Dental emergencies can occur at any time. Sometimes, they can be minor, while other times, they may be concerning. Issues like chipped teeth or lost fillings fall in the former category, and dislodged or severe toothaches fall in the latter. Then, there are some categories that may seem like “not a big deal” but can potentially pose various risks like persistent gums bleeding or a small crack in the tooth. This blog post will talk about the common dental emergencies, what they are like and what to do about them.
Different Types of Dental Emergencies
| Dental Emergency | Symptoms | Immediate Treatment | When to See a Dentist |
| Toothache | Persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity | Rinse with warm water, floss gently, take pain relievers, apply a cold compress | If pain persists or worsens |
| Chipped/Broken Tooth | Visible break, sharp edges, pain | Rinse mouth, save any fragments, apply dental wax to sharp edges, take pain relievers | ASAP if painful or sharp edges present |
| Knocked-Out Tooth | Missing tooth, bleeding, pain | Rinse tooth gently, keep in milk or saliva, do not touch the root, try reinserting | Within 30-60 minutes for best chances of saving the tooth |
| Lost Filling or Crown | Pain, sensitivity to temperature | Apply dental cement or sugar-free gum to cover the area, avoid chewing on the affected side | Soon, especially if painful |
| Abscess or Infection | Swelling, pus, severe pain, fever | Rinse with salt water, take pain relievers, avoid applying heat | Immediately—dental infections can spread quickly |
| Broken Braces or Wires | Wire poking cheek, broken brackets | Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp ends, do not cut the wire | As soon as possible to prevent further damage |
| Bleeding Gums (Severe) | Excessive or continuous bleeding | Rinse with cold water, apply gauze and pressure | If bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes |
| Soft Tissue Injury (Tongue, Cheek, Lips) | Cuts, bleeding, swelling | Clean area with warm water, apply gauze and pressure, use cold compress | If bleeding is excessive or does not stop |
Severe Toothache
A toothache might seem like a minor issue, but when the pain becomes unbearable, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. We are saying this because usually severe toothaches indicate that you might have cavities, abscesses, gum disease, or even a cracked tooth. If you have a severe tooth, instead of ignoring it, seek proper treatment because overlooking the pain can lead to more serious complications, such as infections spreading to other parts of the body.
Here are some care tips to follow when you have severe toothache:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Use dental floss to remove any food particles that might be causing the pain.
- Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums, as this can cause burns.
- Visit an Emergency Dentist Toronto as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment
KnockedOut Tooth
Another tooth emergency that requires immediate dental attention is knocked-out tooth. It is infact one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Quick action can sometimes even save the tooth and allow it to be reimplanted, whether it’s due to a sports injury, an accident, or a fall.
Here is the first aid you need to know about when there is a case of knocked-out tooth:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but avoid scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.
- Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If not, store it in a container of milk or saline solution to keep it moist.
- Get to an emergency dental clinic immediately—time is critical for saving the tooth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can result from biting down on something hard, trauma, or even untreated decay weakening the tooth. Usually the symptoms are pain, sensitivity, and aesthetic concerns, depending on the severity.
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, you should follow these tips:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Save any broken pieces of the tooth if possible.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
- Visit an emergency dentist to assess the damage and determine the best treatment, which may include bonding, a crown, or a veneer.
Lost or Damaged Dental Filling or Crown
Dental fillings and crowns are designed to protect your teeth. But after sometime they fall out or become damaged. When this happens, the underlying tooth is exposed and vulnerable to further damage or infection.
Here are some tips to follow when you have lost or damaged dental filling or crown:
- Save the filling or crown if possible.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
- Use dental cement (available at most pharmacies) as a temporary solution to cover the exposed area.
- Schedule an emergency dental appointment to have the filling or crown replaced or repaired.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. It can cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and even a bad taste in your mouth. Ignoring it can lead to sever infections that can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
Here are some tips to follow to treat dental abscess:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to help reduce pain and draw out pus.
- Avoid applying heat to the area, as this can worsen the infection.
- Seek immediate care at an emergency dental clinic. Treatment may include draining the abscess, antibiotics, or a root canal.
Wrapping Up
Dental emergencies can be really frightening, but knowing how to handle them can make the great difference. If you experience any of these issues instead of waiting you should seek help from an emergency dental clinic right away. Prompt treatment not only lifts up the pain but also prevents further complications and protects your oral health.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and wearing protective gear during sports can help reduce the risk of dental emergencies. However, if the unexpected happens, you can rest assured that emergency dental clinics are there to provide the care you need, when you need it most.
