08
Apr
Essential Information About Urgent Care for a Dental Emergency
It’s impossible to plan for a dental emergency, and you can find yourself in severe pain or risk losing your tooth if you don’t receive urgent care. Whether your child has knocked out a tooth playing sports or you have a painful abscess, it helps to know which dental concerns are actually emergencies requiring urgent care. When you or a family member have a dental emergency, Dr. Douglas Hoppe and the team at Douglas Hoppe DDS are here to answer your questions and give you the care you need.
What Should I Do if I Have a Severe Toothache at Night or on the Weekend?
There’s no good time for a toothache, which often happens when most dental offices are closed. However, Dr. Hoppe in Eaton Rapids offers after-hours urgent care for dental emergencies. If you have a severe toothache, contact our office immediately so your pain can be addressed, and we can make sure you don’t lose your tooth.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency, and When Should I Seek Urgent Care?
In some cases, dental problems must be immediately addressed to prevent serious health risks or long-term damage, including tooth loss. If you experience any of these, contact Dr. Hoppe’s office right away:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Knocked out tooth
- A tooth that is partially dislodged
- Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth
- A painful and/or swollen abscess
- Signs of infections like fever
- Facial swelling
- Damaged crowns or fillings (if they cause discomfort)
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room Instead of the Dentist for a Dental Issue?
Most dental emergencies can be handled at Dr. Hoppe’s office. However, if you have severe facial swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, you need to go to the emergency room. A high fever with dental pain should also be addressed at the emergency room because a serious infection can spread to your bloodstream, creating serious health complications.
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New Patients: (517) 667-7066 | Existing Patients: (517) 663-4911
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What Do I Do About a Knocked-Out Tooth Before I Call the Dentist?
If a tooth gets knocked out, acting quickly increases the chance that it can be saved. Follow these steps:
- When this happens, avoid touching the root. Instead, pick it up by the crown.
- Gently rinse it with warm water if it’s dirty. Be careful not to scrub or remove any tissue that’s still attached.
- If you can, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place. You can use gauze to do this if you have some.
- You can store the tooth in milk or saliva if you can’t place it back in the socket. This will keep it moist.
- Call Dr. Hoppe’s office immediately so he can try to reattach the tooth.
How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies Caused by Sports Injuries?
Many dental emergencies in children result from sports injuries. You can help your children protect their teeth with custom mouthguards. Dr. Hoppe offers mouthguards that are superior to store-bought options. Equally important, visiting Dr. Hoppe’s office every six months will help address any issues before they become emergencies.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment for Urgent Care?
Contact Dr. Douglas Hoppe at Douglas Hoppe DDS for emergency dental treatment by calling (517) 667-7066. If you have any questions about urgent care for dental emergencies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discover how to keep your smile safe.
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Douglas Hoppe, DDS
Dr. Douglas Hoppe is a highly skilled dentist with over 18 years of experience providing personalized dental care. A valedictorian from Swan Valley High School, he earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Michigan State University before completing his dental training at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hoppe is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Michigan Dental Association. Committed to ongoing education, he trained at the Pankey Institute and is actively involved in local dental study clubs and the Eaton Rapids Rotary Club. Dr. Hoppe is known for his compassionate approach, ensuring optimal oral health for his patients.
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