Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly and can be alarming, but knowing what to do can help minimize damage and get you the relief you need. Here’s what Eglinton residents should know about common dental emergencies and how to react:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: This requires immediate attention – the sooner a tooth is re-implanted, the better chance of saving it.
• Severe Toothache: A sudden, intense toothache could signal an infection that needs prompt treatment at an Eglinton dental office.
• Broken or Chipped Tooth: Depending on the extent of the damage, it might need repair to prevent further complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: This can leave the exposed tooth sensitive and vulnerable.
• Something Stuck Between Your Teeth: If you can’t remove it with floss, sometimes it requires a dentist’s help to prevent irritation or damage.

• Stay Calm: Although dental emergencies can be stressful, try to remain calm to think clearly and act quickly.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: Carefully find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (the white chewing surface). Gently rinse it with water (no scrubbing) if it’s dirty. If possible, try to carefully place the tooth back into its socket. Otherwise, store it in milk or your own saliva. Seek a dentist in Eglinton immediately.
• Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to ease swelling. Take an over-the-counter painkiller if needed. Contact an Eglinton dentist right away.
• Broken or Chipped Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any tooth pieces. Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling. Seek dental attention promptly, preferably from an Eglinton dentist.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Save the restoration. Temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) can sometimes hold a crown in place until you can see your dentist. Cloves or clove oil can temporarily ease pain from a lost filling. See your Eglinton dentist as soon as possible.

Seek immediate care from a dentist in the Eglinton area if you experience:

• Knocked-out tooth
• Severe, unrelenting toothache
• Bleeding from the mouth that won’t stop
• Swelling in the jaw or face

Your Eglinton emergency dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays to assess the situation. Treatment could include:

• Repairing a chipped or broken tooth
• Re-implanting a knocked-out tooth
• Treating an infection
• Performing a root canal
• Extracting a severely damaged tooth

Here are a few tips to minimize your risk of dental emergencies:

• Wear a Mouthguard During Sports: This protects your teeth during contact sports.
• Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects: Biting on ice, hard candies, or non-food items can damage teeth.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular checkups allow your Eglinton dentist to catch and treat potential problems early.

Assemble these items to have on hand:

• Your Eglinton dentist’s emergency contact information
• Small container for a knocked-out tooth
• Gauze
• Over-the-counter painkillers
• Clove oil

Don’t Hesitate – Get Help!

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make the situation less stressful. If you’re unsure whether a situation warrants immediate attention, err on the side of caution and contact your Eglinton dentist for guidance. Their professional advice can help you determine the severity of the problem and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Remember, quick action can make a huge difference in saving a tooth, preventing further complications, and getting you back to a healthy, pain-free smile. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chances of a successful outcome and a faster recovery.