Dental issues can hit you when you are enjoying your dinner or at the office, and even at night. Knowing how to respond can save your smile and reduce pain.
If you ever find yourself in sudden dental pain, emergency dentistry in Edmonton is here to help.
Acting fast and knowing what to do before reaching the dentist can prevent serious damage and ensure a smoother recovery
Toothache or Severe Tooth Pain
Pain in a tooth can be an emergency dental situation. Your jaw may feel like it hurts or aches, or feel painful or like pressure. Tooth pain can result from:
- Cavities or tooth decay
- Infected gums or abscess
- A cracked or broken tooth
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid applying painkillers directly to the gums
Tooth pain might signify something serious happening inside your tooth; contact your dentist immediately.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can hurt. It can also affect how you eat, talk, and smile. Visit a dentist in Millwoods if you experience any of these.
Quick steps to take:
- Rinse with warm water to clean the area
- Save any broken pieces if possible
- Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover sharp edges
Your dentist can use bonding, a crown, or veneers as a way to fix your tooth’s damage, depending on how deep or serious the damage is.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth needs urgent dental care. Your response in this case could mean the difference between saving the tooth and losing the tooth. Emergencies like this often take place due to sports injuries, falls, and accidents.
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root)
- Gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty—don’t scrub
- Try placing it back in the socket if possible
- Put it in saliva or in milk, and make sure to visit the dentist in 30 minutes
If treated on time, your dentist may be able to reattach the tooth
Lost Filling or Crown
When your filling or crown comes out, your tooth can become exposed and painful. You may feel pain when chewing or when you eat something hot or cold. This is another scenario that requires urgent dental care in order to avoid infection or damage.
What you can do until your appointment:
- Keep the crown or filling if possible
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Cover the tooth with dental cement, which is available at most pharmacies
Your dentist can replace or repair the restoration quickly to protect your tooth from further problems.
Dental Abscess or Swelling
A dental abscess is an infection that causes swelling and pain in your gums or jaw. It can be dangerous if not treated fast. You may notice a bump on your gums or a bad taste in your mouth. This is one of the more serious common dental emergencies.
Watch for these signs:
- Strong, throbbing pain
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Fever or general tiredness
If you think you have an abscess, call your dentist right away so they can drain the infection and give you medicine to heal.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
You cannot protect against every tooth accident, but with good habits, you can lower the risk. Do the following to protect your teeth:
- Brush and floss every day
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Do not chew ice or hard food
- Consult a dentist in Millwoods every 6 months
Taking care of your teeth daily helps prevent sudden pain and other dental problems.
Protect Your Smile, Before It’s Late
Dental emergencies can scare you, but being calm and seeking help can make a difference. Our team at Millswood Dental Choice has got your back.
Call us today and get the care you need for your smile.