Emergency Dentist Langley

Types of dental emergency and how to deal with them

Avulsed tooth (tooth knocked out)

If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately. When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves, and blood vessels become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.

Here are some steps to take:

Call our office.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
2. If possible, place it back into its socket – if not, tuck it into the cheek pouch.
3. If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important to keep the tooth from drying out.
4. Get to our office, quickly and safely.

We will try to replace the tooth in its natural socket. In some cases, the tooth will reattach, but if the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged, root canal therapy might be necessary.

Lost filling or crown

If a restoration becomes loose or falls out, please contact our Langley office to schedule a priority assessment. In the meantime, keep the crown in a safe place, as we may be able to reattach it if the tooth and crown are still in good condition.

If you cannot reach us immediately, here are some helpful steps:

• Protect the tooth: You can use over-the-counter dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to temporarily seal the area or gently hold the crown in place.
• Avoid glue: Never use household glues, as these are not safe for oral use and can damage both your tooth and the crown.
• Manage sensitivity: Over-the-counter options can help manage temporary sensitivity until you can be seen by Dr. Ali.

When you arrive, we will evaluate the crown’s fit. If the tooth is healthy, we can often reattach it. If decay is present, we will address the health of the tooth first before crafting a new, custom restoration.

Cracked or broken teeth

The teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks, and breaks. Sometimes fractures are fairly painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, it is likely that the pain will be extreme. Fractures, cracks, and breaks can take several different forms, but are generally caused by trauma, grinding, and biting. If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, please schedule an appointment as quickly as possible.

Where a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

1. Call our office.
2. Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
3. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
4. Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
5. Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if you cannot see us immediately.
6. Take a topical pain reliever.

The nature of the break or fracture will limit what we are able to do. If a fracture or crack extends into the root, root canal therapy is often the most effective way to retain the tooth. In the case of a complete break, your dentist will usually affix the fragment back onto the tooth as a temporary measure.

Dislodged/loose teeth

When a tooth has been dislodged or loosened from its socket by trauma or decay, it might be possible to save it. If the tooth remains in the mouth still attached to the blood vessels and nerves, there is a good chance root canal therapy will not be necessary.

It is important to call our office immediately to make an appointment. In the meantime, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. Your dentist will reposition the tooth and add splints to stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal, root canal therapy might be required.

If you have questions or concerns about dental emergencies, please contact our office.