Dental 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 (For example from a fall, automobile accident or sport activities), go to the hospital immediately.

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 the 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 re-implanted.  Baby teeth should NOT be re-implanted – they tend to fuse with the bone, and cause problems for the adult replacement teeth later on.

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 a root canal treatment and a crown.

Tooth pain:
A toothache or sensitivity should not be ignored, even if the pain is bearable and only lasts a short time.  See your dentist as soon as possible and report your symptoms. You can take pain medication as required, but do not place it against the tooth or gums. Rinse with warm water and salt, but avoid hot or cold extremes or sweet foods and drinks.

Lost filling:
Food and bacteria will collect in the tooth with the lost filling, 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 the adhesive in place if it is very loose.

Cracked denture:
Use denture adhesive to keep it in place and save the small pieces for repair.

Broken orthodontic wire:
Cover the exposed area with wax. If it’s a large piece, use nail clippers to cut the wire beside tooth.

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

Cold sores:
“Fever blisters” occur outside the mouth usually on the lips or under the nose.They are caused by a virus that stays within the person for life, becoming active during stressfull times, extreme sunlight, and fatigue. 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.

Other Dental Dilemmas:
Use first aid until you get to a dental office.

Additional Instructions:

Use hand sanitizing wipes before going in mouth or using products.

If you have bleeding use sterilized gauze or a tea bag.

For food impaction or stuck loose filling – use floss.

A foul taste, odour, or discharge are signs of infection. Rinse with warm salt water and call us.