A Guide for Metro Detroit from Whole Dental Wellness

When sudden tooth pain, an accident, or swelling strikes, it's normal to feel anxious and uncertain about what to do next. At Whole Dental Wellness, we want you to feel assured, even in stressful moments, by understanding what truly counts as a dental emergency and knowing exactly how to respond. Our team in Metro Detroit is dedicated to treating you like family and providing the compassionate, specialist-led care you need when it matters most.

What Is a Dental Emergency? (And What Counts as One?)

A dental emergency is any unexpected dental problem that requires immediate attention to stop severe pain, control bleeding, save a tooth, or halt an infection that puts your health at risk. Sometimes the emergency is obvious, like a tooth knocked out or sudden facial swelling. But sometimes, it’s persistent pain or a deep cavity causing unrelenting discomfort.

Common types of dental emergencies include:

• Unrelenting or severe tooth pain
• A knocked-out (avulsed), loose, or visibly broken tooth
• Swelling or abscess in the mouth or face
• Uncontrolled oral bleeding
• Lacerations or injuries to lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue
• Sudden jaw or facial trauma
• Lost fillings or crowns causing significant pain
• Broken orthodontic appliances causing injury

If you’re not sure, call our office and we’ll help you determine if it’s an emergency. It’s always better to be reassured and safe!

The Most Common Dental Emergencies (What to Look For and What to Do)

We see a wide range of urgent situations at our Birmingham and Roseville locations. Here’s what you should know about the most frequent emergencies:

1. Severe Toothache or Sudden Tooth Pain

If tooth pain is keeping you from sleeping, eating, or daily activities, don’t ignore it. Severe or persistent tooth pain may indicate:

• Deep decay or infection in the tooth
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• An abscess or gum infection
• Impacted wisdom teeth

What to do:

Rinse gently with warm water and use dental floss to remove anything trapped. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers (used as directed) may help temporarily. Never put aspirin directly on your gums. Most importantly, call Whole Dental Wellness for same-day care, especially if there is swelling, fever, or the pain is escalating.

Pain and swelling that spreads quickly, makes it hard to swallow, or is accompanied by a high fever should be treated as a medical emergency.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A tooth that’s been knocked out needs urgent dental attention for the best chance of saving it. Time is of the essence; try to see a dentist within 30-60 minutes.

What to do:

Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. Gently rinse off any dirt with water; do not scrub or remove attached tissue fragments. Try to insert the tooth back into its socket and hold it there with a clean washcloth or gauze, or place it in milk or your own saliva to keep it moist. Then call our office and head in right away.

Only attempt to reinsert permanent teeth, never baby teeth.

3. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

If a tooth is cracked, broken, or deeply chipped with pain or exposed nerves, seek prompt care.

What to do:

Rinse your mouth and any tooth fragments with warm water. Apply a cold compress for swelling. If a sharp edge is causing discomfort, cover it with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum until you can see the dentist.

4. Dental Abscess (Tooth or Gum Infection)

An abscess is a serious infection, usually presenting as a painful swelling or a pus-filled bump on the gums. Look for signs like severe throbbing pain, fever, swelling of the cheek or jaw, or a persistent bad taste.

What to do:

Rinse with warm salt water to manage discomfort. Do not try to “pop” or drain the abscess yourself. Contact our office immediately. If you develop difficulty swallowing, breathing, or have facial swelling moving toward your eye or neck, seek emergency medical help without delay.

Learn more about dental abscesses and how we treat them at Whole Dental Wellness.

5. Uncontrolled Oral Bleeding

Bleeding that does not stop after 10-15 minutes of gentle pressure warrants immediate attention.

What to do:

Apply firm but gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Keep your head elevated. If the bleeding won’t stop, don’t wait and go to the nearest emergency room.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries, Broken Jaw, and Facial Trauma

Injuries to the mouth, lips, tongue, or jaw may need both dental and medical care.

What to do:

Rinse gently with water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and use a cold compress on swollen areas. For a suspected broken jaw or severe facial injury, head directly to the ER.

