You've noticed a slight twinge in your tooth lately when you drink your morning coffee. It goes away fairly quickly on its own, so you don't need to contact your dentist. Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether you need emergency dentistry in Toronto, ON, so here are some helpful tips for when to contact your dentist and what to do as you await your dental emergency appointment.
We want to add that home care should never stand in for emergency dentistry, and that you should never place aspirin directly on the gum, as it can cause a burn or worsen your dental emergency symptoms.
Dental Pain or Toothache
While that little twinge may go away on its own for now, if it persists, it is a good time to call your dentist and schedule a routine examination. The sudden sensitivity may indicate tooth decay or an emerging infection, and if you are proactive, your dentist may be able to treat it with a simple filling.
Here is what to do now to ease your pain as you await your emergency dental appointment:
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if medically able.
- Use an ice pack periodically.
- Rinse with warm salt water.
- Floss gently.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is of the essence if your tooth has been knocked out because your dentist has the best chance of saving it the quicker it can be treated, so be sure to contact your dental office to be seen right away. Be careful when handling your knocked-out tooth, and try to place it back in its socket if possible. If not, you can use milk to transport it safely and keep its cells alive.
Here is what to do (after you've collected the tooth and stored it properly) as you await your emergency dental appointment:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Keep the area clean.
- Bite down gently on the gauze to stop any bleeding.
A Broken or Lost Restoration
If you have an old filling or crown that breaks or falls out, you will need to have it repaired to protect your tooth from bacteria entering it and causing decay or damage to your tooth or nerve. Contact your dentist right away so they can assess the best treatment for your tooth.
Here is what to do as you await your emergency dental visit:
- Keep the area clean.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if there is pain and if you are medically able.
A Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth is a dental emergency because it leaves you vulnerable to pain and infection.
As you await your appointment for urgent dental care in Etobicoke, here are a few tips to help prevent complications or discomfort:
- Keep the area clean to avoid infection.
- Use a warm water salt rinse as needed.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if medically able.
Contact Our Emergency Dentist in Etobicoke
Whether you're having minor sensitivity, severe pain, or a dental emergency, your team at Toronto Lakeshore Dental is here to help! Contact us today for same-day emergency care.