A cracked tooth, pain or a lost filling or crown – a dental emergency can happen at the most inconvenient times. The important thing is to get it looked at by a dentist quickly. The good news is that if you are dealing with a dental emergency in Midland, Ontario, the team at Midland Bay Dental is here to help.
Knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference. In this post, you will learn about common dental emergencies and steps you can take for relief.
Common Dental Emergencies
Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency can help you act swiftly to minimize pain and prevent further complications. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we see at Midland Bay Dental:
Severe Toothache
A persistent, intense toothache often indicates an underlying issue such as an abscess, infection, or severe decay. If your pain doesn’t subside with over-the-counter painkillers, you should seek emergency dental care immediately. Ignoring the pain can lead to more serious infections that may spread beyond your mouth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If handled quickly and correctly, it may be possible to save the tooth. Here’s what to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the visible part) and avoid touching the root.
- Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or use soap.
- Try reinserting the tooth into the socket if possible.
- If reinsertion isn’t feasible, store the tooth in milk or a saline solution and contact an emergency dentist immediately. The best chance of saving the tooth is within the first hour of the injury.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can cause pain and expose the inner structures of the tooth to bacteria, leading to infection. If you suffer a significant break, especially one with sharp fragments, seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess is a severe infection at the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth. Symptoms include:
- Intense, throbbing pain
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Fever
- A bad taste in the mouth
An abscessed tooth requires immediate dental attention to drain the infection and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown may not always cause immediate pain, but it exposes the tooth to potential damage. If you lose a crown or filling, keep the restoration safe and contact your dentist promptly to prevent further complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks can lead to excessive bleeding and pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure, you should seek emergency dental or medical care.
What to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency
If you experience a dental emergency, follow these steps to manage pain and prevent further damage until you can see a dentist:
- Stay Calm – Panicking can make the situation worse. Take deep breaths and assess the severity of your emergency.
- Control Bleeding – Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure to the area.
- Reduce Swelling – Apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling and pain.
- Preserve Lost Teeth or Restorations – If you’ve lost a tooth or filling, keep it safe and avoid further damage.
- Contact Midland Bay Dental – Call us immediately for an emergency appointment. Our team will assess your situation and provide prompt treatment or a referral to a trusted specialist if necessary.
When to Visit the Emergency Room
In some cases, a dental emergency may require a trip to the emergency room instead of a dentist. Seek medical attention at an ER if you experience:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
- Trauma to the face or jaw that could indicate broken bones
For most dental emergencies, however, your dentist is the best person to provide the right care. Dentists have the tools and expertise to handle dental-specific issues effectively.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
- Wear a Mouthguard – If you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury.
- Avoid Hard Foods – Ice, hard candies, and non-food objects can crack or break teeth.
- Address Dental Issues Early – Don’t ignore minor tooth pain or sensitivity. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming emergencies.
Emergency Dental Services at Midland Bay Dental
At Midland Bay Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be distressing and require immediate attention to prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team will assess the cause of your dental emergency and provide appropriate treatment or, if necessary, refer you to a specialist in our trusted network.
We have been serving the Midland, Ontario, community since 1974, helping countless patients regain their oral health and comfort. Our emergency dental services include:
- Immediate Pain Relief & Diagnosis – We identify the root cause of your pain and recommend the best course of treatment.
- Tooth Repairs & Restorations – Whether you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, we offer solutions to restore its function and appearance.
- Infection Treatment & Abscess Drainage – We provide care for infections, preventing them from spreading and causing further health issues.
- Tooth Extractions – If a tooth cannot be saved, we perform extractions safely and comfortably.
- Crowns & Fillings Replacement – We restore lost fillings or crowns to protect your tooth and prevent decay.
Contact Midland Bay Dental for Emergency Dental Care
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency in Midland, don’t suffer in silence. Our experienced team at Midland Bay Dental is ready to provide the care you need to alleviate pain and restore your oral health. Call us today to schedule an emergency appointment and get the expert care you deserve.
We prioritize your oral health, providing recommendations only when necessary.
We’re here to offer dental care you can rely on. Schedule your appointment today by calling (705) 526-6441 or book an appointment online.
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