For dental emergencies, schedule an appointment with Whole Dental Wellness immediately

We are proud to serve the Birmingham, Roseville, and Detroit Metro Area.

When you call about your dental emergency after hours, our dental team is alerted, and we will contact you immediately. Be sure to leave a detailed message about your emergency so we can be prepared to treat you immediately. Our office serves the Birmingham, Roseville, and Detroit metro area.

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What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is when you experience immediate pain or trauma to your teeth or gums. If you experience sudden swelling and pain that is not all alleviated with over-the-counter medication, you may need immediate emergency dental care.

Receiving emergency dental care is vital to your overall health and wellbeing. Your dental emergency should receive treatment within one to two hours of when the pain occurred. Keep in mind, the following dental issues do not constitute an emergency dental visit:

Lost fillings
Chipped veneers
Broken dental appliances

While it is incredibly inconvenient when the above issues happen, they are not considered an emergency but can be scheduled and treated quickly during regular business hours.

What type of dental emergency will get treated quickly?

We are here when you need us the most. Your dental emergency may be evident as soon as it happens; other times, it may begin with onset pain and swelling. Call us today, and our Birmingham and Roseville emergency dentistry team will reach out to advise you on what to do in a dental emergency. The most common dental emergencies include:

A soft-tissue injury
A knocked-out tooth
Broken or cracked tooth
Severe tooth or gum pain
Bleeding or swelling gums

If the tooth is knocked out, be sure to touch only the crown (the white part and not the root). It is best to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there until you get to our Birmingham or Roseville dentist office. Otherwise, place the tooth in between your cheek and gum or a container of milk. Apply a cold compress to help with swelling and pain. Tooth or jaw pain associated with a fever, a sour taste in your mouth, or trouble swallowing may be indicative of an infection, such as an abscessed tooth, which requires drainage, a root canal, and antibiotics.

What to do in a dental emergency

Your emergency dental treatment depends on the severity of the emergency.

In most instances, the tooth can be saved, but it’s essential to follow the following recommendations to receive optimal treatment:

Bring a friend or family member
Whether you or your child has a dental emergency, having another person present helps keep anxiety down and provides another pair of eyes and ears to hear the information the doctor is relaying about treatment options. Additionally, if an anesthetic is used, having a person drive home is helpful.
Handling a broken dental appliance
A broken dental appliance may not be an immediate emergency, but it’s important to bring the broken piece with you so we can understand why it became loose and replace it.
Handling a broken tooth
If your tooth becomes dislodged but can be kept in its socket, keeping it moist and intact is the best possible solution. Do not touch the root or pulp of the tooth. Only handle the crown or part of the tooth responsible for chewing. However, if the tooth is completely knocked out, place it in a large plastic baggie with milk in it or use a container of cold milk.
Bring your dental insurance card
If you are a current member of our practice, we have your insurance card on file. However, if information or coverage options changed, we will need your current insurance card. If you are new to Whole Dental Wellness in the Birmingham office, we accept most insurance plans. Remember to bring cash or a credit card for your co-pay. Our dedicated staff will make sure your payment process is quick and convenient.

Contact Whole Dental Wellness now for a dental emergency

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please book a location at our Birmingham or Roseville location.

Our dedicated dental team will work with you to get a same-day appointment. If you reach our after-hours message, leave a detailed message about your emergency so we can be prepared to treat you immediately. Our office serves the Birmingham, Roseville, and Detroit metro area.

Dental Emergencies FAQs

What happens if I lose a filling?

Losing a filling is inconvenient but not necessarily an emergency. Your filling should be treated within 48 to 72 hours. Call our office to receive an appointment soon. Left untreated, your tooth can become infected or be sensitive to hot and cold foods and cause additional pain.

What if there is an object stuck in between my teeth?

Try using dental floss to remove a piece of food or other small objects from in between your teeth. Do not use any sharp implement around your gums. If you are unable to unlodge the food or small object from your teeth, call our office immediately.

What do I do if my teeth get knocked out?

If your tooth is knocked out, it’s imperative you try and preserve the tooth as best as you can. Often, we can place the tooth back in its socket and restore the tooth. Do not touch the root or pulp of the tooth and only handle the crown of the tooth. If your gums are bleeding, use gauze or a paper towel to contain the bleeding.

What if my child has a dental emergency?

Your child will be visibly upset, and it is crucial to remain calm. If able, have your child hold a cold compress to their mouth to help with swelling and bleeding. Make sure your child does not touch the root or gum area where the dental trauma occurred.

What do I do if I break my jaw?

If your jaw is broken, you need immediate medical attention. Have someone drive you to an emergency room and contact our office. If your emergency is more of a head trauma rather than a dental emergency, your emergency may be considered medical rather than dental.