Find Urgent Care Immediately for Dental Emergencies
While most of us like to schedule when and where we will take care of our needs, sometimes life happens, and we have little choice but to react to an urgent need. Such is the case for people who experience a dental emergency, either through a traumatic injury or the sudden onset of severe dental pain. Here at The Hope Dental Care Centre, Dr. Alireza Farkhondeh (Dr. Far), and his team are fully prepared to help you get through your dental emergency with the care and expertise you would expect from any of the best dentists in the Kanata, Ontario area.
When Should I Seek Emergency Dental Care?
While having a broken tooth is the most obvious sign of a dental emergency, there are other reasons you should seek emergency dental care. Here are a few common issues that call for urgent treatment.
The loss of a tooth: If your tooth has already fallen out, or if it’s just loose following a traumatic injury, there is a chance to save it, provided you get immediate treatment. We also offer advice for administering first aid that will help preserve your tooth as you await treatment.
Lacerations on your gums: If you’re experiencing a gum bleed that lasts over five minutes, or you’ve received a puncture or cut that’s more than a half-inch long, you might require stitches. Dr. Farkhondeh and his team can assist you.
A chipped tooth: While a chipped tooth may hardly seem like a dental emergency, there are cases where minor tooth damage can leave a jagged edge that can cut your tongue and the inside of your mouth, causing considerable pain. It can even cause further damage to your tooth structure. In such cases, it’s best to seek immediate dental care, as Dr. Farkhondeh and Dr. Wang may be able to save your tooth using a dental crown.
Painful toothache: Toothaches are one of the top reasons people seek emergency dental treatments. Often, they’ve endured the pain off and on for as long as they could. However, toothaches caused by severe infections can be life-threatening. This is why it’s important to seek dental care immediately and not “tough out” a toothache.
Learn More About Emergency Dental Care
To learn more about the emergency dental care services we offer, please call (343) 803-6333 to schedule your visit with Dr. Far.
Dental Emergencies FAQs
Can a toothache be a sign of a serious health condition?
A persistent toothache can sometimes be linked to serious health conditions beyond dental issues. Bacteria from an untreated tooth infection can spread through the bloodstream, potentially causing heart infections (endocarditis) or respiratory problems. Additionally, facial swelling accompanying a toothache may indicate a dental abscess, which requires urgent treatment to prevent further complications. Some chronic illnesses, such as sinus infections or nerve disorders, may even mimic toothache symptoms.
Is it safe to wait until office hours if I’ve cracked a tooth but don’t feel pain?
 No, even if a cracked tooth doesn’t cause immediate pain, it must be evaluated promptly. The crack may extend deeper than it appears, potentially reaching the tooth’s nerve or root. The crack can worsen if left untreated, leading to infection, tooth sensitivity, or tooth loss. Moreover, chewing on a cracked tooth can cause further damage.Â
Can a knocked-out tooth be successfully reinserted?
 Yes, but timing is critical. If a tooth is completely knocked out, it’s considered a dental emergency. Rinse the tooth gently with water, avoiding scrubbing the root, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If reinserting isn’t feasible, moisten the tooth in milk or a saline solution. Seek dental care within 30 minutes to an hour for the best chance of reattachment.
Can a dental emergency cause breathing difficulties?
 Yes, certain dental emergencies can lead to breathing difficulties. For example, a severe infection in the jaw or soft tissues of the mouth may cause swelling that blocks airways. Dental trauma involving the jaw or face can also impact breathing. Swollen lymph nodes or an abscess pressing against the throat can contribute to restricted airflow. Call emergency services immediately if you ever experience breathing difficulties alongside a dental problem.
Can a lost filling or crown be considered a dental emergency?
Yes, a lost filling or crown can be a dental emergency if it causes severe pain or further exposes the tooth to damage. The exposed tooth is more susceptible to decay and sensitivity to temperature changes. Chewing may also become uncomfortable, leading to a higher tooth fracturing risk. In the short term, you can protect the exposed tooth by applying dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary cover.Â
What should I do if I accidentally bite my tongue or lip severely?
 If you bite your tongue or lip severely, clean the area with warm water to remove debris. Apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze to stop any bleeding. Ice can be used to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, or if the wound is large or deep, seek immediate dental or medical attention.Â
Can dental trauma affect my jaw without visible tooth damage?
 Yes, dental trauma can impact the jaw even if there’s no visible tooth damage. A blow to the mouth may cause hairline fractures in the jawbone, joint dislocation, or internal bruising. Symptoms may include persistent pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or a clicking sound in the jaw. These issues can worsen without treatment, leading to long-term problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.Â
