If you’re experiencing pain from an unexpected dental issue, you have probably asked yourself, What is an emergency dentist, and how can they help now? Emergency dentistry in Hamilton focuses on providing care quickly and effectively when you need it. While there are a number of different reasons there may be dental emergencies, emergency dentists are also trained and equipped to step in and help ease the situation’s severity if you have a chipped tooth, lost filling, or have pain associated with swelling.
Dental emergencies can be very scary, especially if you are unsure of what is going on. However, if you can stay calm and remind yourself that there are professionals out there who are very well trained to care for you, that can be comforting. Here’s a brief overview of what emergency dentists do, what to expect, and how you can deal with the issue until you get professional help.
What Kinds of Problems Count as a Dental Emergency?
Emergency dentists respond to a variety of dental problems of a serious nature that cannot be ignored or disguised. Below are the types of severe issues they address:- Toothaches or abscesses
- Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain is a sign that something’s wrong.
- An abscess (caused by an infection) can be dangerous if left untreated.
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Injuries from falls or biting something hard can cause teeth to break.
- Even small chips can lead to bigger problems if ignored.
- Knocked-out teeth
- Sometimes a tooth can be saved by quick action.
- Keep it in milk or your own saliva and get to the dentist fast.
- Lost fillings or crowns
- These can expose sensitive parts of your tooth and cause discomfort.
- Emergency care helps prevent further damage.
- Bleeding gums or mouth injuries
- If the bleeding won’t stop, you need urgent dental help.
- This could be due to trauma or underlying gum issues.
What Happens When You Visit an Emergency Dentist?
If you’re searching for an emergency dentist near you during a painful moment, here’s what you can expect during your visit:- Immediate assessment
- The dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays to understand what’s going on.
- Pain relief
- The first step is usually to help you feel more comfortable by treating pain or swelling.
- Temporary or permanent solution
- You may get a quick fix to relieve symptoms or, if possible, a complete treatment on the spot.
- Plan for follow-up care
- If the full treatment can’t be done right away, they’ll schedule another visit to finish it.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies?
Knowing what to do right after an accident can make a big difference. Until you reach the dentist, follow these simple steps:- For a knocked-out tooth
- Keep the tooth by its crown (not the root).
- Rinse it gently; don’t scrub.
- Place it back in the socket if you can, or store it in milk.
- For a cracked or chipped tooth
- Use warm water to rinse your mouth.
- A cool compress can help minimize swelling.
- Save any pieces if you can.
- For a bad toothache
- Rinse your mouth and gently floss to remove food.
- Don’t put aspirin directly on the gum—it can burn.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief until you see the dentist.
- For lost fillings or crowns
- Keep the piece and bring it to the dentist.
- Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the area if it’s sharp.
- For bleeding from the mouth
- Rinse with cold water.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Get emergency help if it doesn’t stop.
Why Is It Important to Get Emergency Dental Help Fast?
Delaying care can make things worse. Here’s why acting quickly matters:- Prevents infections—Infections can spread and affect your health.
- Saves your tooth—The sooner you act, the better the chances of keeping the tooth.
- Reduces pain and stress—No one wants to live with dental pain.
- Protects your overall health— Gum and tooth problems can lead to other health issues.
