We’re Here When You Need Us Most

When dental emergencies happen, we’re here to help! Whole Dental Wellness in Detroit, MI offers emergency dental care in a safe and relaxing environment so you can get back to what matters to you.

Common Dental Emergencies

Common dental emergencies include:  

• Persistent Toothache

Pain is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong. While some tooth pain can be caused by relatively harmless tooth sensitivity, it can also be a sign of a serious problem. If your pain lasts more than a day or is severe, please contact us.

• Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth

An avulsed tooth has been knocked out of the tooth socket and is a dental emergency. If you experience an avulsed tooth, be careful not to touch the roots. If you can, gently insert the tooth back into the open socket without forcing it. If you cannot put the tooth back, hold it between your gums and cheek on the way to the dentist's office.  

• Broken or Chipped Tooth

A severe break or chip in a tooth can cause pain, gum damage, and leave your tooth susceptible to infection. This requires prompt treatment to seal and repair the tooth. If you can find the broken piece of tooth, hold it between your gums and cheek on the way to the dentist. The dentist may be able to reattach the broken portion.  

• Lost Dental Crown or Filling

Losing a dental crown or filling also compromises the integrity of a tooth. It weakens the tooth structure and may leave the root exposed. This can cause pain and leave the tooth vulnerable to infection.

• Abscess

An abscess is a pocket filled with pus and is a sign of an advanced bacterial infection. This can cause severe pain and swelling in and around the affected area. Without proper treatment with antibiotics, these kinds of infections can spread, leading to serious, even life-threatening, complications. An abscess will not go away on its own.  

• Post-Extraction or Surgery Complications

Uncontrolled bleeding, a dry socket (dislodged blood clot), or signs of an infection following a tooth extraction or oral surgery require prompt attention to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.

At-Home Remedies for Relief from Dental Pain

While you wait for emergency treatment or to visit our office for a regularly scheduled dental appointment, you can take steps to alleviate your pain with the following at-home remedies:

• Over-the-Counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) - Avoid taking aspirin, as this can worsen bleeding, but NSAIDs can help relieve pain and swelling.

• Topical Toothache Relief - Toothache creams and gels are available over-the-counter and can provide temporary relief from a toothache or other mouth sensitivity when applied to the teeth and gums.

• Cold Compress - Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek over the area that is swollen or painful.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

Since dental emergencies are accidental, they are hard to prepare for or avoid. However, keeping your teeth healthy by maintaining good oral hygiene can help. Attending your regular six-month dental exams and continuing your healthy habits can help reduce your risk of damage as well as. Other ways to reduce the risk of damage to the teeth or gums include:

• Avoiding hard candy or chewing ice

• Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports

• Not using your teeth to tear packages or open bottles

Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us

If you're experiencing a dental emergency and require urgent care, please contact Whole Dental Wellness in Detroit, MI to receive the prompt attention, emergency treatment, and relief you need.