What to Do in a Dental Emergency—A Guide to Immediate Care

What to Do in a Dental Emergency—A Guide to Immediate Care

Dental emergencies can occur when you don’t expect them. Whether it’s an unexpected toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, knowing how to act immediately can make a huge difference. If you experience extreme pain or a knocked-out or broken tooth, call an emergency dentist in Coquitlam immediately. Acting quickly will save your tooth and avoid future complications. During this tutorial, we will take you through doing things during a dental emergency so that you may save your teeth and get proper assistance at the right time.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Some of the most common dental emergencies are

  • Severe toothache
  • Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Lost filling or crown
  • Injury to the gums, lips, or tongue
  • Abscess or infection

These conditions can lead to pain, swelling, and bleeding and even impede your ability to eat or talk. If you notice any of the above, it is crucial not to neglect them.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do is to stay calm. Dental emergencies can be scary, but panicking won’t help. If there’s bleeding, try to stop it by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. For swelling, a cold compress on the outside of your mouth can reduce discomfort and inflammation.

What to Do if You Have a Dental Emergency

Knowing what we can do if you have a dental emergency can help ease pain and prevent more damage. For example, if you knock out a tooth, gently rinse it without scrubbing, place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk while you head to the dentist. If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces. In every situation, acting fast is key. Avoid touching the root of a knocked-out tooth to protect it. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Call your dentist as soon as possible to explain what happened and get advice.

Handling Toothaches and Infections

Toothaches often signal a deeper issue, like an infection. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief if needed. However, don’t rely on painkillers alone. You’ll need to see a dentist in Coquitlam to find out what’s causing the pain and to get the proper treatment. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious dental or even health issues. Early treatment can prevent the need for more complex procedures later. Even if the pain goes away, the issue might still be there—get it checked.

Can I Go to Urgent Care for Tooth Infection?

A common question people ask is, Can I go to urgent care for a tooth infection? While urgent care centres can help with pain and swelling, they aren’t equipped to treat dental issues. They might prescribe antibiotics, but only a dentist can treat the root cause of the infection. If you think you have a dental infection, contact a dental clinic right away to avoid serious health risks.

Home Remedies Until You See a Dentist

While you wait for your appointment, here are a few things you can do:

  • Use a cold compress for swelling
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
  • Rinse with salt water to reduce bacteria and pain.
  • Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that’s injured.
  • Keep any lost tooth or pieces moist (in milk or saliva)

These steps can help you stay comfortable and avoid further injury, but they’re not a replacement for professional care.

Get Quick Help at Dr. Ross Dental

When dental emergencies happen, fast action can make all the difference. At Dr. Ross Dental, we’re ready to help when you need it most. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, injury, or infection, our caring team will guide you through every step and provide the treatment you need.

Don’t wait when your smile is at risk. Call Dr. Ross Dental today and get the care your teeth deserve. Let us help you get back to feeling your most suitable—your comfort and health matter to us.