsequent emergency dental appointments.
Meet Your Emergency Dentist in Royal Oak, MI
Dr. Suchi Chalasani is a graduate of the prestigious Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She is an established dentist in Royal Oak who provides comprehensive dental care, including prevention services for patients of all ages.
These services include:
- Dental exams
- Teeth cleanings
- Cancer screenings
- Dental sealants
- Bruxism treatment
- Gum disease prevention
She is a lifelong learner, heavily involved in continuing education. She is proud to offer emergency dentistry to residents in all locations, including Royal Oak, Clawson, Troy, Madison Heights, Auburn Hills, Warren, and all points beyond.
Contact an Emergency Dentist Near Me Today
To establish dentistry with Dr. Chalasani—for yourself or yourself and your family—reach out to a team member today.