Dental trauma can occur suddenlyduring a fall, a car accident, contact sports, or even from biting something unexpectedly hard. Whether the injury results in a chipped tooth, knocked-out tooth, soft tissue damage, or jaw pain, how you respond in the first few minutes can significantly influence the outcome of your treatment.
At McLevin Dental, we offer urgent dental care in Scarborough to help patients recover quickly and safely from dental trauma. This guide outlines the critical steps to take immediately after an injury, when to seek emergency dental treatment, and how to protect your oral health long-term.
Common Types of Dental Trauma
Dental trauma can vary in severity. Here are some of the most common types:
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Knocked-out teeth (tooth avulsion)
Partially dislodged (luxated) teeth
Injuries to gums, lips, or cheeks
Fractured roots or tooth roots
Jawbone or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries
Each type of dental trauma requires a tailored approach, but the steps you take immediately can help preserve your teeth and soft tissues.
Step-by-Step First Aid for Dental Trauma
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Injury
In any dental emergency, remaining calm is the first priority. Check the mouth for visible injuries, bleeding, swelling, or missing teeth. If the injury is accompanied by severe facial trauma, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call emergency medical services right away.
2. Control Bleeding
Use clean gauze or a soft cloth to apply gentle pressure to bleeding areas. If bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes despite pressure, seek emergency dental care or visit a hospital emergency room.
3. Preserve a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth has been fully knocked out:
Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
Rinse it gently with water if dirtydo not scrub
Try to reposition it in the socket if possible
If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk or saliva
See your Scarborough emergency dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
4. Protect Chipped or Broken Teeth
If a tooth is broken or cracked:
Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean
Collect and save any broken pieces of the tooth
Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling
Avoid chewing on the affected side
Contact McLevin Dental as soon as possible
5. Treat Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or gums can bleed heavily. Rinse with a saltwater solution and apply pressure with gauze. If the bleeding is severe or doesnt stop, head to an emergency dental clinic or hospital.
6. Manage Pain and Swelling
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Avoid aspirin if there is bleeding. Cold compresses on the face or jaw are also effective.
7. Avoid Using the Injured Area
Until your injury is evaluated by a dentist, avoid chewing or biting with the affected part of your mouth. Stick to soft, non-irritating foods and liquids.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care in Scarborough
While some dental injuries may seem minor, many require prompt evaluation. Contact McLevin Dental for emergency treatment if you experience:
A knocked-out or loose tooth
Sharp or persistent pain
Visible damage to a tooth, crown, or bridge
Bleeding that wont stop
Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
Difficulty opening the mouth, chewing, or speaking
Numbness or tingling in the lips or chin
Delaying treatment can lead to complications like infection, nerve damage, or permanent tooth loss.
What to Expect at McLevin Dental After Trauma
At McLevin Dental, our emergency dental team in Scarborough will begin with a full assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D imaging to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment may include:
Repositioning or stabilizing loose teeth using dental splints
Root canal therapy for injured or infected pulp tissue
Tooth restoration using bonding, crowns, or veneers
Extraction and replacement if the tooth cannot be saved
Soft tissue repair and infection prevention for gum or lip injuries
We focus on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible and restoring both function and aesthetics with minimal discomfort.
Tips for Preventing Dental Trauma
Although not all injuries are avoidable, you can lower your risk with the following precautions:
Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports or recreational activities
Avoid chewing hard items like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels
Keep living spaces clear of tripping hazards
Use seat belts and proper headrests when driving
Stay up to date on dental checkups to identify weak or vulnerable teeth
Prevention and preparation go hand in hand when it comes to protecting your smile.
Final Thoughts: Prompt Action Protects Your Smile
Dental trauma can be frightening, but fast and appropriate first aid can make all the difference in the outcome. Whether its a knocked-out tooth, broken crown, or jaw injury, the sooner you contact a trusted emergency dentist, the better your chances for full recovery.