Knocked-out tooth
Handle it by the crown, not the root. If you can, put it straight back in the socket; if not, keep it in milk. Then come in immediately - the chance of saving the tooth is highest within the first hour, so this is the one thing on this page where the clock genuinely matters.
Toothache
Persistent pain usually means decay has reached the nerve or an infection has started. Painkillers will mask it; they will not stop it getting worse. What actually helps before your appointment.
Broken or chipped tooth
Rinse with warm water and keep any fragments. A small chip can often be bonded the same day; a larger break may need a crown. Avoid chewing on that side until we see it.
Swelling
Facial swelling with a toothache means infection that is spreading. Call us the same day. If the swelling is closing your eye or affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency department instead - that is beyond what a dental clinic should be treating.
Extractions
When a tooth is split, abscessed or decayed past saving, taking it out is the quickest way to end the pain. It is done at the clinic under local anaesthetic, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation if you want it. If a root canal or a crown could save the tooth instead, we will tell you before anything is removed.
An infected, part-erupted wisdom tooth is one of the more common reasons people call. We can usually settle it the same day and arrange removal; deeply impacted teeth sitting close to the nerve are referred to an oral surgeon. More on extractions and wisdom teeth.
Common questions
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Often, on days we have a dentist on site and when it is not too close to closing time. Call the office and we will tell you straight away.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Reinsert it into the socket if you can, or keep it in milk, and come in immediately. Re-implantation works best within the first hour.
Can you take a tooth out the same day?
Often, yes, if the tooth cannot be saved and a dentist is on site. Deeply impacted wisdom teeth are referred to an oral surgeon rather than done here.
Why 123dentalemergency.com exists
We have all been there.
Dental emergencies often hit out of nowhere. Maybe it is that searing toothache that rips you from sleep at 2 a.m., or you are enjoying a snack only to feel a tooth crack - or worse, a filling pop loose.
And then there are those random accidents that leave a tooth knocked clean out. While not everyone has had the shock of losing a tooth, we all know these things can happen in the blink of an eye.
Suddenly you are dealing with throbbing pain, struggling to eat, drink, or even get a decent night's sleep. So what is the common thread running through all these dental crises?
High anxiety.
It is completely understandable. A lot of people feel unsure about how to react when a dental emergency arises.
What should you do?
- Should you make a mad dash to the hospital?
- Should you use a hot cloth or a cold cloth on your jaw?
- Should you consider taking painkillers, or should you refrain from using them?
- Can a dislodged tooth still be saved?
- Should you put the dislodged tooth in the fridge in a baggie?
- Is eating or drinking before you see the dentist recommended?
That is a lot of questions. And you need to know the answers.
And so 123dentalemergency.com was born. If you have a dental emergency and it is outside office hours, call 604-805-2500.
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