When accidents happen, and toothaches become unbearable, we are here for you with skilled emergency care

Inevitably, when most offices are closed, that is when most accidents happen and when evolving aches and pains become absolutely unbearable. Fortunately, there is no need to suffer from the pain of toothaches or the potentially irreparable damage associated with accidents on the rink, slope, court, diamond, field, or pitch. 

Your friendly and trusted neighborhood dental provider, Douglas Hoppe DDS, provides responsive care for after-hours emergencies from our office in Eaton Rapids. We serve the oral health needs of individuals and their families from across central Michigan, in turn, providing treatments that are in the best interests of our patient’s long-term health needs while also resolving pain and other disruptive or debilitating symptoms in the nearer term. So, you can get back to restful sleep or just the rest of your day in no time!

Toothy troubles

Vague “aches” represent one of the most common dental problems that send people rushing to the nearest emergency room; however, hospital emergency rooms or urgent cares are not equipped to provide optimal dental care. As a trained and experienced dentist, Dr. Hoppe only focuses on conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth. He can ensure that teeth are not pulled needlessly and even takes steps to preserve badly damaged teeth (which otherwise may have been extracted or removed). 

Dental pain comes in many different forms. The nature and severity of the pain can tell us a bit about what may be responsible for your symptoms. Consider how a sharp, shooting pain that lingers after biting down or after a tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods and drinks may indicate deep inflammation or infection at the tooth’s center. This situation may call for root canal therapy followed by restoration with a dental crown. Still, other types of persistent, dull, or sudden pain (accompanied by facial or gum swelling) can indicate problems ranging from tooth fractures to abscesses. 

Now, abscesses can spread to other parts of the body. A systemic infection is a medical emergency. Go to the ER if you or a loved one are experiencing problems swallowing or breathing and are feverish. 

Traumatic injuries 

Generally, the above dental problems are associated with chronic and progressive conditions, such as dental decay and gum disease; however, we are also skilled at resolving acute conditions. For instance, blows to the face due to injuries during contact sports or falls often necessitate prompt care. Before you visit our office, we can discuss ways to care for a dislodged or knocked-out tooth. You should take great care to ensure that the bottom of the tooth and its connected tissues remain intact. That way, the odds of successfully re-rooting your tooth are in your favor. And most all of these conditions, acute or chronic, can be avoided with proactive dentistry at our office in Eaton Rapids, MI. From routine cleanings and dental sealants to sports mouthguards, there is sure to be a service that can help to protect your teeth and gums from damage and accompanying painful symptoms. Call Douglas Hoppe DDS at (517) 667-7066 today to schedule your appointment or for all your after-hours dentistry needs!