Dental Emergencies

Any dental problem that needs immediate medical help to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. These things can occur due to tooth decay, accidents, broken restorations, facial trauma, a cavity that has reached the nerve, and more. Dental emergencies can also be applied to severe infections that can be life-threatening. At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we provide same-day emergency care to help our patients overcome their distressing oral concerns and gain immediate relief.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral condition that is causing you pain, discomfort, or affecting your quality of life. Emergencies are the worst experiences that many people may have experienced. They are often accompanied by sharp pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, bad breath, etc., and need immediate attention from the dentist.

Why Do You Need Emergency Care?

Emergency care can save your natural teeth, prevent an infection from spreading to the rest of your body, and more. For instance, if your tooth got knocked out in an accident, it may be possible to fix it, but within a short period. If your natural tooth is preserved, you can avoid expensive and painful procedures. You should seek emergency dental care if you experience the following:

Toothache that makes it difficult to eat or sleep
Knocked-out teeth
Broken or loose braces
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Lost filling or crown
Abscess or pimple on the gumline

What To Do In Emergency Situations?

Toothache

A toothache that won’t go away can be a sign of a more severe problem, such as an infection or considerable damage. If your pain continues for more than a few days, you should schedule an emergency appointment right away. Before your visit, you should, from time to time, rinse the area of your toothache with warm water and apply an ice pack to your cheek to manage pain and swelling.

Knocked-Out Teeth

A tooth knocked out requires emergency dental care. Before seeking professional help, you should hold your tooth by the crown and rinse the root with water to stop bleeding. Be careful not to remove tissue that may help reattach the tooth later. If the tooth has already been detached from the tissue, place it in a container with milk, and bring it to our office, preferably within an hour of the incident.

Broken Wires and Braces

If the wire on your braces has broken or popped out of its bracket, adjust it until it’s in a comfortable position. Be careful not to damage the wire, as it could become a choking hazard. If you cannot adjust the wire back, use cotton to cover the wire and call for an emergency dental appointment. We will fix any broken or loose wires on your braces promptly.

Abscess

An abscess is an infection that appears near the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. If an abscess is not treated promptly, it might spread beyond the mouth to other parts of the body. Though a saltwater solution can relieve some pain, we strongly recommend visiting our office immediately to prevent complications.

How To Prevent A Dental Emergency?

The best way to prevent a dental emergency is to practice good oral hygiene habits. Oftentimes, poor dental hygiene leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these conditions can cause you pain if you don’t receive treatment as soon as possible. So, make sure you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Also, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing your teeth removes plaque buildup from your teeth and prevents them from hardening onto your teeth and causing decay. After brushing and flossing, use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria and improve your breath.

You can also prevent a dental emergency by wearing a mouthguard when you play sports or engage in activities that could cause injury to your jaw. A mouthguard will keep your teeth and jaw safe during these activities. Lastly, make sure to use scissors and not your teeth to open packages, such as plastic packaging around a new toothbrush. Using scissors over your teeth can lead to chipped or broken teeth. To learn more ways to prevent dental emergencies, speak with your dental care provider at your next appointment.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or severe toothache, then contact your dentist right away. If you ignore a dental emergency or try to self-medicate your pain at home, your symptoms could worsen and become permanent. Luckily, if treated quickly, most dental emergencies are temporary and can be corrected with restorative dentistry treatments.

In case of a dental emergency, walk into our Kennedy Heights Dental Centre office at 11960 88 Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3C8. You can also reach us at 778.200.8556.