7. Lost Filling or Crown (Causing Pain)

A lost filling or crown is not always an emergency. However, if it leaves the tooth painful, sensitive, or exposed, call your dentist for prompt care.

What to do:

You may use dental cement, toothpaste, or even a bit of sugarless gum to cover the open area for short-term relief. Avoid chewing on the affected side and schedule an appointment right away.

8. Broken Braces or Orthodontic Appliances

Broken wires or brackets causing mouth injuries can be distressing.

What to do:

Place orthodontic wax over sharp edges and call the office. Do not attempt to cut or bend the wires yourself.

What’s Not Usually a Dental Emergency?

Not everything requires rushing to the office. Sensitivity that comes and goes, a minor chip without pain, or a lost filling without discomfort can typically wait for the next available appointment. Still, if you’re worried or symptoms get worse, never hesitate to call us for advice.

How Urgent Is It to Fix a Cavity?

Cavities should be treated as soon as possible. Small or moderate cavities may not cause pain but can progress rapidly if ignored, leading to infections or abscesses that are emergencies. If your cavity is causing pain, swelling, or a noticeable hole, please seek prompt evaluation.

You can read more about fillings and bonding options in Metro Detroit on our website.

Are Dental Emergencies Covered by Insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of your emergency visit (exam, X-rays, prescribed medication, or essential procedures like extractions or root canals). Coverage will vary depending on your policy.

Whole Dental Wellness participates with Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield fee schedules and accepts nearly all other insurance plans.

Our team will confirm your coverage, estimate your out-of-pocket cost, and answer every question before proceeding. If you don’t have insurance, ask about our flexible membership plan or payment options.

Learn about our membership and financing programs here.

What If My Tooth Pain Is Unbearable?

If your tooth pain is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter medication, call us for guidance. In the meantime:

• Rinse gently with salt water.
• Apply a cold compress externally.
• Avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.
• Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.

If pain is severe, spreading, or associated with swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, do not delay—call Whole Dental Wellness immediately so we can help you find relief and prevent further complications.

When to Call the Dentist vs. Go to the ER

Most dental emergencies are best handled in the dental office. However, seek emergency room care if you experience:

• Severe facial trauma or a possible broken jaw
• Rapidly spreading infection with trouble breathing or swallowing
• Bleeding that will not stop

For any other urgent concerns, please call Whole Dental Wellness. Our team will guide you and offer a same-day appointment when needed.

Why Trust Whole Dental Wellness for Emergency Dental Care?

Same-Day Appointments: We prioritize urgent needs and welcome emergency patients daily.

Expert Care: You’ll benefit from specialist-led treatment using advanced technology, ensuring fast, comfortable, and effective solutions.

Patient-Centered Philosophy: “We truly care about you, your whole health, and always doing what’s best for you. It’s our way of treating you like family.”

Trusted in the Community: Our Metro Detroit neighbors count on us in their most stressful moments. Just listen to the real voices of our patients:

“Absolutely wonderful staff and treatment! They really bent over backwards to help me with a crown before a big trip I have. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! 200% recommend!” — Little L., Google

“I’m deathly afraid of dentists due to negative experiences as a child, but when I needed a tooth pulled, they put me at ease, and I experienced no pain whatsoever. It was a very positive experience and will be using them in the future for certain.” — Big Bad W., Google

Emergency Dental Care Starts Here

No one plans for a dental emergency, but when it happens, acting quickly can save your smile and your health. Whole Dental Wellness is proud to deliver the trusted care you deserve when it matters most. Our team in Birmingham and Roseville is here to serve you with honesty, compassion, and leading-edge technology.

If you’re not sure whether your symptoms qualify as a dental emergency, just call us. We can’t wait to help you feel better and get back to what matters.

Want to learn more?

Read about our emergency dental services, whole health approach, or contact us directly for guidance.

For more information on dental emergencies and recommended first steps, you can also visit the American Dental Association's page on dental emergencies or the Cleveland Clinic's dental emergencies guide.

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