We know that Livonia residents try their best to stay out of the emergency room. No one wants to leave the comfort of a warm home to travel to the ER, especially if it’s dental-related. That’s what the dentist is for, yes? Unfortunately, ER visits for dental emergencies are all too common and, according to the American Dental Association, have doubled in the last decade. So what should you do if you have a dental emergency but can’t wait till the Livonia Family Dental office opens on Monday morning?
First, know that there are many different number of dental emergencies that you might have. Most are not life threatening. These include toothaches, chipped teeth, lost fillings, lost crowns, or abscesses. Nearly all dental emergencies are uncomfortable, and most are quite painful. You can relieve the pain by using a cold compress, rinsing with warm water, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. These are all temporary measures that should provide relief until you can get an appointment with your family dentist in Livonia. At Livonia Family Dental, we make every effort to immediately see you in our office when you have a dental emergency. We know that children especially require urgent dental attention, and we make it our top priority to accommodate your child.
Second, be mindful of changes to your oral health. If you lack dental insurance, you may be compelled to seek dental care for minor toothaches. However, the longer you delay a visit to a Livonia family dentist, the more likely you are to need extensive dental work. At Livonia Family Dental, our team prefers a small cavity filling over a root canal or tooth extraction! Pay close attention to changes in your mouth and teeth. Don’t wait till your minor dental problem becomes a major one.
Finally, know that preventive dental care is the best solution to avoiding dental emergencies. We recommend a consistent oral hygiene routine, regularly scheduled check-ups and teeth cleanings, and annual digital x-rays. This general dentistry advice will help you avoid the aches and pains of gum disease and tooth decay.
If you (or a family member) find yourself with a dental emergency, Livonia Family Dental is ready to provide you with the best dental care available in this region of Michigan. Do not hesitate to call us for any of your dental needs!