Preventing Further Damage After a Dental Accident

Dental accidents can happen anytime—on the field, at work, or even at home. While initial pain or damage is often addressed quickly, preventing further injury in the hours or days that follow is just as critical. The choices you make immediately after a dental trauma can determine whether you save a tooth or require long-term restorative treatment.

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we treat patients across Scarborough dealing with dental emergencies, from chipped teeth and knocked-out teeth to jaw injuries. In this blog, we’ll break down the steps you need to take after a dental accident to protect your teeth and oral health from worsening complications.

What Counts as a Dental Accident?

A dental accident refers to any sudden impact or injury affecting the teeth, gums, jaw, or surrounding tissues. Common incidents include:

Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth

Chipped or cracked teeth

Loose or displaced teeth

Soft tissue injuries (lips, cheeks, tongue)

Fractured jaw or facial bones

Broken dental restorations (crowns, bridges, fillings)

Immediate response is key—but so is aftercare and damage prevention, especially if you’re unable to visit the dentist right away.

Step 1: Control the Situation

Immediately after the injury, your first priority should be to:

Stop any bleeding using sterile gauze

Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

Rinse with salt water to keep the mouth clean

Recover broken pieces or a knocked-out tooth and store them in milk or saline

Avoid touching or manipulating loose teeth

This stabilizes the situation and prepares you for a professional assessment.

Step 2: Avoid Aggravating the Injury

After an accident, the injured area is extremely vulnerable. To avoid worsening the condition:

Do not chew on the injured side of the mouth

Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods

Refrain from brushing near the injury for the first 24 hours

Do not touch or wiggle a loose or displaced tooth

Avoid using straws or smoking, especially after tooth loss or extraction

Limit speaking or jaw movement if you suspect a jaw injury

These precautions can prevent further trauma and reduce the risk of infection, especially if tissues or nerves are exposed.

Step 3: Use Temporary Dental Solutions (If Needed)

While waiting for a dentist appointment, you can protect your damaged teeth or restorations with over-the-counter materials:

Dental wax to cover sharp edges and prevent cuts

Temporary filling material to seal exposed dentin

Dental cement to re-seat a dislodged crown

Mouthguards to protect a mobile or sore tooth

These temporary repairs can prevent further damage from biting, bacteria, or abrasion—but they are not substitutes for professional care.

Step 4: Watch for Signs of Complication

Not all damage is visible immediately after an accident. Watch closely for signs that the situation is worsening:

Increased swelling or pain

Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

Pus or bad taste in the mouth

Fever, chills, or facial warmth (signs of infection)

Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing

Tooth becomes more loose or shifts in position

These may indicate an underlying root injury, nerve damage, or infection and require urgent dental attention.

Step 5: Get Professional Evaluation ASAP

Even if the pain subsides, always follow up with a dentist. Damage that seems minor can lead to serious long-term issues like:

Tooth necrosis (nerve death)

Root resorption

Permanent tooth loss

Bone loss or periodontal disease

Malocclusion (bite misalignment)

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we provide emergency dental care in Scarborough and use digital X-rays and clinical exams to detect trauma that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Step 6: Follow Post-Treatment Instructions Carefully

After professional treatment, follow your dentist’s recovery guidelines precisely to avoid relapse or secondary damage:

Take prescribed antibiotics or pain medications as directed

Avoid chewing in the area for several days

Use ice packs as needed to control swelling

Rinse with warm salt water to prevent infection

Return for follow-up appointments to monitor healing

We also provide custom splints or stabilization devices for displaced or loose teeth when needed.

How to Prevent Dental Accidents in the Future

Once you’ve recovered, take steps to reduce your risk of future injury:

Wear a custom sports mouthguard during contact or high-impact sports

Don’t use teeth as tools to open packages or bottles

Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or fingernails

Treat teeth grinding (bruxism) with a nightguard

Schedule regular dental checkups to catch weaknesses early

Ensure restorations and appliances are in good shape

Preventive measures are the best long-term defense against repeat trauma or dental emergencies.

When to Call McLevin Dental Clinic

Contact us immediately if you experience:

A knocked-out tooth (bring it with you in milk or saliva)

A tooth that’s loose, pushed out of place, or cracked

Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure

Facial swelling or difficulty breathing/swallowing

Severe pain or sensitivity after an accident

A broken crown, bridge, or veneer causing discomfort or exposure

We offer same-day emergency dental appointments in Scarborough, ensuring you get prompt, effective care to preserve your smile.

Final Thoughts

The period right after a dental accident is critical. What you do—or don’t do—can determine the outcome. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a severe injury, quick thinking and proper aftercare can minimize complications and protect your oral health.