Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are thankfully rare. But they can sometimes happen, particularly with children. Here are suggestions from Smile Town Dentistry North Delta for what to do in case of emergency.

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What qualifies as a dental emergency?

If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please contact our office right away.

• Toothache-related swelling or fever
• Limited range of opening or closing mouth, or difficulty in swallowing
• New dental trauma (for example, a severe tooth fracture)
• Intense, prolonged tooth pain that does not lessen with painkillers
• Excess bleeding following the extraction of a tooth
• Severe ulcer in the oral cavity
• Damaged orthodontics components that dig or poke painfully into the gums

What does not qualify as a dental emergency?

If you are concerned with any of the following, please call us at (778) 564-1095. The level of urgency for treatment will be evaluated over the phone.

• Mild pain that is manageable with painkillers
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• A minor fracture in a tooth or filling
• Minor issues removable dental braces

What should I do in the event of a dental emergency?

CRACKED TOOTH  Clean the area immediately by rinsing the mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling.

TONGUE OR LIP BITE  Clean the area with gently with warm water and apply a cold compress.

MILD TOOTHACHE  First, clean out the mouth by rinsing with warm water. Gently floss around the tooth in question to remove any food lodged between the teeth. Do not apply aspirin to the aching tooth or gum tissues.

OBJECTS STUCK IN THE MOUTH  If possible, gently remove the object with floss. Do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

FRONT TOOTH FRACTURE  If you can, save the piece of the tooth that has broken off, and take it to the dentist. The dentist may be able to bond the piece back in place.

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Contact Smile Town Dentistry