A sudden, sharp toothache or a dental injury from a fall can be frightening. In that moment of pain and panic, it’s hard to know what to do next. The most important thing is not to worry; a clear plan can make all the difference.
This guide is here to help. We'll walk you through what counts as a dental emergency, the immediate first-aid steps you can take at home, and where to turn for professional emergency dental care in Oakville.
While any dental pain is concerning, certain situations require immediate attention to prevent further damage, infection, or more complex treatments in the future. You should call an emergency dentist in Oakville if you experience:
- A Severe, Persistent Toothache: Pain that doesn't go away and keeps you from eating or sleeping.
- A Knocked-Out Tooth: When a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket.
- A Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth: Especially if it's causing sharp pain or has sharp fragments.
- A Lost Filling or Crown: This leaves the sensitive inner part of your tooth exposed.
- A Dental Abscess: A pimple-like swelling on your gums, which is a sign of a serious infection.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding from the mouth.
Before you can get to our office, these simple steps can help manage the situation.
- For a Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Gently floss to remove any trapped food. Do not put aspirin or any painkiller directly on the gums, as it may burn the tissue.
- For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing part), not the root. If possible, gently rinse it with milk or water (do not scrub it) and try to place it back in the socket. If you can't, put the tooth in a small container of milk and call us immediately.
- For a Lost Filling or Crown: If you have the crown, you can try to temporarily place it back over the tooth using dental cement or even sugar-free gum, but do not force it.
- For a Potential Abscess: Rinse with salt water several times a day to help draw the pus to the surface, but see a dentist as soon as possible. This condition will not heal on its own.
It can be tempting to hope the pain will just go away, but delaying treatment for a true dental emergency can lead to serious consequences. Waiting can allow a small infection to spread, turn a repairable tooth into one that needs extraction, and often lead to more complex and costly procedures later. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your health and ensure the best possible outcome.
It can be tempting to hope the pain will just go away, but delaying treatment for a true dental emergency can lead to serious consequences. Waiting can allow a small infection to spread, turn a repairable tooth into one that needs extraction, and often lead to more complex and costly procedures later. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your health and ensure the best possible outcome.
In any dental emergency, remember these three steps: stay calm, take the simple first-aid measures listed above, and call a professional. At KiwiDental, we are proud to be a trusted resource for the Oakville community when you need it most. Save our number in your phone today, so you’re always prepared.
