Dental emergencies can come about when you least expect them, maybe at your next meal, slipping and falling, or even just brushing your teeth. At that point, fear may come over you based on the uncertainty of what to do next. However, knowing how to act in a situation like this in advance of arriving at a clinic can make a huge difference. A broken tooth, a cavity that suddenly becomes painful, or even a knocked-out tooth, it pays to be prepared so that you remain calm and protect your smile.
In this blog, we will go over the most important steps you can take before you present yourself for emergency dentistry in NW Calgary. These recommendations will give you the tools to hopefully manage the situation until you can be seen professionally.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most essential thing is for you to stay calm. Take a deep breath and assess the problem. Is the tooth chipped, broken, or missing completely? Is there bleeding or swelling? What you do will depend on the assessment of the severity of the injury.
If there’s any serious injury to your face or jaw, or you’re bleeding a lot and it won’t stop, it’s best to head to the emergency room right away.
2. Manage Pain and Swelling
Dental pain can feel intense. If you’re dealing with a severe toothache or swelling, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. This can help clean the area and reduce some irritation.
You can also apply a cold pack to your cheek near the sore area. This helps bring down swelling and numbs the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may offer temporary emergency toothache relief. Just make sure not to place any pills directly on the gum or tooth, as this can cause burns or more damage.
3. Handle Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth Carefully
If your tooth has been knocked out, try to find it. Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently under water—do not scrub it. If possible, try to place it back in its socket. If that’s not an option, store it in a cup of milk or keep it inside your mouth between your cheek and gums. This helps keep the tooth alive until you can see a dentist in NW Calgary.
For broken or chipped teeth, rinse your mouth to clean it, and try to save any pieces. Bring those pieces with you to your appointment.
4. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
If you have a dental emergency, it’s a good idea to avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks. These can make pain worse or irritate the injured area. Stick with soft foods and try not to chew on the sore side of your mouth.
5. Use Temporary Fixes (If Needed)
If a filling or crown falls out, you can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the area. This isn’t a permanent solution, but it can help protect your tooth until your appointment. Avoid using glue or anything not made for teeth—it could cause more harm than good.
6. Plan for Emergencies
Being prepared is one of the smartest things you can do. Keep a small dental first-aid kit at home. Include items like gauze, a small container with a lid, salt, dental wax, and the phone number of your local clinic. Dental emergency preparation doesn’t take long, but it can make a huge difference when every second counts.
Fast Help, Friendly Care—Visit Royal Vista Dental
Urgent dental issues can be stressful, but Royal Vista Dental is here to help you feel better fast. Whether it’s a broken tooth or sudden pain, their caring team handles emergencies with calmness and kindness. First visit or not, you’ll be treated with comfort and respect. Don’t wait; reach out today and let Royal Vista Dental help you smile again!