Dental emergencies often strike you when you least expect them. Sudden tooth pain, a chipped tooth from an accident, or a mouth injury. Knowing what to do right away can help you protect your oral health. In all the situations I have described, you would want to see an emergency dentist in Saskatoon; however, before you rush to the clinic, you can reduce pain and mitigate bigger problems from home.
Why Preparation Matters in Dental Emergencies
At times when you are experiencing a dental emergency, there is a strong likelihood you may be in pain, bleeding, or have swelling. Responding in a timely manner can help manage your dental emergency until you see a dental professional. Having a plan in mind and being familiar with the area, such as knowing where to find an emergency dentist near Rosewood, hopefully saves stress and time and helps you stay calm; likewise, you ensure the dentist has the knowledge and conditions to treat you.
Common Dental Emergencies
Before we discuss some helpful preparation tips, it may be beneficial to know what a “dental emergency” refers to or only some common examples. Some common examples of a dental emergency include:
- Serious or continuous tooth pain
- A tooth was knocked out by trauma
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Lost filling or crown
- Injury to the gum or mouth
- An abscess, lumps, or swelling around teeth or gums
If you have any problems in this area, please obtain urgent, immediate support from your dentist. Either way, ignoring it will only lead you to even worse problems and consequences.
Steps to Take before visiting an emergency dentist
Once you know how to deal with the issue, you will be more comfortable and be on your way to recovery. Here are a few actions to take prior to arriving at the office or clinic:
1. Remain calm and assess the situation
Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a nice, deep breath and assess what injury or pain you are in. This will make it easier to clarify the situation when you arrive at the emergency dental clinic.
2. Manage pain and swelling
- If you need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever or medication.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth or cheek to help alleviate swelling.
- Try not to use any heat, as this can aggravate inflammation.
3. Manage bleeding
If your mouth is bleeding, try to bite down on a piece of clean gauze or other clean cloth. Bite down and leave it in place for 10–15 minutes, or until the bleeding subsides.
4. Properly care for knocked-out teeth
If a tooth is knocked out of your mouth, remember the following:
- Pick it up from the crown of the tooth (not the root).
- If dirty, rinse the tooth off with water.
- If possible, position the tooth back in the socket.
Otherwise, place it in a clean container of milk or saliva until you can make it to the dentist’s office.
5. Protect broken or damaged teeth.
Keep any broken or damaged tooth fragments with you when you visit the emergency dental clinic. Do not chew on the affected side of your mouth.
6. Avoid harmful home remedies
Do not place aspirin directly on your gums or teeth—this will burn the tissue. Instead, manage your pain by using safe over-the-counter methods until you’re able to see a dental professional.
When to Seek 24-hour Dental Services
In some cases, emergencies happen when your dentist’s clinic is closed. If you’re having extreme pain, swelling that may restrict your breathing, or a tooth has been knocked out, don’t wait. Instead, you should immediately call a 24-hour dentist. The sooner you respond, the better the teeth outcomes you will have, and your overall oral health will be improved.
Be Prepared With the Right Information
Before you go to your clinic, it is beneficial to have information that will help speed up the treatment for your dental issue. For example—
- Your previous dental or general medical history
- Your allergies
- What medications do you take
- When and how the injury or pain developed
This information will assist the dentist in Saskatoon or their staff in providing more efficient and precise treatment care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While you may not be able to totally prevent all dental emergencies, taking the right steps means you will decrease your risk. Visiting a dentist near Rosewood for regular check-ups, wearing a mouth guard for sports, and avoiding habits such as chewing ice or opening packages using your teeth all help protect your smile.
Get Assistance When You Want it the Most.
Knowing what to do before going to see an emergency dentist makes you a more effective patient and also helps ease your pain prior to your appointment. From managing pain to how to safely store knocked-out teeth, these steps give you a head start before you show up for professional treatment.
At Meadows Dental, our compassionate staff is standing by to take care of you in an emergency situation. Please call us if you have a dental emergency. We can provide immediate attention when you need it most.