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When it comes to dental emergencies, the sooner you can see your dentist, the better your chances of saving your tooth and reducing the amount of pain. We make every effort to accommodate you as soon as possible so we can assess your situation and prepare a treatment plan. There are a few things that you can do as well before you get to the dental office.

Knocked out tooth

If your tooth is knocked out and not broken, you can try to place it back into its socket. The tooth must be clean before you put it back in place (rinsed with saline or milk). If it is put back within 10 minutes of it being knocked out, there is a greater chance that the root can take hold again. If one hour has passed and the tooth has not been placed back into the socket, the chances are minimal that the tooth can be saved.

If you cannot put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in a container of cold milk or saline and go to the dentist as soon as possible. If that is not an option, keep the tooth on the cheek side of your mouth and see your dentist right away. Be sure that you do not swallow the tooth.

Chipped or broken tooth

If your tooth has a small break or chip, the tooth can usually be restored very easily with dental filling materials. If the damage is larger in size, a dental crown or dental cap will need to be used. If there is damage to the tooth pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Toothache or tooth pain

If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to call your dental office and describe your symptoms as soon as possible. This can help to narrow down possible causes of the pain. You may take
over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce the pain. Placing an ice pack against the affected area may offer some relief as well.

Lost filling

Try putting a small piece of sugarless gum on the affected area. This will help to provide protection to the area. See your dentist as soon as you can.

Severely bitten tongue or lip

Use an ice pack on the lip if it is swollen. If bleeding occurs, apply some pressure to the area with a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not subside after 10 minutes, go see your family doctor or emergency department right away. If the bleeding has stopped call your dental office so that you can be seen and assessed for further treatment.

Items stuck between teeth

Carefully try to access the area with dental floss in hopes of dislodging the item. Avoid poking with any sharp objects, they can damage the gums or create abrasions on the surface of the tooth. If you cannot remove the item with dental floss, call your dental office. Popcorn kernels and strawberry seeds are common causes of stuck items between teeth.

If you have a dental emergency, contact us right away!

CALL:  (416) 233-9581