How to Deal With a Dental Emergency at Home

Your dentist is able to help you in a dental emergency.

Whether you’ve got a severe toothache or have suffered an injury playing sports or during other physical activity, a dental emergency at home can feel scary and cause much discomfort. You’ll want to call our Peterborough dentists so they can arrange to see you as soon as possible.

Once you are with the dentist they will be able to perform a full evaluation and determine the next steps.

If you’re unable to get to the dentist right away (within the hour), there are a few things you can do at home in the meantime. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what you should do if you experience each one.

What are some of the most common dental emergencies?

The following are some common dental emergencies we often see at Peterborough Dental Clinic, and what to do while you wait to see the dentist.

Damaged or Broken Teeth

If you experience a broken tooth then your dentist may be able to put it back together. If possible, try to locate it and bring it to your dental appointment. If you are unable to locate it, your dentist will likely be able to replace it with a restoration such as a crown or filling.

Severe & Persistent Toothache

Severe pain in your teeth can cause severe discomfort; you may feel throbbing or sharp pain. This pain could be an indication of an infection or other serious dental concern.

Until you see the dentist, you can try some home remedies for an aching tooth, such as applying an ice pack to the affected area. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may also help to reduce pain. If the tooth is severely infected, your dentist may need to perform a root canal.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If one of your teeth has been knocked out, try to locate it and rinse it off with water (not soap or harsh chemicals as this can damage the tooth).

Place it back into the tooth socket by biting down gently but firmly (and carefully) to keep it in place. If you are unable to replace the tooth in its socket, keep it moist by holding it in your mouth next to your cheek or placing it in a glass of milk or your saliva until you see your dentist.

If you are unable to locate the tooth, your dentist can offer options for tooth replacement such as a dental implant or crown.

Damaged Crown or Filling

Similar to teeth, fillings or crowns can become lost or damaged. If you lose a filling or crown then you should try to find it. If you find it you should be sure to rinse it off well before placing it back on your tooth and contacting your dentist. If you are unable to place it, bring it to your emergency appointment.

If you cannot locate your crown or filling, your dentist will have to replace it.

Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Contact our Peterborough dentists right away to schedule an appointment. We will get you in as soon as possible.