Emergency Information

Dental emergencies

While most dental problems can be prevented by regular examinations and care at your dental office, emergencies do happen. Hopefully this information will help you or your family.

Dental Trauma:

If dental injury is the result of physical trauma to the mouth or head (fall. automobile accident and sport activities) try to get immediate attention.

Suspected jaw fracture:

Your jaw is usually broken if you have extreme pain and are unable to use it normally. Immobilize your jaw (tie a cloth around it) and proceed to hospital. The bone might be repaired surgically and/or jaws may be wired together to allow for healing.

Knocked-out Adult tooth:

Rinse the tooth off and place it back in the socket, or under the tongue, or if unable to do that, in milk or salt water. If you get to a dentist within 30 minutes, there is a strong possibility that the tooth can be reimplanted. Baby teeth if re-implanted tend to fuse with the bone, and cause problems for the adult replacement to occur.

Broken tooth or chipped tooth:

Save the broken pieces, because they may be able to be bonded back to your tooth. If a large piece broke off the tooth can be saved but may require root canal treatment and a crown

Tooth pain:

A toothache or sentivity should not be ignored, even if the pain is bearable and only last a short time. See your dentist as soon as possible and report your symptoms.

You can take a pain medication as required, but do not place it against the tooth or gums. Rinse the area with warm water and salt, but avoid extremes of hot or cold or sweet foods and drinks

Other Dental Dilemmas:

First aid until you get to a dental office.

Lost filling: food and bacteria will collect here, so rinse the area and place small piece of cotton ball or some soft wax in the hole.

Loose crown or bridgework: Place some denture adhesive on the inside and replace in your mouth. Do not sleep with it in place, if it is very loose.

Cracked denture: use denture adhesive to keep in place, save small pieces for repair.

Broken orthodontic wire: cover exposed area with wax. If large piece, use nail clippers to cut wire beside tooth.

Canker sores: small sores in the mouth caused by stress, irritation or diet. Usually last 7-10 days. Avoid abrasive foods, acid drinks, and physical irritation of the area. Gel type over the counter medications can be applied to the area may aid in pain relief.

Cold sores: "fever blister" occurs outside the mouth, usually on the lips or under the nose.

These are caused by a virus that stays within the person for life, becoming active during stressfull times, extreme sunlight, fatigue, or sickness. Local gels can be applied to the area to decrease discomfort. Since this is caused by a virus, avoid kissing, sharing cups or utensils with an infected person.

If you are experiencing pain or have an emergency, call us at 416-743-2273 now and be seen the same day!