If you experience a dental emergency at home, there are some steps that you can take take care of your injury until you can see your dentist. Here are some tips from our Abbotsford dentists on how to deal with a dental emergency at home.
What is a dental emergency?
There is a number of dental problems that may constitute a dental emergency. If you experience any of the following, please contact our office immediately.
Your tooth is knocked out or loosened.
This type of dental emergency is usually the result of an impact to the face or jaw.
Fractured, cracked or chipped tooth
Your tooth can become chipped as a result of excessive teeth grinding, trauma to your face or mouth, a cavity, or biting down on something too hard.
Toothache
A toothache can be characterized by a dull or sharp pain, and can be caused by tooth decay, an abscess, gum disease, or damaged fillings or sealants.
Dislodged Crown or Loose Fillings
If you have had dental work in the past, your restoration may become dislodged.
This could happen as a result of trauma, or poor maintenance of your dental work.
Need Help Now?
If you require immediate medical attention, contact our office right away.
Call Us: (604) 852-8487
Emergency Hours
Clayburn Dental is open 7 days a week! Our extended dental clinic hours are designed for the convenience of out Abbotsford patients.
Monday to Thursday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
How do I prepare for a dental emergency at home?
You never know when a dental emergency might occur, so it can help to be prepared. We advise our Abbotsford patients to include the following items in their at-home first aid kits in case of a dental emergency:
What should my emergency kit contain?
- An over-the-counter pain killer
- a small container with a lid to preserve a knocked out tooth
- gauze
- an ice pack
- Clayburn Dental's contact information
What should I do in an emergency?
If you experience an injury to your mouth, the first step is to quell any bleeding using your gauze.
If you have lost a tooth (or a piece of a tooth), try to locate it. Once found, remove any debris and if possible, place it carefully into the socket, and bite down gently. If you cannot put it back into the socket, add some milk to your lidded container, and place the tooth inside.
Preserving the tooth or the piece of tooth in this way will make it more likely that your dentist will be able to replace it.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling, take your painkiller (read the instructions on the bottle carefully for a recommended dose), and apply your icepack to the area.
Call our office as soon as you are comfortable and safe, and we will make room in our schedule to see you as soon as possible.