SOME TIPS FOR COMMON DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Provided by the Canadian Dental Association

I broke or fractured my tooth
Call us to book an appointment to have your tooth checked.  During your call, let us know how your tooth broke / fractured and if you are experiencing pain or sensitivity. An examination and an x-ray will be needed to assess your condition.  Find the broken tooth fragments and bring the pieces with you to your dental appointment.

My tooth has been knocked out
Call us to book an appointment.  During your call, let us know how your tooth was knocked out. An examination and an x-ray will be needed to assess your condition.  Locate the tooth and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

My tooth hurts
Call us to book an appointment to have your tooth checked.  During your call, let us know when and how your tooth started hurting. An examination and an x-ray will be needed to assess your condition.  

Do NOT place aspirins or any other painkillers near your sore tooth as this may burn the gum tissue. Instead, hold an ice pack against your face.  Do NOT use heating pads or hot water bottles as heat will make things worse.  Take over-the-counter pain medications, if needed.

I lost a filling / crown / orthodontic appliance
Call us to book an appointment to have your tooth checked.  During your call, let us know when and how your lost the filling / crown / orthodontic appliance.  An examination and an x-ray might be needed.  

In the meanwhile:

Fillings.  Place a piece of softened sugarless chewing gum in the spot where the filling was lost (this will protect the area for a short period of time). 

Crowns. If possible, apply some denture glue on the crown and replace the crown on the tooth.  You would still need to come to the clinic to have it properly cemented. 

Orthodontic wires / brackets.  Place a piece of orthodontic wax on the area that is loose or causing irritation. Bring the loose or broken appliances with you to our office.

I bit my tongue or lip
If there is bleeding, press down on the part of the mouth that is bleeding with a clean cloth.  If the lip is swollen, use an ice pack to keep the swelling down.  If the bleeding does not stop, go the Emergency Unit at a hospital right away.

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