Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to Seek Help
Don’t Hesitate In A Dental Emergency
Have you ever had an intense toothache or chipped a tooth? These types of dental emergencies need immediate care. Dental emergencies can happen anytime — at home, at school, or while playing sports. Maybe you accidentally bit down on something hard, or maybe your tooth just started hurting out of nowhere. No matter the cause, it’s crucial to know what to do if you find yourself dealing with a dental emergency.
This guide will explain common dental emergencies and how to handle them properly. You’ll learn when it’s okay to try treating the issue at home and when you need to call Dr. John Inigo’s dental office in Mississauga, ON, right away. Knowing what steps to take can help you get relief from pain quickly and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
Call (905) 567-1132 to schedule your appointment with our Mississauga dentist.
What Are Dental Emergencies?
A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth, gums, or mouth that needs immediate care. Some examples of dental emergencies are:
- Toothache (severe tooth pain)
- Knocked-out tooth
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Loose tooth
- Object stuck between teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen jaw
When to Seek Help For Dental Emergencies
Severe Toothache
If you have a really bad toothache that won’t go away, call an emergency dentist like Dr. Inigo in Mississauga. This could mean you have an infection or other serious problem, such as a cavity requiring a dental filling or a root canal.
Knocked-out Tooth
If a tooth gets knocked out of your mouth, try to put it back in the socket and bite down gently. If you can’t, keep the tooth in milk or saliva. Call our Mississauga dental office immediately.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
If you crack or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call an emergency dentist so they can fix the tooth with procedures like dental bonding.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
If your gums are bleeding a lot or are very swollen, this could be a sign of gum disease. Call your emergency dentist right away to get treatment.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
If you can’t remove an object stuck between your teeth with floss, call your dentist’s office. Don’t try to remove it with anything sharp or pointy.
What to Do Until Your Emergency Dentistry Appointment
While waiting to see an emergency dentist, there are some things you can do to help:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen)
- Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Avoid very hot or cold foods/drinks
When to Go to the Emergency Room
In some cases, you may need to go to the emergency room or call 911 instead of the dentist’s office if you have:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Swelling that blocks your airway
- A jaw fracture
Having a Dental Emergency? Call Our Mississauga, ON Emergency Dentist
Dental emergencies require prompt attention. Trying to ignore or wait out severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or excessive bleeding can lead to bigger problems down the road. That’s why it’s so important to call Dr. John Inigo’s dental office as soon as you realize you have a dental emergency on your hands.
Contact us at (905) 567-1132 immediately to speak to our Mississauga, ON, emergency dentist. We’re here to help new and returning patients from Brampton, Burlington, and Oakville, ON.