What To Do in a Dental Emergency

Ten out of ten dentists recommend seeking immediate treatment if you're suffering from a dental emergency in Toronto. If you delay in seeking treatment, it may lead to further complications. Plus, many dental emergencies can be treated easily if they are caught early.

If you have a dental emergency for any of the following reasons, seek the help of a dentist. In some instances, you may be able to book a last-minute appointment if the pain is bearable and your emergency isn’t urgent. However, in other instances, seeking out an emergency dentist that can accommodate walk-in appointments may be necessary. In case of an emergency, have the number of your dentist and a backup emergency office near your phone.

Toothache

If you have a toothache, before heading to a walk-in emergency dental office, call your family dentist to see if you can book an appointment the following day. Seeing your family dentist, even in an emergency, can ensure you’re seeing someone who knows your records and any potential allergies or sensitivities. (Tip: When searching for a family dentist, try to choose one that offers emergency dental services as well.)

In the meantime, rinse with warm water to remove any debris from your mouth and floss the affected tooth if it doesn’t cause too much discomfort. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth, over the affected tooth, to help with any swelling. To minimize pain and inflammation, try Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relief medication.

If the pain is so severe that you cannot sleep or eat and none of the methods recommended above provide relief, contact a dentist immediately or visit an emergency dental clinic.

Broken or Partially Dislodged Tooth

If you suffer a broken or partially dislodged tooth, there are treatment options available. A dentist will recommend that you rinse gently and try to recover as many fragments of the tooth as you can. Reattachment of recovered tooth fragments is possible sometimes. Hold a gauze compress to stop any bleeding and get to your dentist immediately. If there’s any swelling, gently apply a cold compress.

Dislodged Tooth

If this occurs, get to your dentist immediately! They may be able to replace the tooth in the socket if you act within an hour. If this happens, hold the tooth by the top and gently rinse it off. Place it in a pillbox or other empty container with warm milk or lightly salted water and head to your dentist’s office.

Dislodged Crown

Like a dislodged tooth, a dislodged crown is considered an immediate dental emergency. Place your crown in a clear plastic bag and take it to your emergency dental clinic. There may be some pain, but it can be easily remedied using Aspirin, ibuprofen, an alternative pain relief medication, or clove oil dabbed on the affected area.

Loose or Lost Fillings

A loose or lost filling warrants an emergency visit to the dentist too. If you're going to have to wait for treatment, stick to liquids and soft foods; anything hard may just cause damage to the tooth. Also ensure that you keep the tooth clean and avoid sugary or acidic foods that may risk further damage to the tooth.

In Any Dental Emergency, Visit Princeview Dental

If you suffer a dental emergency, Princeview Dental, a Toronto dentist located on the Kingsway, can provide immediate, same-day treatment.

But remember: don't delay in seeking treatment. Putting off seeing a dentist can lead to further damage to your tooth; in some instances, the damage may become irreversible. If you seek treatment immediately, there is a good chance Princeview Dental can save the tooth or greatly limit any damage, so contact us immediately.