Dental emergencies are scary. However, they become even scarier when you don’t know what to do.
Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency, what to do in the immediate aftermath, and where to seek help will enable you to remain calm and composed in the midst of an emergency. In this guide, we will outline what you need to know in the event of an accident or injury.
If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, please contact the 24/7 emergency dental team at Bloor West Smiles immediately. Please call us now at (647) 692-3013.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
Is what you’re experiencing a dental emergency? How do you know? What should you do? First, begin by asking yourself these questions.
- How severe is your pain? Is it an 8/10 or higher?
- Is a tooth broken, loose, or knocked out entirely?
- Is there mild-to-severe bleeding from your mouth?
- Do you see swelling in your face or jaw area?
- Are you nauseous or running a fever?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention and care. Not all dental problems are emergencies, but every emergency is a problem. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you are likely experiencing an emergency and should seek immediate medical attention. You must contact an emergency dentist office, like Bloor West Smiles, or go to an emergency ward at a hospital.
Emergency dentists are trained to handle a wide range of emergency situations. However, some accidents require broader medical care. Broken jaws, facial trauma, and severe infections (accompanied by an extremely high fever and vomiting) warrant a hospital visit.
Signs You Should Visit an Emergency Dentist Office
The more familiar you are with the signs of a dental emergency, the faster you will be able to react when one occurs. Time is of the essence. Prompt treatment is crucial for minimizing damage and alleviating your discomfort. Delaying treatment, on the other hand, can have serious consequences.
If you or someone you know experience any of the following signs, please seek professional help from an emergency dentist immediately.
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Knocked-out or loose tooth
- Severe and persistent toothache
- Swollen and painful jaw
- Growth or sore in the mouth
- Lost filling or crown
- Taste of metal
- Broken orthodontics
- Trauma to the mouth
Common Dental Injuries
1. Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
Your tooth is hard on the outside, yet inside, it consists of sensitive, living tissue and nerves. This is known as the dental pulp. When the hard exterior is cracked, chipped, or broken, it can expose the pulp to bacteria and infection.
If the pulp becomes infected following a fracture, you may require a root canal or complete tooth extraction. That’s why chips, cracks, and other types of tooth injuries require urgent medical attention. Even minor chips and cracks should be checked out by a dentist as soon as possible.
2. Loose tooth
Unless you’re a child with baby teeth, your teeth shouldn’t be loose. A wiggly or loose adult tooth will not fix itself, so you need to see a dentist quickly. When a tooth becomes loose in its socket, there’s a high likelihood that it will be knocked out entirely.
Loose teeth also tend to hurt. In such cases, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and come to Bloor West Smiles emergency dental clinic.
3. Knocked-out tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out entirely, do not panic. Get to an emergency dentist immediately. The emergency dentists at Bloor West Smiles may be able to re-insert your knocked-out tooth if you get to us within an hour.
First, retrieve the dislodged tooth by picking it up by the crown (the part that’s usually visible above your gums). Rinse with warm water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. Put the tooth in a small cup of milk and bring it to us.
4. Abscess
Dental abscesses are severe oral health issues that require urgent attention. They look like a swollen pimple around the root of a tooth or along your gum line. It’s a serious infection that can cause facial swelling and pain. If untreated, the infection may also spread to other parts of your body.
5. Severe toothache
Teeth aren’t supposed to hurt. Minor-to-mild toothaches mean something is wrong and you should schedule a checkup with your dentist soon. A severe and persistent toothache, however, can require emergency attention. It could be a sign that you have an out-of-control cavity, a severe tooth infection, or a tooth injury.
Unsure if your toothache is severe? If the pain is an 8/10 or higher, keeps you awake at night, and lasts for more than one or two days, it’s severe. Apply a cold compress to your cheek, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and visit Bloor West Smiles. Do not take aspirin or place any painkillers against your gums.
What to Do in an Emergency
- Contact an emergency dental office, like Bloor West Smiles in Toronto. We’re ready to help!
- If you’re bleeding from your mouth, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean washcloth to slow or stop the bleeding. Lean forward to prevent blood from flowing down your throat.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth if you have a toothache, knocked-out tooth, or swollen jaw.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen. Do not take aspirin. Do not place medicine directly on your gums.
- Find the knocked-out tooth or pieces of tooth. Place them in a cup of milk and bring them to your emergency dentist.
- Do not attempt any home remedies, as these can lead to further damage and complications.
Contact the Emergency Dentists at Bloor West Smiles
Emergencies don’t adhere to regular business hours. That’s why Bloor West Smiles has a 24/7 phone line for emergency dental care services in Toronto. We are extremely experienced at handling severe and complex cases. From the moment you call us, you will receive compassionate and comprehensive care.
For dental emergency care in Toronto, call Bloor West Smiles at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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