Accidents happen in a split second. Whether it’s a sports injury, a fall, or biting something too hard, a dental emergency can be scary. Knowing where to find Emergency Dentistry in Scarborough can save your smile.
When a tooth breaks or falls out, time is your biggest enemy. Finding an experienced dentist near you quickly can help stop the pain and prevent further damage.
Being ready and knowing what to do in those first few minutes is the best way to ensure a tooth is saved rather than lost forever.
What to Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked all the way out, you must act fast. A tooth has the best chance of being saved if a dentist sees you within an hour.
If you aren’t sure what to do for knocked-out tooth emergencies, follow these simple steps:
- Pick it up by the top – Never touch the root. The root has tiny fibres that help it reattach to your gums.
- Rinse it gently – Use water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it or use soap.
- Try to put it back – If you can, gently push the tooth back into its hole and hold it there with a clean cloth.
- Keep it wet – If it won’t go back in, put it in a small cup of milk. Do not use plain tap water for a long time.
- Get help now – Call your dentist immediately to let them know you are on the way.
Fixing Cracked or Broken Teeth
A broken tooth might stay in your mouth, but it still needs a quick fix. Even if it doesn’t hurt right away, the inside of the tooth is now open to germs. This can lead to a painful infection later on.
When you get emergency dental treatment, the dentist will see how deep the break goes:
- Small Chips – These are usually fixed quickly with a tooth-colored filling.
- Large Breaks – If a big chunk is gone, you might need a crown (a “cap”) to protect the rest of the tooth.
- Deep Cracks – If the crack hits the nerve, you might need a root canal to stop the pain and save the tooth.
While you wait to see the doctor, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold pack to your cheek to reduce swelling.
Managing Pain at Home
Dental pain can be extreme. While you can’t “fix” the tooth yourself, you can make yourself more comfortable until you get to the office.
- Take Pain Medicine – Store-bought pills like ibuprofen can help with the ache and the swelling.
- Use Dental Wax – If the broken tooth is sharp and cutting your tongue, cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax.
- Watch the Temperature – Avoid very hot or icy drinks, as they can hurt the sensitive nerve.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to See a Dentist
Some people think a small chip isn’t a big deal if it doesn’t hurt. This is a mistake. A damaged tooth is much weaker than a healthy one. The pressure from eating can make a small crack split all the way to the root.
If the root splits, the tooth usually has to be pulled. Seeing a dentist right away allows them to seal the damage while it’s still a minor, easy-to-fix problem.
What Happens During an Emergency Visit?
When you arrive, the main goal is to stop your pain. The process is usually very simple:
- X-rays – The dentist takes a quick picture to see what’s happening under the gums.
- Numbing – They use medicine so you don’t feel any pain while they work.
- Stabilizing – If a tooth was knocked out, they might “splint” it (tie it to the teeth next to it) to hold it steady while it heals.
- Next Steps – Sometimes the first visit is to stop the pain, and you’ll come back later for a permanent fix like a crown.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
You can’t predict an accident, but you can be prepared:
- Wear a Mouthguard – If you play sports, a custom guard is the best way to protect your teeth.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools – Never use your teeth to open bags, rip tape, or crack nuts.
- Skip the Ice – Chewing on ice or tough candy is a common way people crack their teeth.
- Regular Checkups – Old fillings can get weak. Seeing your dentist regularly helps find these weak spots before they break.
Fast Care for Your Smile
Dealing with a broken tooth is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Acting quickly and staying calm are the best ways to keep your smile healthy. Our team is here to give you quick, gentle care when you need it most.
At Sheppard Markham Dental, we prioritize emergency cases so you can get out of pain and back to your life. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a baby tooth be put back in?
No, dentists usually leave baby teeth out because putting them back can hurt the adult tooth growing underneath.
What if I can’t find the tooth that fell out?
See a dentist anyway; they can talk to you about using an implant or a bridge to fill the gap.
Is a broken tooth always an emergency?
If it hurts, bleeds, or a large piece is missing, yes. If it’s a tiny chip with no pain, it can usually wait a day.
Will it cost a lot to see an emergency dentist?
Most insurance plans help pay for emergency visits. It’s always cheaper to fix a small crack than a big one!
