What to do in a dental emergency: Tips and tricks from a Calgary NW emergency dentist

Dental emergencies can be scary and painful, but knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make all the difference. As a emergency dentist calgary nw, I have seen my fair share of dental emergencies, and I want to share some tips and tricks to help you handle any dental emergency that comes your way.

Toothache

Toothaches are a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the pain. However, do not apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gums as this can cause chemical burns.

If the pain persists or becomes unbearable, contact an emergency dentist immediately. Delaying treatment can worsen the condition, and in some cases, result in tooth loss.

Broken or chipped tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a sports injury or biting down on a hard object. If you experience a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the tooth is bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops.

If possible, try to retrieve the broken or chipped piece of tooth and place it in a container of milk or saliva. This will help preserve the tooth and increase the chances of successful reattachment. Contact an emergency dentist immediately as prompt treatment can save the tooth.

Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If you have a knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse it with water. Do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments attached to the tooth as this can damage the tooth’s root. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze.

If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and contact an emergency dentist immediately. Prompt treatment can increase the chances of successful reimplantation.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown is a common dental emergency that can cause pain and sensitivity. If you lose a filling or crown, rinse your mouth with warm water and try to retrieve the filling or crown if possible. Apply a small amount of dental cement or toothpaste to the affected tooth to alleviate sensitivity and protect the exposed area.

Contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible to have the filling or crown replaced. Delaying treatment can result in further damage to the tooth and the need for more extensive treatment.

Abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth is a serious dental emergency that can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If you have an abscessed tooth, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the pain.

Contact an emergency dentist immediately as an abscessed tooth requires prompt treatment, which may include draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics.

Broken braces or wires

Broken braces or wires can be a painful and uncomfortable dental emergency. If you have a broken brace or wire, try to reposition it using tweezers or a pencil eraser. Apply orthodontic wax to the affected area to alleviate pain and protect your cheeks and gums.

Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to have the broken brace or wire repaired. Delaying treatment can result in more extensive damage to your braces or teeth.