What should you do if you're dealing with a dental emergency? Our dentists in Edmonton offer some advice on how to reduce pain - and potentially help your oral health - until you can visit a dentist.
I have a dental emergency. What should I do next?
Dental emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night. There are several types of dental emergency - you may have an injury to the gums, a knocked out tooth, an abscess or other painful condition.
Did you know that if you act fast during a dental emergency, your actions may influence the final outcome? We'll list a few common dental emergencies and what you can do to give yourself the best opportunity for a positive outcome.
1. Identify your dental emergency
Here are a few of the most common dental emergencies, with quick explanations of what you can do:
Severe SwellingAre you experiencing moderate to severe swelling in your face, neck or mouth areas? This may be causing you to have difficulty swallowing or breathing. Your face will often appear inflamed and you might see red or purple bruising start to appear.
Chipped, Broken or Knocked Out TeethChipped, fractured or knocked out teeth will often have jagged edges. Parts of the tooth might still be in your mouth, or the entire tooth and the root may have fallen out.
If your tooth has been fractured or chipped, try to find the missing tooth and bring it to your appointment. Remember to hold the tooth only by the crown (the part that's visible in your mouth, which you use to chew food).
After rinsing the tooth in only water (do not use soap or chemicals), avoid wrapping it in a towel or tissue as this can cause damage. Also, ensure you don't agitate or rub the tooth.
If you can, hold the tooth in the socket it fell out of. If this is not possible, try to preserve it and keep it moist by placing it in a glass of milk or container of your saliva. Your dentist might be able to reattach the tooth.
Lost Crown or FillingLost crowns or fillings may leave pieces in the mouth or you may have lost the entire restoration. Try to locate the crown or filling, and rinse it. Do your best to place it back on the tooth.
2. Use home remedies for pain or swelling
You might consider holding an ice pack to your face to minimize pain and swelling, and rinsing your mouth with warm water.
3. Stay Calm
As painful as a dental emergency can be, it will pass. Breathe deeply and try to stay calm as you contact your dentist and ask for advice.
4. Contact our Edmonton dental office immediately.
Call our office immediately for any dental emergency. We can make an appointment for you to see a dentist as soon as possible at our dental clinic. Our dentists can examine the swelling or affected area to determine the cause and plan the best approach to treatment.
5. Consider dental restorations, surgery or other treatment options.
Your dentist will explain your treatment options, which may include a crown, tooth extraction, dental implants, or alternatives. The dentist can also provide a referral or recommendation for a specialist if required. At Emergency Dental Clinics, we take a preventive approach to treatment and always use the most non-invasive treatment options at our disposal.
Bookmark our website or type "dentist near me" into your favourite search engine, and our information will likely come up. We will be happy to answer any questions, address pain or other symptoms and explain treatment options in language you can understand.