Emergency

If you sustain an injury to your mouth, you know that a trip to the dentist is urgently needed. But what about other aches and pains? How do you know when emergency dental treatment is necessary?

• If you experience any of the problems outlined below, you should contact your dentist immediately.
• If you lose a tooth, pick it up by the crown and try to place it in the socket, or place it in a glass of milk. If you get to the dentist within 30 minutes, the dentist may be able to reimplant it.
• Broken or chipped teeth can often be repaired. If possible, save the chip.
• Broken brace wires can become embedded in the soft tissues of your mouth. Do not remove them yourself – see us immediately.

Some problems do not require urgent care but do need attention:

• Swelling and pain should never be ignored, even if the pain is manageable. A dentist can identify the problem and prevent an infection from spreading.
• Loose teeth can be a sign of disease and should be examined.
• Food and bacteria can become trapped in the space left by a lost filling, so treatment is needed.
• Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist.
• Children who lose a primary tooth early may need a spacer to stop other teeth from drifting into the gap.
• Tooth extractions can be completed on-site to ease pain and any discomfort.

When in doubt about an emergency, always contact us for advice on whether immediate treatment is needed.