
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Accidents and unexpected dental problems can happen at any time. Whether from sports, a fall, or another mishap, tooth damage may require immediate attention. Emergency dentistry services can help address urgent dental issues quickly.
A dental emergency involves any problem that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve severe pain. Severe infections or abscesses can be life-threatening and must be treated right away. If you’re in need of urgent care, contact our emergency dentist in North York to get the help you need.
Dental First Aid - What to Do
Dental emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, but staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may help, but always follow the instructions on the bottle. Make a note of the medication, dosage, and time taken for when you see us.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Time is critical in saving a knocked-out tooth. If the tooth is clean, try gently reinserting it into its socket. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk and call us immediately. The sooner we can treat the tooth, the higher the chance of saving it.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any fragments. If bleeding occurs, hold sterile gauze on the area until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Call us right away for quick treatment to relieve pain and restore the tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are infections around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. They can cause serious damage and spread if untreated. See your dentist as soon as possible. To ease pain, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day until you can get treatment.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
For dental emergencies, it’s best to call us right away. We’ll guide you over the phone to alleviate your pain, help save your tooth, and get you here as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the directions on the medication. If it’s safe for you, pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin can help ease the pain. However, dental pain is often nerve-related, and the only lasting relief will come from professional treatment. Be sure to note what you took, how much, and when, and share this information with us during your visit.
Yes, the ER can provide temporary measures for dental pain and treat health-related emergencies. However, they are not equipped to treat dental problems and may refer you to a dentist for further care.
A broken tooth can collect bacteria, leading to infection or abscess. It may also cause nerve damage, potentially requiring a root canal if left untreated.
If an abscess ruptures, the pain may lessen, but immediate dental treatment is still needed. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection can spread to your jaw and other parts of your head and neck. This can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can affect your entire body.