Emergency Dental Services

You can manage pain while awaiting dental treatment with over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, and use a cold compress to help control swelling.

Toothaches are often caused by a tooth infection from bacteria that has entered through a cracked, chipped, or decaying tooth. If untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your mouth, so make an appointment with your dentist right away. In the meantime, you can get temporary relief by rinsing your mouth with:

1/2 teaspoon of table salt mixed
1/2 cup of warm tap water

Repeat up to three times per day, until you can see your dentist.

You can reduce swelling in your face and jaw by applying a cold pack or ice on the outside of your cheek. Put a thin cloth between your skin and the ice, and keep the ice applied for 10 – 20 minute intervals.

If you believe your tooth is cracked or fractured, you should seek dental care as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.

Your dentist will inspect the area, and discuss the various treatment options available for your particular situation. In simple cases, usually all that is required is a filling. However, if the injury is more significant your dentist may recommend a veneer or crown. Depending on the size and location of the fracture, root canal therapy may be required and in severe cases, removal of the tooth may be the only treatment option available.

Yes, but you’ll have to act quickly! Follow these steps on your way to your nearest emergency dental office:

1) Pick up the missing tooth carefully by the crown (the chewing end) – DO NOT touch the root

2) Avoid cleaning foreign matter off the tooth, or attempts to brush it

3) Try putting it back into its space, and keep it in place by biting down on gauze or a wet tea bag

4) If you can’t put the tooth back in place, you can keep it in your mouth between your gum and lower lip on the way to the dentist, or covered with cold whole milk or saliva in a small container

5) Contrary to popular belief, storing it in plain or salt water, snow, or ice can cause further damage to the root, and lessen the chances for a successful reattachment

6) Control blood flow by applying gauze directly to the open wound

7) Call your dentist right away and request urgent dental care

Typically, you should seek emergency dental care within 15 minutes to an hour after the tooth was been knocked out to give it its best chance for a successful reattachment.

You could, but because dental emergencies are rarely dangerous on their own, you’ll likely be considered a non-priority case and be waiting a long time for treatment. It’s best to make an appointment with your dentist for the best possible outcome.