What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any issue that requires immediate attention to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, or save a tooth. Common causes include accidents, fights, untreated cavities reaching the nerve, or severe infections that could be life-threatening.
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry can help save your natural teeth, prevent infection from spreading, and avoid costly procedures. For instance, if a tooth is knocked out, it may be reattached within a short window of time, potentially saving you from expensive implants. Acting quickly can lead to more natural and affordable treatments for other dental emergencies. Contact an Emergency Dentist in Bowmanville, Ontario for prompt care and guidance.
What to Do if You’re Experiencing a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be alarming, but staying calm is essential. Follow these first aid steps and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Toothache
Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area. You can take pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil)—avoid Aspirin, as it can thin the blood. Make sure to note the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If the tooth is clean, try to place it back in the socket. If it’s not clean, rinse it gently—do not scrub. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of warm milk. Call us immediately—treating the tooth within the hour increases the chances of saving it.
Broken Teeth
Find and save all pieces of the tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove smaller pieces. If bleeding, apply sterile gauze to stop it. Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Call us right away to restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
Abscess
Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day. An abscess is an infection at the tooth root or between teeth and gums, which can spread to other areas of the body if untreated. Call us to have the abscess treated before it causes further damage.
Fallen-Out Filling
Temporarily cover the hole with orthodontic wax (found at most drugstores) until you can see a dentist. This is only a temporary solution—contact us as soon as possible for a permanent fix.
Jaw Injury
Avoid solid foods and apply an ice pack to your face. Call us immediately to assess the injury. If you think your jaw might be broken, seek emergency dental care right away.
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
While dental first aid tips can be helpful, the best first step is always to call us! We will provide guidance over the phone to help alleviate your pain, save your tooth, and ensure you get here as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the directions on any medication you take. If it’s safe for you, pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin may help ease the pain temporarily. However, dental pain is often nerve-related, and the only lasting relief will come from professional treatment. Be sure to note what you took, how much, and when, and inform us when you arrive.
Yes, you can go to the Emergency Room (ER) for emergency dental care. The ER will treat the problem and bill your health insurance, but they are unlikely to perform extensive dental treatments unless it’s a health emergency. They may provide temporary pain relief until you can see a dentist.
If a broken tooth is left untreated, bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection or abscess. It also poses a risk of nerve damage, which may eventually require a root canal.
If an abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease, but dental treatment is still necessary. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection can spread to your jaw and other areas of your head and neck, potentially causing sepsis—a life-threatening condition.
Recovery time depends on the procedure, but most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a few days. Full recovery may take up to two weeks for more complex procedures.
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