Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly—whether from sports, a fall, or an accident. Immediate treatment is crucial to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or relieve severe pain. If you’re dealing with a serious infection or abscess, seek urgent care to avoid life-threatening complications. As your trusted emergency dentist in Delta, we are here to help you address these issues quickly and effectively.
Call us if you have:
- A toothache that interferes with eating or sleeping
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken or loose braces (contact your orthodontist right away)
- Chipped or broken teeth, especially if the damage is significant or your tooth is cracked or in pieces
- A lost filling or crown
- An abscess or ‘pimple’ on your gumline
If you’re facing any of these issues, contact us immediately for prompt treatment.
Dental First Aid - What To Do
Dental emergencies can be stressful, whether you’re dealing with it yourself or helping a loved one. Stay calm, apply first aid, and arrange to see a dental professional as soon as possible.
Here are some practical tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the area to ease pain. You can take pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), but always follow your doctor’s instructions. Keep track of what medication you took, the dosage, and the time, so you can inform us when you arrive.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Act quickly—if the tooth is clean, gently reinsert it into its socket. If that’s not possible, store it in a cup of milk. Contact us immediately, as a knocked-out tooth is more likely to be saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove smaller fragments. If there’s bleeding, apply sterile gauze until it stops. Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Call us immediately for prompt treatment to relieve pain and repair your tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are serious infections around the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. If left untreated, they can cause severe damage and spread to other parts of the body. See your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day to ease pain and help draw out the infection.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the dental first aid tips above are helpful, the best first step is always to call us! We can provide guidance over the phone to help relieve your pain, save your tooth, and get you into our office as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions and the medication label. If it’s safe for you, you can take pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin to temporarily alleviate the pain. However, keep in mind that this is a short-term solution. Dental pain often stems from nerve issues, and lasting relief can only come from professional treatment. If you take medication, note the type, dosage, and time, and let us know when you arrive.
Yes, the Emergency Room (ER) can treat you and bill your health insurance, but they’re typically not equipped to handle dental issues unless it’s a medical emergency. They may provide temporary pain relief until you can see a dentist.
Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to bacteria buildup, increasing the risk of infection or abscess. It can also cause nerve damage, which may require a root canal to fix.
If an abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease, but you still need dental treatment. If it doesn’t drain, the infection can spread to your jaw, head, and neck. In severe cases, you could develop sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can spread throughout your body.
What Our Patients Are Saying
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
Very Professional
Fantastic Dental Service
Painless Treatment
