Orthodontic Emergencies

It is important to be prepared for when a minor or major orthodontic emergency occurs. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure if you need urgent medical attention, you will need to first assess the severity of the problem. Dislodged, fractured, or knocked-out teeth usually require urgent attention. With minor emergencies, the problem is usually just an irritant and can be tended to at home until you can schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.

Minor Emergencies

The following are common minor orthodontic emergencies that can be treated at home until you can see your orthodontist:

Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands, or Wires

You can experience discomfort with your braces if you do not follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Eating foods that can easily damage or alter braces can result in loose brackets, bands, or wires, which can ultimately lead to breakage. This type of malfunction can result in your hardware poking the inside of your mouth, causing painful irritation or other types of injuries. Placing orthodontic wax over the hardware problem will temporarily relieve your discomfort until you can see your orthodontist.

Wire, Tie, or Bracket Shifts from its Proper Position

As you talk and eat food normally throughout the day, your braces will slightly adjust on their own. However, if an archwire or other hardware component significantly deviates from its proper position, it can poke the inside of your mouth and cause discomfort. You can use tweezers to adjust the hardware temporarily, so that you can eat and speak normally until you are able to see your orthodontist.

Severe Tooth Pain or Loosening

Some discomfort is normal when it comes to the shifting or loosening of your teeth as your braces do their job. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help decrease the pain. However, it’s important to recognize when your discomfort far exceeds what is normal. High impact, such as by a sports or vehicle accident, against your braces and teeth can cause severe pain. You will need to see your orthodontist as soon as you can so they can re-strengthen your teeth and maintain your treatment timeline.

Broken Retainers

Retainers are important for the longevity of your post-treatment routine and they are very fragile. If it ever breaks or bends in a strange way, visit your orthodontist for a repair or replacement.

Swallowing Part of Your Equipment

Though this is a less likely occurrence, swallowing an appliance can still happen. If your retainer has broken into small pieces in your mouth, it’s possible to accidentally swallow it when you’re sleeping or not paying attention. In most cases, the bit of your retainer will pass through your digestive system without harm. However, if you are choking or finding it hard to breathe, you will need to go to the emergency room immediately.

Major Emergencies

If you have sustained a high-impact blow to the mouth and are experiencing severe bleeding and pain, you will need to go to the hospital immediately. The emergency room may not have the expertise or equipment you need to repair your braces; however, you should still go if you’ve also sustained trauma to your neck or head. After you’re cleared to leave the emergency room, visit your orthodontist as soon as possible to repair or replace any damage done to your braces.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.