
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, whether from sports, a fall, or an accident. As your trusted emergency dentist in Kanata, ON, we’re here to provide quick and effective dentistry services to address your concerns.
Any dental issue that requires immediate attention to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve severe pain is considered an emergency. A serious infection or abscess should be treated without delay, as it can become life-threatening.
Dental First Aid - What To Do
We understand that dental emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, whether it’s happening to you or a loved one. Stay calm, provide first aid, and arrange to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Here are some practical tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can help ease the pain. Always follow your doctor’s advice and the medication instructions. Keep track of the medication, dosage, and time taken, and inform us when you come in.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Time is critical. If a whole tooth has been knocked out and is reasonably clean, gently reinsert it into its socket. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk. Call us immediately. A knocked-out tooth is more likely to be saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any fragments. If there’s bleeding, apply sterile gauze until the bleeding stops. Use a cold compress to alleviate pain and swelling. Contact us immediately—we’ll act quickly to ease your pain, treat the injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. These are serious conditions that can damage tissue, affect surrounding teeth, and potentially spread to other parts of the body if untreated. Seek dental care as soon as possible. To ease pain and help draw the pus to the surface, rinse with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the dental first aid tips provided above can help, the best first step is always to call us! We’ll guide you over the phone to help alleviate your pain, save your tooth, and get you to our office as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions on the medication bottle before taking anything. If it’s safe for you, you can take a pain reliever such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin to help manage the pain. However, this is only a temporary solution. Dental pain is often nerve-related, and the only effective relief will come from professional treatment. Be sure to keep track of the medication, dosage, and time taken, and let us know when you come in.
Yes, you can visit the Emergency Room (ER) for a dental emergency. The ER will provide treatment and bill your health insurance. However, the ER is generally not equipped to treat dental problems unless they are part of a broader health emergency. They may provide temporary measures to relieve pain until you can see a dentist.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can harbour bacteria, which could lead to infection or an abscess. The tooth may also suffer nerve damage, potentially resulting in the need for a root canal.
If an abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease, but you still need immediate dental care. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection could spread to your jaw and even other areas of your head and neck. This could result in sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the infection spreads throughout your body.
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