When you have a dental emergency, what should you do? Until you can see a dentist, our Ottawa dentists offer some tips on how to relieve pain and possibly improve your oral health.
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 respond in the event of a dental emergency can affect the outcome? We'll look at a few common dental emergencies and what you can do to improve your chances of a successful 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 that is making breathing or swallowing difficult? Your face may appear inflamed, and you may notice red or purple bruising forming.
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.
If you can keep the tooth in the socket where it fell out, you'll be fine. If this isn't possible, try preserving it and keeping it moist by putting it in a glass of milk or a container of your saliva. It's possible that your dentist will 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 Ottawa dental office immediately.
If you have a dental emergency, please contact our office right away. We will try to 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 determine the best treatment option.
5. Consider dental restorations, surgery or other treatment options.
Your dentist will go over your treatment options with you, which could include a crown, tooth extraction, dental implants, or other options. If necessary, the dentist can refer you to a specialist or make a recommendation for one. We take a proactive approach to treatment at Green Bank Hunt Club and always use the least invasive treatment options available.
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.