A dental emergency, such as severe pain or a fractured tooth, is something we would always prefer to avoid. However, these situations are unpredictable and can happen to anyone, even with good oral hygiene habits. We prepared this article to offer practical advice on how to react properly if you are faced with a dental emergency.
Contact the Clinic to Get an Appointment
Whether you are experiencing significant tooth or gum pain, or you’ve suffered trauma to your mouth, nothing should be left to chance. We recommend contacting the clinic as soon as possible to obtain an emergency dental appointment in Montréal. Our clinic is ready to welcome you during regular business hours.
Reaching out to the dental team when an emergency occurs also allows you to explain your situation in detail. We can then schedule an appointment based on the urgency and provide personalized advice to help you manage the issue while you wait.
React Appropriately Based on the Type of Dental Emergency
Below are general recommendations for some of the most common dental emergencies. These tips can help limit pain and, in certain cases, increase the chances that your dentist will be able to repair your tooth.
Severe toothache
Apply ice to the affected side of the face every hour for 10 to 15 minutes. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol to control pain while waiting for your appointment. Make sure to consult promptly. If the pain is caused by an infection, it is important to prevent it from spreading and causing complications.
Dental abscess
This is an advanced infection that forms under the gum or at the tip of a tooth’s roots, often due to a deep cavity. An abscess is painful and causes pus buildup and facial swelling. It can be managed similarly to a toothache, but it is essential to consult quickly so the infection can be treated with antibiotics and prevented from spreading.
Fractured tooth
Try to find the broken piece of the tooth if possible. To preserve it, place it in a container with your saliva or milk. Consult your dentist to assess the severity of the fracture. A prompt consultation is recommended, especially if you notice a red spot at the fracture site. Pain can be managed with cold compresses and pain relievers.
Avulsed tooth
In this situation, the tooth has been completely dislodged from its socket, where the roots are anchored in the jawbone. Pick up the tooth by the crown only; do not touch the roots. Rinse it gently under running water and place it in a container with your saliva or milk. Every minute counts in cases of tooth avulsion, so seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
Seek Prompt Dental Care
In all cases of dental emergency, it is best to consult a dentist without delay. Even if you are not experiencing pain, the situation still needs to be evaluated. This is the best way to maximize the chances of restoring your smile, especially following a fracture or avulsion. Prompt care also helps reduce the risk of complications, such as untreated fractures or infections that can lead to significant pain.
If needed, do not hesitate to contact the team at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec for any dental emergency. We are committed to seeing you quickly, relieving your pain, and providing the care your situation requires.