Dental emergencies can strike at any moment, and knowing what to do can make all the difference. At Heritage Dental Centre in Edmonton, we understand the urgency and provide swift, compassionate care. Here’s your straightforward guide to handling dental emergencies before reaching our clinic.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Avoid applying painkillers directly to the gums—they can burn the tissue.
- Chipped/Broken Tooth: Save any pieces. Rinse the mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
Step 2: Minimize Pain and Swelling
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek or lips over the broken tooth to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- For a toothache, a cold compress can also help. Avoid heat or hot foods, which might increase pain.
Step 3: Handle Tooth Loss with Care
- If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth) and rinse the root with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.
- If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk (or water if milk is not available).
Step 4: Temporary Measures for Lost Fillings or Crowns
- For a lost filling, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity or use over-the-counter dental cement.
- If a crown falls off, save the crown and, if possible, slip it back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive to help hold the crown in place.
Step 5: Addressing Abscesses
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. They can be serious and can spread infection to other parts of the body if left untreated. Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Step 6: Contact Heritage Dental Centre Immediately
In any dental emergency, call us as soon as possible. We’ll provide specific instructions on how to care for your dental emergency and schedule a prompt appointment.
At Heritage Dental Centre, we’re always ready to assist during a dental crisis. Remember, quick action and staying calm can help significantly in the outcome of a dental emergency. Bookmark this guide for quick access, and know that our team is here to provide you with the emergency care you need, when you need it.
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Dr. Siew Tan
Siew has worked at Heritage Dental Centre since 2002 and has over 20 years of dental experience.
