Emergency Dentistry – Flint, MI
Same-Day Care When You Absolutely Need It
Dental emergencies are not something that should ever be downplayed, even if it may not seem serious at first. When a tooth is knocked out due to a sporting injury or your tooth is in pain because of an untreated cavity, you need to visit Dr. Naik so she can properly treat your condition and get you out of discomfort. Our dental office is dedicated to same-day treatment, even on days when our dental office is closed. Don’t wait to get treated; call our dental office to get the help you need with emergency dentistry in Flint, MI!
Why Choose Chitra P. Naik, DMD for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Treatment – Including on Days the Dental Office is Closed
- Accepts Most Major Dental Insurance Plans and Offers CareCredit
- Experts in Extractions, Root Canal Therapy and Restorative Dentistry
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Handling a dental emergency starts by calling our dental office so you can schedule an appointment. Only a dentist can effectively treat a dental emergency, which is just another reason why it’s so important not to put off your treatment. Until you do see Dr. Naik, improve your situation by taking the best next steps below.
Toothaches
Use dental floss to remove potential food debris, as this can easily be confused with pain caused by decay. If discomfort continues, take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce potential swelling. Get to our dental office as soon as possible.
Chipped/Broken Teeth
Try to collect any fragments of teeth that you can and bring them to our dental office. Apply a cold compress to your cheek, applying and removing in 10-minute intervals to ensure no damage is done to your skin. Cover your tooth with wax paraffin or sugar-free chewing gum if your tooth is sharp or jagged.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Locate the tooth and stay as calm as possible. Pick it up by the crown portion and avoid touching the root or any tissue still attached to the root. After rinsing your mouth out with warm water as well as gently rinsing the tooth of any debris, place the tooth back into your socket. If not possible, place the tooth into a container of milk, saltwater, or saliva and get to our dental office within the next hour.
Lost Filling / Crown
Even if it may not be as serious as other potential dental emergencies, a lost restoration can certainly feel uncomfortable. If your crown is unseated, rinse your mouth out and then attempt to reseat the crown using dental cement or denture adhesive. This is only a temporary solution and will still require a visit to the dentist.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Preventing a dental emergency truly starts with at-home oral care, professional treatments, and using the right gear if you have an active lifestyle. Brushing, flossing and routine cleanings help you remove decay-causing bacteria, which are the main cause of toothaches. Alternatively, wearing an athletic mouthguard and never using your teeth as a tool is a great way to avoid accidentally chipping your teeth or allowing them to be knocked out.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Determining the price of your dental emergency treatment can be difficult without first performing a detailed exam of the issue. For example, decayed teeth that are salvageable may only require removing that decay and filling it with a dental filling. However, more severe damage may require root canal therapy or a full-blown extraction, which carry different costs. No matter how complex your issue is, we’ll do everything possible to get you out of discomfort. Make sure to take advantage of our $49 limited emergency exam as well!
Learn More about the cost of treating dental emergencies
Dental Emergency FAQs
Are you still worried about what you would do if you had a dental emergency on your hands? Dr. Chitra Naik offers same-day urgent treatment, including days when our dental office is closed, so you don’t have to wait and wonder whether your oral health is in grave danger. For your convenience, we’ve also answered some common questions we receive from patients below.
How can I remove an object that’s stuck between my teeth?
If you have an object like a popcorn kernel stuck between your teeth, be sure to only use dental floss or a dental pick. Avoid using anything that’s sharp and metal that could damage your gums or wound your mouth. Gently navigate the dental floss up and down until the object has become dislodged. If you have a dental mirror on hand, you can use this to find the exact positioning of the object, which will make it easier to remove. You can also try rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water to help dislodge the object.
Even if you have braces, you can still use a dental pick or floss to dislodge the object. Just be sure to be incredibly gentle and avoid damaging your brackets or wires. If you’re unable to remove the item, contact our dental office to schedule an urgent appointment.
What should I do if I notice my face swelling?
Swelling around your mouth and chin can be a common sign of a tooth infection. If you’re experiencing swelling along with difficulty breathing and swallowing, contact your local emergency room right away to receive urgent medical treatment.
If the swelling is caused by trauma or another problem, be sure to contact our dental office right away. You can place a cold compress on the area for 10 minutes on/10 minutes off to bring down any puffiness and ease some of your pain if you’re experiencing any.
Should I be worried if my teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures?
Dental sensitivity can be a common sign of several problems, including gum recession and enamel erosion. Regardless of what’s causing this issue, it typically means that your oral health is declining, so you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Flint, Dr. Naik as soon as possible.
What should I include in a dental emergency kit to keep in my home?
Dental emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case. You can keep an emergency kit in places where you frequently spend your time, like your home, in your car, or at work. That way, whether you’re en route to your emergency dentist or experienced a minor oral injury, you’ll have the means to address the situation so it doesn’t get worse. Here are some items you’ll want to include in your kit:
- Latex-free examination gloves
- Dental wax
- Orajel
- Sterile gauze pads
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Saline solution
- Dental floss
- Ibuprofen
- Small container that can hold a tooth
If you’d like any additional suggestions, just contact our dental office!