What Constitutes a Dental Emergency
Not every dental problem requires immediate attention, but some situations demand prompt care. True dental emergencies include knocked-out permanent teeth, which require immediate treatment for the best chance of saving the tooth. Severe toothaches, especially with swelling, may indicate infection that needs urgent attention.
Broken or chipped teeth with sharp edges or exposed nerves need same-day care. Dental trauma from falls, sports injuries, or accidents should be evaluated promptly even if damage isn't obvious. Objects stuck between teeth that you can't remove also warrant a call to our office.
Immediate Steps for Common Emergencies
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, time is critical. Find the tooth, handle it only by the crown, and if possible, gently rinse it and place it back in the socket. If you can't reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and get to our Pickering office immediately. Every minute counts for successful reimplantation.
For a severe toothache, have your child rinse with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication can help temporarily. Contact us for an emergency appointment, especially if there's swelling, fever, or the pain is severe.
For chips, cracks, or injuries, rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any tooth fragments. Call our office to describe the situation, and we'll advise whether you need immediate attention or can wait for a regular appointment.
Our Emergency Response
We understand that emergencies don't follow schedules. Our Pickering team prioritizes emergency appointments and works to see urgent cases the same day when possible. When you call with an emergency, we'll assess the situation, provide immediate guidance, and get your child in for treatment as quickly as possible.
Our pediatric specialists are trained to handle dental emergencies in children, including the unique aspects of treating baby teeth versus permanent teeth, managing children's anxiety during stressful situations, and communicating with young patients in ways that help them stay calm.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are preventable, you can reduce risk. Mouthguards during sports protect against dental trauma. Regular checkups catch problems before they become emergencies. Avoiding hard foods like ice and hard candies prevents fractures. Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of painful infections.
Families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and throughout Durham Region know they can count on Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces when dental emergencies strike. Keep our number handy: (905) 995-6060.
