3 Common Dental Emergencies & What to Do if They Occur

Dental emergencies, unfortunately, cannot be anticipated and will occur when you least expect them.

While prevention and good dental care are essential steps in preserving your oral health, knowing what to do in case of an emergency can help prevent further damage from happening.

Whether you’ve lost a tooth during an accident or have left a toothache unchecked, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately, as waiting till the next day to deal with it will only make matters worse

Many people have trouble differentiating between urgent and non-urgent dental emergencies, so we’ve compiled a list below detailing common emergencies and how to handle them.

Knocked-Out Tooth

One moment you may be playing your favourite sport, and the next you see your tooth flying out of your mouth.

In this situation, the first thing to do is to locate your missing tooth, as it may be salvaged and reinstalled in your mouth. If you find it, carefully pick it up by the crown instead of the roots and place it in a jar of milk or water with a pinch of salt.

Be sure not to rub the tooth or clean it off, as you may remove vital tissue needed to restore it. Depending on the injury you may be able to place the tooth back in its socket, but if it proves too difficult, preserve it in a jar and immediately bring it to your dentist.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Whether you’ve bitten down too hard on something or have taken a fall, chipped or broken teeth can be quite painful.

Minor injuries may include small chips and breaks in the enamel, whereas more severe scenarios include damage to the inner layers of your teeth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a piece of gauze to the site of the bleeding.

Then, apply a cool compress to the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Lost Filling or Crown

Crowns and fillings are typically used to restore damaged teeth to optimal appearance and function.

A lost filling can be incredibly painful and dangerous, as it exposes the cavity and leaves it susceptible to infections. Decay is a common cause of loose fillings and crowns, though the crowns can usually be recemented in a simple procedure.

Place sugarless gum into the cavity but do not attempt to fix the tooth yourself. Be sure to contact your dentist immediately after the incident and set up an appointment to restore the filling or crown.

Exceptional Emergency Dental Services in Ottawa

Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly and can be rather irritating.

While you can’t avoid dental emergencies, there are some precautions you can take including maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine, going to the dentist for regular checkups, and wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.

Our friendly and dedicated staff at Sekhon Family Dentistry strives to provide our patients with the highest quality of care when dealing with a dental emergency.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact our team now!