5 Things to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency

Need immediate dental assistance? Our dentists at Toronto are here to guide you on relieving pain and safeguarding your oral health until you can schedule an appointment.

I have a dental emergency. What should I do?

Dental emergencies can occur in various ways and at any time, day or night. Examples include a knocked-out tooth, an abscess, gum injury, or other painful conditions.

Quick action during a dental emergency can significantly impact the final outcome. Let's discuss some common dental emergencies and learn what you can do to increase your chances of a positive result.

1. Identify your dental emergency

Here are some common dental emergencies and quick explanations of what you can do:

Severe Swelling

If you have significant swelling on your face, mouth, or neck that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, you may have moderate to severe swelling. You may notice red or purple bruising and an inflamed appearance on your face.

Chipped, Broken or Knocked Out Teeth

When your teeth are chipped, broken, or knocked out, they may have rough edges. You might find fragments of the tooth in your mouth or the entire tooth, including the root, may have come out.

If you chip or fracture a tooth, try to locate the missing piece and bring it to your dental appointment. Hold the tooth by the visible part in your mouth (the crown) when handling it, avoiding contact with soaps, chemicals, tissues, or towels that could harm it.

Refrain from rubbing or disturbing the tooth. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket it fell from. If that's not feasible, keep it moist by submerging it in your saliva or a glass of milk.

This will help preserve it until your dentist can potentially reattach it.

Lost Crown or Filling

When a crown or filling falls out, you may have lost parts or the entire restoration. Look for the crown or filling, rinse it, and try your best to place it back onto the tooth.

2. Use home remedies for pain or swelling

Try placing an ice pack on your face and rinsing your mouth with warm water to reduce pain and swelling.

3. Stay Calm

Dental emergencies, though painful, are temporary. Take deep breaths and remain calm while reaching out to your dentist for guidance.

4. Contact our Toronto dental office immediately.

Need urgent dental care? Give our office a call right away. We'll arrange an appointment with one of our skilled dentists at our clinic, prioritizing your needs. Our experienced team will carefully assess any swelling or affected area to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan that suits you best.

5. Consider dental restorations, surgery or other treatment options.

Your dentist will discuss different treatment options with you, such as a crown, tooth extraction, dental implants, or other alternatives. If necessary, the dentist can also refer you to a specialist.

We prioritize preventive treatment and always choose the least invasive options available. Feel free to bookmark our website or search "dentist near me" to find our information easily. We are here to answer your questions, address any pain or symptoms you may have, and explain treatment options in a way that is easy to understand.