A dental emergency in Bowmanville can be scary, but our experienced and friendly dental team are here to help. Some dental problems require immediate professional dental care. Others need less urgent care, but you will still need to see a dentist soon.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
The first thing to do is to call us and describe the problem so we can provide immediate advice. West Bowmanville Family Dental offers same-day appointments for our patients. However, dental emergencies can often occur outside of office hours. Therefore, we have a dedicated number for emergencies where you can contact a dentist who is on call. Alternatively, you can email us. This can be useful if you are away from home but need help and advice or to see a dentist when you return.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Typical examples of a dental emergency include the following.
- Knocked out tooth.
- Partially dislodged tooth.
- Severe toothache.
- Dental abscess.
- Cracked or broken tooth.
- Broken or lost dental restoration or appliance.
Knocked out Tooth
If you are unlucky enough to knock out a tooth, retrieve it, holding it by the crown, and rinse off any visible dirt with water. You can try to replace the tooth in the socket, but ensure it faces the right way around, and don’t force it back into position.
Alternatively, store the tooth in a small container with a little milk, water with a pinch of table salt, or in saliva. It’s vital to come and see us quickly. There is a far better chance of saving a knocked-out tooth if we can replace it in the empty socket within an hour.
Partially Dislodged Tooth
You must also come and see us quickly if you partially knock out a tooth. In the meantime, you can use a cold compress outside your mouth to help relieve any pain or swelling and take over-the-counter pain relief.
Severe Toothache
One trick to try is to gently floss around the tooth to remove any impacted food that could be pushing the tooth out of place and potentially causing pain. Use over-the-counter pain relief, but don’t place any aspirin or painkillers directly on your gums, as they can burn the tissue. Come and see us as soon as possible.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess in Newcastle can be serious. It can cause a pimple on the gum around the tooth root, created by a buildup of pus. The infection can spread without prompt treatment, causing facial swelling and fever. A severe abscess can become life-threatening, so it’s essential to see us quickly or go to the nearest emergency room.
In the meantime, you can use a warm salt water rinse to help draw out the pus, but don’t delay seeking professional emergency dental care in Courtice.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth to remove any broken tooth pieces and save them to bring to your appointment. If the injury is bleeding, use a clean piece of gauze and apply gentle pressure until the bleeding stops. You can also use a cold compress to help relieve pain and swelling.
Broken or Lost Dental Restoration or Appliance
If you have a loose crown or lost a filling, make an appointment to see us as soon as possible. Please do not try to glue a crown back in place yourself, as you will most likely damage your tooth and the crown.
Not Sure If You Have a Dental Emergency?
If a tooth feels not quite right or you notice a small chip or crack, contact us for help and advice as soon as possible. Getting treatment sooner can help avoid a dental emergency in Clarington.
