What should you do if you have a dental emergency? Our Calgary dentists offer some tips on how to relieve pain and potentially improve your oral health until you can see a dentist.
I have a dental emergency. What should I do?
Dental emergencies can take many forms and happen any time of the day or night. You may have a tooth knocked out, an abscess, injury to the gums or other painful conditions.
Did you know that the speed with which you act in the event of a dental emergency can have an impact on the outcome? We'll look at a few common dental emergencies and what you can do to improve your chances of a positive outcome.
1. Identify your dental emergency
Here are some common dental emergencies and quick explanations of what you can do:
Severe SwellingDo you have moderate to severe swelling on your face, mouth or neck areas that are causing you to have difficulty breathing or swallowing? Your face will often appear inflamed and you may see red or purple bruising starting to form.
Chipped, Broken or Knocked Out TeethChipped, broken or knocked out teeth often have jagged edges. There may be parts of the tooth still in your mouth or the entire tooth and the root may have fallen out.
If you’ve fractured or chipped a tooth, try to find the missing piece and bring it to your appointment. Be careful to only hold the tooth by the crown (the part that’s visible in your mouth, which you use to chew food).
Rinse the tooth in water. Do not use soap or chemicals, and do not wrap it in tissue or a towel, as this can damage it. Also, ensure you don’t rub or agitate the tooth.
Hold the tooth in the socket it fell out of if possible. If this isn't possible, try preserving it and keeping it moist by putting it in a container of your saliva or a glass of milk. The tooth may be able to be reattached by your dentist.
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 Calgary dental office immediately.
If you have a dental emergency, please contact our office right away. We can schedule an appointment for you to see a dentist at our dental clinic as soon as possible. Our dentists can examine the swelling or affected area to determine the cause and plan the best treatment approach.
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 Pensak Houghton Dentistry, we take a preventive approach to treatment and always use the most non-invasive treatment options at our disposal.
If you bookmark our website or type "dentist near me" into your preferred search engine, our information will most likely appear. We will gladly answer any questions, address any pain or other symptoms, and explain treatment options in plain English.