There are several types of dental emergencies, such as toothaches, cracked or chipped teeth, abscesses, and lost fillings. It’s important to address these emergencies as soon as possible. Some infections can be life-threatening if not treated in time. A delay in treatment can worsen the condition and result in irreversible dental damage. Here are some tips for dealing with a dental emergency that will help minimize pain and prevent irreparable harm:
Talk to your dentist
Call your dentist right away and let them know that you need an appointment. If your dentist does not accept emergency dental cases, look for someone who does. The Richmond West Dental office in Downtown Toronto provides same-day dental emergency care. You should have someone make an appointment for you if you are unable to speak due to your condition. Inform your dentist about your current health, medications, recent changes in habits, etc. Your dentist will let you know what to do before your appointment. Don’t forget to take notes.
Identify the nature of your dental emergency
Your dentist may not be available right away. As such, you should take action based on the nature of your dental emergency.
Throbbing pain and swelling: It might be an infection. You need to treat it right away. If you are unable to reach an emergency dentist, contact your family doctor, go to an urgent care clinic, or visit your nearest hospital’s emergency room. Severe oral infections can lead to sepsis, septic shock, and tooth loss if they are not treated immediately.
Knocked-out tooth: If possible, place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root – it may still be able to be saved. If that’s not possible, hold the tooth in your cheek until you can get to the dentist or ER. Make sure it is moist. There may be a tooth preserving kit available at your local pharmacy. Place your tooth in milk or saline if you cannot get any. Treating the tooth immediately may help the root to reconnect.
Sudden toothache or abscess: You may have something stuck in your gums. After flossing and rinsing, swish warm salt water around in your mouth. It might just be a food particle and can be removed easily. Sharp pain may indicate an infection or advanced decay. A root canal, an extraction, or an implant may be needed to fix the tooth.
Cracked or chipped teeth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and be careful not to swallow a piece of the broken tooth or cut the inside of your mouth with it. Using a clean cloth can help you avoid cutting your tongue on the sharp edges of the tooth. Bring as many pieces of the tooth as possible to your dentist.
Don’t wait
Dental emergencies can’t be left to heal on their own. Get the care you need immediately. This could result in you losing your tooth and making the infection worse. Richmond West Dental offers emergency care in downtown Toronto. Regardless of your situation, our experienced dentist can help you save your teeth.
If you have a dental emergency, call 416-366-0777 right away or book an appointment online to see the dentist right away.