When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, your first thought is likely to contact a dentist near you. But what if the incident happens after hours or on a holiday? Or perhaps you’re not sure if your case is considered urgent.
What’s a dental emergency?
A dental emergency involves situations that require immediate care, such as life-threatening conditions. However, some cases don’t come with obvious symptoms that may cause you to worry or feel concerned.
If there’s severe pain or discomfort, excessive bleeding, or trauma, it’s natural to want to see the dentist right away. If you’re not sure whether you should go to the dental office immediately, call.
Here at Central Dental Family Dentistry in Downtown Edmonton, we accommodate patients needing urgent dental care and do our best to get you in on the same day.
Common dental emergencies
You never know when dental emergencies will arise. Here are some examples of a dental emergency and what you can do until you get to the dental office.
- Knocked out or missing tooth. Missing or knocked out teeth can catch you off-guard, but don’t panic. Your tooth may still be saved with immediate action. Pick it up but not by its roots. If you can put it back in its socket, do so. If not, put it in a glass of milk until you get to your dentist.
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth. Your teeth can chip, crack, or become fractured when exposed to a severe blow or when you bite down on a hard object or food. Tooth fragments may still be put together but if they’re too small, your dentist may recommend a tooth-coloured filling or bonding. If you can’t see a dentist on the same day, be sure to keep the area clean, avoid using it in the meantime, and eat soft food.
- Dental abscess. Infection in the gums can cause severe pain, increased sensitivity, and sometimes fever. If you’re noticing pus in your gums, contact your dental office immediately. Avoid touching the area and don’t drain it or you risk worsening the issue. Your dentist can examine the area, identify the cause of the problem, treat it, and recommend ways to keep it from returning.
- Severe toothache. If you have a severe toothache, book a dental consultation immediately. For temporary relief, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers at the recommended dosage. Keep cleaning the area as food buildup can further irritate the area and cause infection. Refrain from using the affected tooth or teeth and switch to a soft-food diet.
- Damaged dental appliance. Inform your dental team if your braces, aligners, or any dental restoration becomes damaged. Broken wires may poke the gums and cause irritation or injury. Ill-fitting dentures or any removable device can cause mouth sores, blisters, and pain. Your dental team can fix or restore the restoration or appliance so you can avoid further dental problems and return comfortably to your daily routine.
Emergency dental care in Downtown Edmonton
Dental emergencies may not accompany pain or visible symptoms. This is why regular dental checkups are important.
Your dentist can identify potential problems and address them before they progress. Even if you’re not sure you need urgent dental care, get in touch with your dentist. If you’re looking for emergency dental care services in Downtown Edmonton, contact us today at (587) 767-0427. We accept evening and weekend appointments.