Dental emergencies can be inconvenient and scary, especially when there is blood or a tooth knocked out. The first thing to do is to remain calm, and the next thing is to call your dental team at Toronto Lakeshore Dental as we handle emergency dentistry in Etobicoke and the greater Toronto area. Here are some of the emergency situations we can help with.
1. A Toothache or Dental Pain
There's a difference between dental sensitivity and the pain caused by a dental infection. The latter can be severe enough to keep you awake at night. If your tooth is abscessed or infected, it is important to seek treatment for it as soon as possible, as root canal therapy can help to preserve your tooth.
Don't wait to call your dentist thinking that your tooth will get better on its own. A dental infection won't go away without treatment and could lead to further tooth loss or the infection spreading to other critical areas of your body.
2. A Broken Tooth or Lost Restoration
A tooth that is broken or has lost an old filling or crown needs to be repaired in order to protect it from further damage. Contact your dentist to be seen so they can assess what the right treatment procedure might be to restore your tooth. If your tooth has a small chip, we also suggest that you call us. Small chipping can cause pain or irritation to your soft tissues.
3. A Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have a tooth that's knocked out, it is important to act quickly to avoid further damage. Your dentist has the best chance of saving your tooth the faster they can treat it, especially if it is within the first hour of your injury. Try not to handle the tooth too much, and transport it carefully to your dentist either by placing it back in its socket or using milk to keep it moist and the cells alive.
4. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a severe infection that forms around the root of a tooth or in the gums. It can cause intense pain, swelling, fever, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to serious health risks. Seeking immediate dental care is crucial.
5. Orthodontic Emergencies
Patients with braces or other orthodontic appliances like Invisalign clear aligners may experience emergencies such as:
- Broken Brackets or Bands – These can affect the alignment process and may cause discomfort.
- Protruding Wires – Wires that stick out can irritate or cut the cheeks and gums.
- Loose or Broken Appliances – If your orthodontic device becomes loose or causes pain, it’s important to have it adjusted as soon as possible.
6. Severe Gum or Cheek Swelling
Swelling in the gums or cheeks can indicate an infection, allergic reaction, or trauma. If the swelling is severe, persistent, or accompanied by pain, an emergency visit to the dentist is necessary to determine the cause and provide relief.
We Invite You to Contact Our Etobicoke Dental Clinic
At Toronto Lakeshore Dental, we are here for our patients and we make every effort to handle dental emergencies as soon as possible. We have convenient morning and evening hours, and Saturday appointments available to accommodate even the busiest schedules and make every effort to see you the same day.
We're also happy to give instructions over the phone if necessary. If you or a loved one is experiencing dental pain or an emergency situation, please contact our office right away.