Emergency Dental Care
Regular dental check-ups are the best way to avoid needing emergency dental care. But dental emergencies do occur even when every precaution is taken to avoid them. Every month we see numerous patients needing immediate dental care – whether for toothache remedies and pain or broken tooth repair, among many other things. We always reserve space in our daily schedule to provide emergency dental care. Here are some tips to help you decide whether you need emergency dental care:
Swelling
Swelling in the mouth is probably the most serious condition that requires attention from an emergency dentist, especially if it is accompanied by a fever and or trouble swallowing or breathing. Swelling can be caused by an infection, a cyst, an injury, blocked salivary glands, infection, or even cancer. Cold compresses can often help you feel more comfortable until you can get to our clinic.
Toothache Pain
Toothache pain is a signal that something is wrong and usually requires emergency dental care. Rinsing your mouth with warm water and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help relieve the pain until you arrive at our clinic.
Loss of a Tooth
When an adult tooth is knocked out, emergency dental care is absolutely necessary.
- Clean the tooth as best as you can and try to place it back in the socket.
- Call the Clinic! If a tooth is replaced within 30 minutes the chances that it can be saved are very high. If the tooth can’t be re-set into the socket it should be kept in a cup of milk until you can get here.
Loss of a Filling, Bridge, or Broken Crown Repair
Although this kind of problem may not always require emergency dental care, it is very important that you make an appointment to come into the clinic as soon as possible. If you have a large hole in your tooth or if there is a sharp edge causing discomfort, cover it with sugar-free chewing gum until you can get here.
Broken Tooth Repair or Pain From Broken Teeth
A broken adult tooth usually does not require emergency dental care, but again, it is important to call the centre as soon as possible. Not only is it uncomfortable, it can often be embarrassing to walk around with a broken tooth. In the meantime if you are experiencing discomfort, cover the broken area with soft sugar-free gum until your office visit.
Broken Dentures
Broken dentures do not usually necessitate emergency dentistry, but they can cause significant cosmetic problems and make it very difficult to function. Make a convenient appointment. We can often make a repair right here in the centre. Don’t ever try to fix your dentures yourself.
