Recognizing Dental Emergencies
Certain dental problems require immediate professional attention to prevent permanent damage or manage severe symptoms.
Situations Requiring Urgent Care
- Knocked-out permanent tooth (requires treatment within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth).
- Severe toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief.
- Broken or cracked tooth causing pain or sharp edges.
- Loose tooth in an adult.
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes.
- Swelling in the mouth, face, or neck, particularly if accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing.
- Abscess or infection causing visible swelling or pus.
- Lost filling or crown causing significant pain or sensitivity.
- Trauma to the jaw or face affecting your ability to open or close your mouth.
Less Urgent Concerns
- Minor chip with no pain.
- Lost filling or crown without discomfort.
- Food stuck between teeth that floss can’t remove.
- Mild sensitivity to temperature.
- Broken orthodontic wire that can be temporarily covered with wax.
If you’re uncertain whether your situation requires emergency dental care in Langley, contact our office. We can assess your symptoms over the phone and advise whether you should come in immediately or schedule a regular appointment.
Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid
Taking appropriate action before you reach our office can improve outcomes and manage discomfort.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time matters critically with avulsed teeth. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. If dirty, rinse gently with water without scrubbing. Try to place it back in the socket if possible, or keep it moist in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution. Contact us immediately and get to our office within an hour.
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped debris. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if swelling is present. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as this can burn tissue. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed and call our office.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Save any pieces you can find. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply gauze to any bleeding areas. A cold compress on your face can reduce swelling. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum if the tooth is cutting your cheek or tongue.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you have the crown, you can temporarily reattach it using dental cement or denture adhesive available at pharmacies. Don’t use regular glue. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and contact us to schedule a repair.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the gums, cheeks, tongue, or lips may bleed heavily at first. Rinse with a mild saltwater solution and apply pressure with clean gauze or a tea bag. If bleeding continues after 15 minutes or the wound is large, seek immediate care.
What to Expect During Emergency Dental Care in Langley
When you arrive for emergency dental care, we’ll assess your condition and prioritize relieving pain and addressing immediate threats to your oral health. This may involve taking X-rays to fully understand the extent of damage or infection.
Treatment depends on your specific emergency. Abscesses may require drainage and antibiotics. Broken teeth might need smoothing, bonding, or crowns. Severe decay causing pain could require root canal therapy or extraction. We’ll explain your options and provide treatment that addresses both the emergency and your long-term dental health.
For some emergencies, we provide immediate stabilization and pain management, then schedule follow-up appointments for comprehensive treatment. We’ll give you clear instructions for home care and what symptoms should prompt you to contact us again.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies can be avoided, some precautions reduce your risk. Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or activities with fall risk. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and other foods that can crack teeth. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
Maintaining regular dental checkups allows us to identify and treat minor problems before they become emergencies. A small cavity can be filled easily during a routine visit, but if left untreated, it may eventually cause an abscess requiring emergency care.
Contact Us for Urgent Care
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact Forest Hills Dental Centre right away. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day whenever possible. Drs. Mandeep and Sandeep Toor and our team serve Langley and surrounding communities with prompt, compassionate emergency dental care that gets you out of pain and back to your normal routine. Don’t wait for severe pain or dental trauma—reach out and let us help.