Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — a broken tooth, sudden pain, or a knocked-out tooth can be alarming. While your first instinct should always be to call your dentist, what you do before your appointment can make a big difference in the outcome.
Here’s how to handle common dental emergencies while you wait to be seen.
🦷 1. Toothache or Sudden Pain
- Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce swelling
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce pain or inflammation
- Take over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen (Tylenol) — avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding
- Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods that may trigger more discomfort
🚫 Don’t apply heat or place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums — it can cause tissue damage.
🦷 2. Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Save any pieces if possible, and rinse them gently
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Use dental wax (available at most pharmacies) to cover any sharp edges
- Apply a cold compress to control swelling
🦷 3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Adult Tooth)
- Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently with water — don’t scrub
- Try to place it back in the socket if you can (gently)
- If not, store it in milk or saliva and get to the dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it
🦷 4. Lost Filling or Crown
- Keep the crown or filling if you can
- Use dental cement or temporary filling material (from a pharmacy) to protect the area
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you’re treated
🦷 5. Abscess or Swelling
- This is a serious infection — don’t ignore it
- Rinse with salt water
- Use cold compresses and pain relief
- Call your dentist or head to urgent care if you have a fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing
🇨🇦 Emergency Dental Care in Canada
Most dental clinics in Canada accommodate emergency visits — even if you’re not a regular patient. Call ahead and explain the situation. Some provinces also offer limited emergency coverage for eligible individuals under government programs.
Need Urgent Dental Help? We’re Here for You
At our clinic, we offer same-day emergency appointments. Whether it’s pain, trauma, or something just doesn’t feel right, our team is ready to help — quickly and gently.
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Call us now or book an emergency visit online. We’ll take care of you.