If you are experiencing a dental emergency, chances are that it is the first time. If this happens you should contact our Red Deer dentist’s office to be seen as soon as possible.
What to do in a dental emergency.
Whatever the emergency is, whether it is a sudden toothache, a broken tooth or any other potentially urgent situation you’ll want to call our Red Deer dentists so they can arrange to see you as soon as possible to provide diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re unable to see the dentist within an hour or so there are some things that you can do in order to help manage the situation until a dentist can assess the situation. Here is some advice about what to do about common dental emergencies.
What are some of the most common dental emergencies?
The following are some common dental emergencies we often see at South Pointe Dental, and how you can address them while waiting to visit with the dentist.
Damaged Tooth
If you have broken to chipped a tooth then it may be possible for your dentist to reattach it during your visit. If possible, try to locate it and bring it to your dental appointment. If you are unable to locate it, your dentist will likely be able to replace it with a restoration such as a crown or filling.
Severe Toothache
If you have a sudden severe toothache then you may feel throbbing or intense pain within the affected tooth. This could be caused by an infection in the root of your tooth, among other things.
Until you see the dentist, you can try some home remedies for an aching tooth, such as applying an ice pack to the affected area. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may also help to reduce pain. If the tooth is severely infected, your dentist may need to perform a root canal.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If one of your teeth has been knocked out, try to locate it and rinse it off with water (no soap or harsh chemicals as this can damage the tooth).
Place it back into the tooth socket by biting down gently but firmly (and carefully) to keep it in place. If you are unable to replace the tooth in its socket, keep it moist by holding it in your mouth next to your cheek or placing it in a glass of milk or your saliva until you see your dentist.
Tooth replacements such as dental implants or crowns are available if you are unable to locate your natural tooth for replacement.
Damaged Crown or Filling
Similar to teeth, fillings or crowns can become lost or damaged. If possible, try to locate the missing tooth and rinse it off before placing it back on your tooth. If you are unable to place it, bring it to your emergency appointment.
If you cannot locate your crown or filling, your dentist will likely be able to provide a replacement.
