A dental emergency can take place at any moment, whether it’s a new tooth infection, a knocked-out tooth, or even a broken crown. Being prepared for a dental emergency is sometimes the difference between saving your tooth, relieving discomfort, or escalating the damage. Having an action plan when looking for a dental clinic in Red Deer is always the best practice.
In this blog, we will provide immediate dental emergency actions that you can take.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental emergencies require an urgent response, but some can certainly be urgent. A dental emergency typically includes issues that warrant urgent care because of pain, bleeding, or damage in or around your teeth and gums. Here are some examples:
- Painful toothache or a tooth that does not go away
- Knocked-out tooth or tooth that is loose
- Pain from a chipped or broken tooth
- Gum or jaw swelling
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Uncontrollable bleeding after accidental trauma or extraction
If you are not sure, it’s always best to treat it as an emergency and contact a dentist right away.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
The first and most crucial thing to do is to remain composed. If you panic, the situation could escalate, and you could do more harm than good. Moving quickly and calmly can be the difference in the outcome. Here are some dental emergency tips to help you out:
For a Knocked-Out Tooth
- Remove the tooth slowly by the crown (the upper part) and not the root.
- Rinse gently with water; do not scrub or use any soap.
- If possible, try to put it back in the socket. If not, put it in either a container of milk or saliva.
- Make an appointment with a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
For a Severe Toothache
- Rinse your mouth in warm salt water to help with swelling.
- If there is swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek.
- Do not put aspirin directly on the tooth, as it will irritate the gums.
- Call a dentist if the pain persists.
For a broken or chipped tooth
- Retrieve whatever pieces you can.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress for swelling.
- If it is broken, cover the sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum until you get to the dentist.
For Lost Fillings or Crowns
- If a filling comes out, protect the cavity with sugarless gum.
- If a crown comes off, try putting it back on, holding it in place with a small dab of toothpaste or pharmacy dental cement.
- Visit your dentist quickly to have it repaired the right way.
Abscess or Swelling
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
- Never pop or drain an abscess on your own!
- Seek dental care immediately, as the infection can spread quickly.
Emergency Dental Care Steps to Remember
Here is a summary to remember.
- Stay calm and act quickly.
- Keep any pieces of the tooth you find
- Use ice compresses to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Keep your mouth clean by rinsing with salt water.
- Don’t delay in contacting a dentist for professional help.
Piper Creek Dental Choice—Your Partner in Emergency Care
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Piper Creek Dental Choice in Red Deer, the team is here to help you with urgent situations and approach these emergencies with care and compassion. Whether you have a toothache, lost crown or something more serious, you will receive timely help—relief will be within arm’s reach, and you will be smiling again in no time!
Don’t let a minor problem become a major issue. If you’re having a dental emergency, don’t wait; call Piper Creek Dental Choice today to begin the process of restoring your comfort and confidence. It’s important to do something quickly—dental emergencies can happen at any time, and you deserve care when they do.
