Stay Calm and Act Quickly
Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At Colwood Dental Group, we offer same-day emergency appointments and will always do our best to see you as soon as possible. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, call our office immediately at (250) 478-5578.
Common Dental Emergencies
A knocked-out tooth should be handled by the crown only, so avoid touching the root. If possible, gently place it back in the socket or keep it moist in milk or saliva and get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of reimplantation. For a severe toothache, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums. A cracked or broken tooth should be rinsed gently and covered with dental wax or sugar-free gum if sharp edges are present, then seen by a dentist as soon as possible.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
While most dental emergencies are best treated at a dental office, certain situations warrant a visit to the hospital emergency department. These include uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of pressure, facial swelling that is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, and suspected jaw fractures from trauma. In these cases, go to your nearest emergency room and follow up with our office for definitive dental treatment.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Many dental emergencies can be prevented with proper precautions. Wear a custom mouthguard during sports and physical activities. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or non-food items like pen caps. Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles. Maintain regular dental checkups so potential problems such as weakened fillings or developing decay can be addressed before they become emergencies.
Further Reading
- Dental Emergencies | Canadian Dental Association
- Prevention of Traumatic Oral and Facial Injuries | Canadian Dental Association
