Dental Emergencies Can Occur Anytime: Be Prepared
Dental emergencies don’t come at convenient times. A toothache in the dead of night or a knocked-out tooth on a Saturday afternoon hockey game, an emergency dentist can be a lifesaver. At Eledent Family Dentistry in Mississauga, we understand that dental pain doesn’t keep 9-to-5 hours. So we provide emergency dental services when you need them most.
But what is a dental emergency in the first place? And how do you deal with them until you can make it to our office? Let’s cover these and more so that you’ll be more prepared for unexpected dental issues.
Common Dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Care with a Emergency Dentist
Severe Toothache
A sudden, sharp toothache can be painful. The pain can be a sign of an infection or an abscess that should be addressed right away. Rinse the mouth with warm water until you are able to see an emergency dentist. Use over-the-counter pain medications as directed as well. However, never place aspirin on the gum or the tooth itself as it will burn the tissue.
Knocked-Out Tooth
In the case of a tooth being knocked out, time is crucial. Firstly, retrieve the tooth by the crown (not the root). Then, rinse it delicately but don’t scrub it. If feasible, replace it in its socket. If not, place it in milk or saliva until you can get to our emergency dental clinic. One important point to note is that an emergency dentist visited within 30 minutes significantly enhances your tooth’s possibility of being saved.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Broken teeth also tend to have sharp edges that will cut your cheek or tongue. They also expose sensitive inner layers of your tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then call our emergency dentist immediately for advice and treatment.
Lost Filling or Crown
While not always painful, a lost filling or crown leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage. Rinse the area and avoid chewing on that side. If you have the crown, you can recement it temporarily with dental cement from a pharmacy. This is a temporary solution, however, until you can see our emergency dentist.
When to Seek An Emergency Dentist Over Regular Dental Appointments
Not every dental issue requires emergency attention. Understanding what constitutes an emergency and what does not enables you to make the proper decision in seeking emergency dental services.
Conditions Requiring Emergency Dentist Services
• Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
• Pain that is interfering with eating, sleeping, or working
• Injuries to the face or jaw
• Swelling that is interfering with breathing or swallowing
• Permanent teeth that are knocked out or very loose
• Painful swelling or abscess
Non-Emergency Dental Problems
• Mild toothache with no swelling
• Lost filling with no pain
• Chipped tooth with no pain
• Food trapped between teeth
• Broken or lost retainer
If you’re not sure, call our emergency dentist at Eledent Family Dentistry. We can tell you if you need immediate care or if your situation can wait until your scheduled appointment.
How to Prevent the need for an Emergency Dentist
While all dental emergencies cannot be prevented, many of them can be prevented by adhering to proper care and precautions. Some of them include:
• Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch problems early
• Wear a mouthguard during sports activities
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
• Never use your teeth as tools to open packages
• Address teeth grinding with a night guard
• Follow a consistent oral hygiene routine
These simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of needing emergency dental services.
What to Expect When Visiting an Emergency Dentist
If you visit Eledent Family Dentistry during an emergency, our primary concern is to alleviate your pain. We will perform a thorough examination, possibly some X-rays. Then we will discuss your treatment options and begin addressing the issue at hand.
Emergency treatments can include:
• Tooth extraction • Root canal • Temporary or permanent fillings • Reattaching knocked-out teeth • Prescription of painkillers or antibiotics • Draining an abscess
Our emergency dentist will also schedule any additional appointments to complete your treatment plan.
Why Choose Eledent Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care
At Eledent Family Dentistry, your care and comfort are our primary concern in the event of a dental emergency. Our experienced team provides caring, prompt treatment when you need it most. Additionally, we provide:
• Same-day emergency appointments whenever possible • State-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis • Variety of treatment options • Sedation for anxious patients • Clear explanation of procedures and fees • Convenient Mississauga location
Don’t allow a small problem to become an excruciating emergency. Call us at 905-608-9000 if you are experiencing dental pain or have any inquiries about our emergency dental service.
Remember, your tooth can be saved, infection avoided, and your discomfort alleviated with treatment by an emergency dentist as quickly as possible. Ensure you have our number handy and don’t hesitate to call when there are dental emergencies.
