woman experiencing painful toothache

Many people don’t enjoy visiting the dentist for a routine visit, let alone visiting because of a dental emergency.

While practicing good dental care at home is the best way to preserve your oral health, accidents are bound to happen. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency will help prevent long-term damage to your teeth.

Some types of dental emergencies can be stopped with a few proactive steps, whereas others can come unexpectedly and will require on-the-spot intervention.

Whether caused by accidents, injuries, or poor oral health, it’s essential to contact a dental professional immediately at the first signs of pain and discomfort.

What Causes a Dental Emergency?

Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, with one in every four adults having dental caries.

Oral pain related to tooth decay always starts as an annoying yet bearable toothache but quickly builds from there. Once the pain starts keeping you from sleeping, eating, and functioning normally, it becomes a situation where emergency dental services are needed.

graphic of decaying tooth beside healthy teeth

The food you eat can also cause dental emergencies. Biting down on a piece of hard candy or a dense, raw vegetable can pull out an old filling or chip your tooth. All these scenarios are incredibly painful, yet can be avoided by being mindful of what you eat.

Unfortunately, accidents cannot be predicted. Teeth can experience trauma in a variety of situations, such as contact sports, receiving a blow to the mouth, or falling face-first on the ground. Under these circumstances, immediate action is required, as it will ensure the best results.

Types of Dental Emergency Services

There can be many types of dental emergencies: broken or chipped teeth, missing root canals, or knocked-out teeth.

The first thing you should do when you experience any sort of toothache is contact an emergency dentist. Depending on the situation, the dentist will perform the necessary treatment or provide you with the right course of action.

cracked tooth being inspected at dental clinicIf you have a broken or chipped tooth, it’s recommended to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve any pain and clean the gums. An emergency dentist may be able to save the tooth if the damage is not too great or if you have the missing piece handy.

Having a loose or broken crown may not seem like a dental emergency, but there may be nerves that are exposed or sharp edges that can injure the inside of your mouth. Thankfully, crowns can be repaired or restored without the need for surgery.

Toothaches are another common reason people seek emergency dentists. In these cases, the dentist will first assess the situation to determine what’s wrong and then plan the appropriate treatment.

Emergency Dental Services in Ottawa

Injuries are inevitable, but the best way to ensure that no long-term damages occur is by taking action immediately and practicing first aid treatment.

Exercising proper dental hygiene is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and free from disease and decay.

Our professional emergency dentists have in-depth training in advanced dental care to cater to all of your dental needs. We strive to help patients on the same day as their injury to deliver the best outcomes.

If you’re suffering from a dental emergency or are experiencing a toothache, book your appointment with us today.