Dental emergencies can be scary and painful. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. If you’re in NW Calgary and need help fast, an emergency dentist in NW Calgary can provide quick care. Let’s look at how to respond to common dental emergencies.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not all tooth troubles are emergencies. Here are some situations that need quick attention:
- Severe tooth pain
- Knocked-out tooth
- Broken or chipped tooth
- Loose adult tooth
- Swollen face or gums
- Bleeding that won’t stop
If you’re unsure, it’s best to call a dentist and ask.
First Steps in Any Dental Emergency
When something goes wrong with your teeth or mouth, follow these steps:
- Stay calm. Panicking can make things worse.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water. This helps clean the area.
- If there’s swelling, put a cold pack on your cheek.
- Call a dentist right away. Explain what happened.
How to Handle Specific Emergencies
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the part you bite with), not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it.
- Try to put it back in its socket. If you can’t, put it in milk or your own saliva.
- See an emergency dentist near you within 30 minutes if possible.
The faster you act, the better chance of saving your tooth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
For a broken or chipped tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any broken pieces you find.
- Put a cold pack on your cheek to reduce swelling.
- If you can’t see a dentist right away, cover the broken edge with dental cement from a drugstore. Repairing a broken tooth quickly can prevent further damage and infection.
Severe Toothache
If you have severe tooth pain:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Free any food caught between teeth; gently floss.
- Don’t put aspirin directly on the tooth or gum.
- Use a cold pack on your cheek if there’s swelling.
Tooth pain can be a sign of a serious problem. Don’t ignore it.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
When something’s stuck between your teeth:
- Try gently pulling it out with toothfloss.
- Don’t use sharp objects like pins; they can hurt your gums or scratch your teeth.
- If you can’t get it out, see a dentist near you.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you lose a filling or crown:
- For a lost filling, put sugar-free gum in the hole.
- For a lost crown, try to put it back on with dental cement or toothpaste.
- As soon as you can, see a dentist.
These are temporary fixes. You’ll need proper dental care soon.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While you can’t avoid all emergencies, you can reduce your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Avoid chewing hard candy, popcorn kernels, or ice.
- Never use your teeth to cut things.
- Get regular dental checkups to catch problems early.
Your Trusted Partner in Dental Emergencies
When dental emergencies happen, an immediate response is vital. A quick response can help save your smile and reduce your discomfort. A dentist near you is your best ally. Expertise in dental and state-of-the-art equipment ensures you get the best care possible, fixing your problem quickly and comfortably.
Need Emergency Dental Care? We’re Here to Help!
At Valley Ridge Dental Centre, our first priority is your smile. As a leading dental clinic in NW Calgary, we are ready to assist with your dental emergency. Don’t wait; reach out to us today for compassionate, professional care when you need it the most.
Call or email us to schedule an appointment at Valley Ridge Dental Centre today!