What to Do in a Dental Emergency
People risk breaking their teeth or injuring their mouths while eating, playing, exercising, and participating in other seemingly harmless activities. At our Clinic, we are experienced providers of emergency dental care services in Milton, Ontario; here are some of our tips for preventing & managing an emergency.
What are dental emergencies and how can I avoid them?
Dental emergencies can occur when your tooth breaks, cracks, becomes loosened, or is knocked out entirely. Sometimes dental crowns come off of teeth. Lips, gums, or cheeks can be cut.
They can be avoided by taking simple precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard during sports activities to prevent teeth from breaking or being knocked out and avoiding hard foods that may crack or break your teeth.
Can I somehow prepare for dental emergencies?
Yes, by packing an emergency dental care kit, including:
Emergency dentist’s phone numbers (home and office)
Saline solution
Handkerchief
Gauze
Small container with lid
Ibuprofen (Not aspirin. Aspirin is an anti-coagulant, which may cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.)
If You Need Urgent Treatment, Visit Alliance Dental, We Specialize in Emergency Dental Services in Milton, Ontario
If you require emergency dental care or other emergency dental care services in Milton, Ontario get in touch with us at Alliance Dental today. Our staff are experts at handling all sorts of dental emergencies and will do everything they can to save your smile.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
If your tooth is knocked out, call a dentist immediately. It is important to see your dentist within an hour for the best chance of the tooth surviving the trauma. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top), not the root (the pointed part on the bottom).
Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub the tooth! Instead, place the clean tooth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist. It is important to keep the tooth dry. If it is impossible to store the tooth in the mouth, wrap it in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk or saline solution (the solution used for contacts).
What should I do if my tooth is pushed out of position?
Call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment if it is loosened and pushed out of position. In the meantime, attempt to reposition it to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure—but don’t force it!
How should I handle a chipped or fractured tooth?
There are different types of tooth fractures. Chipped teeth are minor fractures. Moderate fractures include enamel, tissue, and/or pulp damage. Severe fractures usually mean that a tooth has been traumatized to the point that it cannot be recovered.
If you fracture a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Take ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. Your dentist can smooth out minor fractures with a sandpaper disc. Alternatively, restorative procedures may be needed to fix the tooth.
If you wear dentures and a tooth breaks or chips, wear your spare dentures until you can visit your dentist. Never attempt to glue a natural tooth or part of a natural tooth back into place!
You can call our front desk at 905-864-4040, email us at [email protected] or fill the Contact Form