Dr. Sheehan and an assistant working on a patient's teeth as he lays back in the treatment chair

Emergency Dentistry in Waterford, MI

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any type of pain or injury caused by physical trauma. This can include an infected tooth, severe tooth pain, or bleeding, along with any accident involving your teeth, lips, gums, cheek, or jaw.

For emergencies that can’t wait, Oakland Family Dental offers emergency dental care to prevent further damage to healthy surrounding teeth. We can give you a crown, extract the impacted tooth, or perform other necessary procedures in a same-day appointment, ensuring you receive the immediate attention you need.

How to Treat a Dental Emergency

If you don’t require urgent care, Dr. Sheehan has put together an easy, patient-friendly guide on how to address common problems and instructions on what to do.

Fractured Tooth

If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, contact our Waterford office as soon as possible to prevent additional damage and infection. Rinse your mouth to keep the area clean with lukewarm water until you’re able to come in. We’ll assess the damage and determine how to restore your tooth back to optimal health.

Toothache or Jaw Pain

If you’re experiencing severe pain, it could be an indication of a more serious problem than a minor toothache or jaw discomfort. We recommend taking an over-the-counter medication and applying a cold compress to reduce any swelling or pain. If the pain continues, call our office so we can solve the problem and relieve your pain.

Knocked Out Tooth

Having a tooth knocked out is a frequent dental injury that calls for immediate dental care. If possible, find the tooth and gently clean it to remove any dirt or debris. Put the tooth in a container with milk or your own saliva to preserve the tooth. We’ll try to save and reattach it, depending on the severity of the damage.

Lip or Mouth Injury

If you’ve cut part of your mouth or lip, apply firm pressure with a gauze or clean cloth to stop the bleeding. We suggest using a cold compress to help relieve pain and minimize any swelling of the affected area. If the bleeding continues after 15 minutes, call us for immediate care and we’ll examine the area.

Contact Dr. Sheehan for Emergency Dental Care

If you’re in need of immediate dental care, Oakland Family Dental is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our Waterford office at (248) 674-0384 for emergencies that can’t wait. If your pain is manageable, follow our instructions to complete an online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a dental emergency?

Any dental problem that requires immediate attention is considered a dental emergency, like a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. Other signs that you may require emergency care include nerve damage, severe pain, puncture wounds, and more. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it’s important to contact us immediately at (248) 674-0384 so we can address the problem as soon as possible. If it can wait, follow our dental emergency guide above.

Is a cavity a dental emergency?

Typically, a minor cavity is not considered a dental emergency unless you’re experiencing a severe toothache or sudden sensitivity. This can be a sign of something more serious than a cavity, and may need additional treatment. If that’s the case, Dr. Sheehan strongly suggests scheduling an appointment at your earliest convenience.

What helps relieve tooth pain?

If you’re experiencing a toothache, we recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help alleviate any pain or discomfort. Some common medications include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. If the pain continues, give us a call to schedule an appointment so we can determine the cause of your toothache.

What if I’m not sure if it’s an emergency?

If you or a loved one feels uncertain, it’s best to contact our Waterford office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheehan as soon as possible. We’ll examine your oral health, assess the damage, and determine the best course of action. In some cases, waiting to seek treatment can result in further damage or infection. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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