How to Handle a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can happen at any time — a fall during a hockey game, biting into something unexpectedly hard, or a sudden severe toothache at 10pm. Knowing what to do in the first minutes and hours can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it permanently.

Knocked-out tooth: Handle only by the crown (never the root). If dirty, rinse gently with water — do not scrub. If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it there. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes — every minute counts for reimplantation success.

Cracked or chipped tooth: Rinse with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can temporarily protect the exposed area. Call us as soon as possible — some cracks extend below the gumline and require urgent assessment.

Severe toothache: Rinse with warm salt water. Floss gently to remove any trapped debris. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this causes chemical burns. Over-the-counter analgesics can manage pain until you reach our office. Persistent severe pain often indicates infection and should not be ignored.

Lost crown or filling: Keep the restoration if you can find it. Dental cement or sugar-free gum can temporarily protect the exposed tooth. Avoid chewing on that side. Contact our office to schedule urgent repair.

At Smile Lounge Dentistry in Milton, we prioritize dental emergencies. Call us at +1-905-636-6444 if you are experiencing an urgent dental situation. The sooner you reach us, the better your outcome.