Emergency Dentistry: Is It A Dental Emergency?

Common Issues Requiring Emergency Dentistry

Many dental health treatments that arise suddenly can wait for the next available appointment with your dentist. Some dental offices will try to get you in the same day or the next day for concerns outside of regular cleanings and checkups. But what happens if you are faced with a dental emergency outside of posted office hours? And how can you tell if your concern is considered an emergency? Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them:

Toothache
A toothache can be caused by, an abscessed or infected tooth, a broken or cracked tooth, a damaged filling, gum disease, or even clenching and grinding. The best thing to do is to call your doctor and explain your symptoms, let them know how long your tooth has been hurting, and seek their advice. An abscessed or infected tooth will likely require emergency dentistry, but if your dentist says your toothache does not require immediate care you can treat it with over-the-counter pain medication and an ice pack until you can get in to see your dentist.

For more information read When To Take Your Toothache Seriously.

Knocked Out Tooth
A quick response is key to saving an adult tooth that has been knocked out. This is an injury that definitely requires emergency dentistry. If the tooth is clean and undamaged, gently place it back in the socket. If this is not possible, hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and place it in a container of milk or hold it in your cheek as you seek immediate care. If your tooth has been knocked loose, but not out, you still need emergency dentistry. Bite down very gently to keep the tooth in place until your dentist can have a look at it.

Lost Fillings And Crowns
This is an issue that requires emergency dentistry. If your filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, call your dentist right away. For a lost filling, you can gently place sugarless gum into the tooth cavity to protect it until it is treated. For a dental crown that has come off, you can use a gentle adhesive such as toothpaste to keep it in place as you seek emergency dentistry services.

For more information read What To Do When Your Filling Falls Out.

Gum And Other Soft Tissue Injuries
If you have sustained a cut, laceration, or tear to your gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue, you may require emergency dentistry. When this injury happens, swish your mouth with warm water or salt water to clean it and prevent infection. Then apply light pressure with gauze, a moist tea bag, or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding is cleaned or has stopped, determine if the injury is severe. If the bleeding doesn’t stop and the cut or tear is deep or wide, or is gaping and very painful, seek immediate attention.

Sudden Swelling
Sudden and painful swelling to your gums or cheeks could indicate infection and does require emergency dentistry services. As you wait to see your dentist, use a cold compress against the painful area to try to reduce swelling.

Chipped Or Broken Tooth
This may or may not be considered a dental emergency. Chipped and broken teeth can almost always be repaired, but if your chip is minor and not causing any pain, you can usually wait to see your dentist within the next couple of days. Chew and bite carefully so as not to cause further damage as you wait for your appointment. But if a significant piece of your tooth has chipped off, the fracture to your tooth is severe, or the injury is causing you pain, you may require emergency dentistry. If you chip or fracture your tooth, call your dentist and seek personalized advice to address your injury.

To learn more about how your dentist may treat your chipped tooth read How Your Dentist Handles A Chipped Tooth. 

Emergency Dentistry Services At Dr. Korol Dental

Not every oral concern is a dental emergency, but certain injuries and conditions do require emergency dentistry services. If you are ever unsure about the best way to address your oral concerns, call your dentist, explain your symptoms, and seek their specific advice. When you experience an oral injury or sudden swelling or pain in Calgary, call the offices of Dr. Korol Dental at (403) 245-9099. If you call after hours, you will be directed to call an emergency number and leave a message. Dr. Korol will return your call promptly.

Dr. Korol and her skilled and compassionate team are committed to providing the highest quality and safest, most holistic approach to dental care, oral health, and overall well-being with a focus on biocompatible dentistry. We offer the newest and most effective treatments and technologies to support a lifetime of good health. Book your appointment by calling (403) 245-9099 or filling out our online form.