Dental Emergency

What to do in case of a Dental Emergency

dental emergency services

No one is immune to dental emergencies and they can happen at the most inopportune times. But there are steps you can take to make it less traumatic. Receiving prompt treatment is important to minimize permanent damage to your teeth and mouth.

If you or your child has a dental emergency, it is important to stay calm, call us at 905.731.1871 and we will make your appointment at the earliest time possible. The issue evaluated by your dentist immediately, will reduce the chance for complications. Dental emergencies can be caused by teeth that are fractured or cracked from trauma, biting on a hard object, or bruxism or teeth grinding. Other emergency situations include loose or lost fillings and crowns, damaged bridges, or a tooth that is knocked out. Dental emergencies almost always get worse if not treated urgently. Physical health can even be put at risk by serious dental conditions.

Dental emergencies that involve an avulsed or knocked out tooth require immediate dental attention. Damage occurs to tissue, nerves, and blood vessels when a tooth is knocked out. If treated in time, dentists are sometimes able to save the tooth by placing it back in its socket. It is important that this be done within an hour of the tooth being knocked out. If the damage is severe a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. If a tooth is knocked out take the following steps in an effort to save it:

  • Call the dentist.
  • Pick the tooth up by the crown -do not touch the root- and rinse it with warm water.
  • Put the tooth back in the socket if possible or in the cheek if it’s not possible to reinsert it.
  • If it’s not possible to reinsert the tooth or hold it in the cheek, put the tooth in a cup of saliva, milk, or water to protect it. It is important not to let the tooth dry out.
  • Get to the dentist as soon as safely as possible.

When a filling or crown becomes loose or falls out the tooth becomes extremely sensitive to temperature changes and can be very painful. Often they come loose or fall out because the tooth is decaying beneath the filling or crown which affects its bond to the tooth.

Broken or cracked teeth can be almost pain-free or excruciating if the crack extends to the root. If you have a tooth that is cracked or is broken see your dentist as soon as possible.

Keep the following steps in mind if you have a loose filling or crown, a filling or crown that falls out, or a tooth that is broken or cracked.

  • Call your dentist.
  • Apply clove oil to the affect area or tooth.
  • Rinse the crown or tooth fragment with lukewarm water.
  • If you experience bleeding apply a wet gauze compress for 10 minutes.
  • Apply a cold compress to cheek to reduce swelling.
  • For crowns affix it to the tooth with dental cement. If the crown can’t be found place dental cement on top of the affect tooth. Never use any type of glue to affix the tooth.
  • Take an over the counter pain medication and see your dentist as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about dental emergencies contact your dentist at Dentistry For You Clinic in Thornhill at 905.731.1871