What Is a Dental Emergency?
Any dental issue requiring immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth qualifies as a dental emergency. These can result from accidents, trauma, infections, or untreated cavities reaching the nerve. Some dental emergencies can even become life-threatening if ignored.
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dental treatment can:
- Save your natural teeth
- Prevent infections from spreading
- Minimize pain and avoid more invasive treatments
For instance, if your tooth gets knocked out in an accident, there’s a small window in which it can be saved. Fast action not only avoids implants but also spares you from more painful and costly procedures.
Seek emergency care if you have:
- Severe, persistent pain
- A knocked-out tooth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Loose or broken braces
- An abscess or swelling on your gums
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can be frightening, but staying calm is key. Follow these first-aid tips and reach out to a Dentist in Kitchener right away.
Toothache
Apply a cold compress and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (avoid aspirin). Record the dosage and time. Call for further instructions.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle by the crown, not the root. Gently try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in warm milk. Time is critical, contact us immediately.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth, apply gauze for bleeding, and use a cold compress. Save any tooth fragments. Call for an appointment ASAP.
Abscess
Rinse with a saltwater solution. Abscesses can be dangerous and spread quickly. Immediate dental care is necessary.
Lost Filling
Cover the area with orthodontic wax as a temporary fix. You still need a permanent repair, see a dentist promptly.
Jaw Injury
Avoid solid food and apply ice. If you suspect a fracture, seek emergency dental care immediately.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though home remedies may help temporarily, the best thing to do is call us right away. We’ll walk you through immediate steps and schedule you in as quickly as possible.
Tylenol, Advil, may offer temporary relief. Always follow dosage instructions and let us know what you’ve taken when you come in.
Yes. ERs often only offer temporary relief for dental problems. For lasting treatment, you’ll need a dentist.
You risk infection, nerve damage, or even needing a root canal.
It can become life-threatening. Sepsis is a serious risk when infections go untreated. Seek immediate care if you suspect an abscess.
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