Experiencing a dental injury can be frightening and painful. Whether it’s a sudden accident, a fall, or an impact during sports, immediate action is crucial for the best possible outcome, potentially saving your tooth and alleviating discomfort. At Bur Oak Dental, we understand the urgency of these situations and are here to provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental care for residents in Markham.
Traumatic dental injuries can range from minor chips to teeth being knocked completely out of their sockets. Common injuries include:
- Dislodged (Avulsed) Teeth: When a tooth is completely knocked out.
- Fractured or Chipped Teeth: Breaks or cracks in the tooth enamel, dentin, or even the root.
- Luxated Teeth: When a tooth is pushed out of its normal position but remains in the socket.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, tears, or bruises to the gums, lips, cheek, or tongue.
If you or a family member experiences any of these injuries, contact Bur Oak Dental immediately. We prioritize dental emergencies to ensure you receive timely care at one of our conveniently located Markham clinics.
Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Here’s What to Do Right Now
While contacting us is your priority, taking immediate first aid steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of a traumatic dental injury.
General Steps for Any Dental Injury:
- Stay Calm: Panicking makes the situation worse. Assess the injury calmly.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove debris.
- Apply a Cold Compress: If there is swelling, bruising, or pain in the jaw area, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Control Bleeding: For cuts to the lips, gums, or tongue, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Contact Us: Call Bur Oak Dental immediately to explain the injury and schedule an emergency appointment.
- Manage Pain: If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following dosage instructions.
Specific First Aid for a Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion):
This is a critical emergency. Time is of the essence – a tooth has the best chance of being saved if re-implanted within 30 minutes.
- Find the Tooth: Locate the tooth immediately.
- Handle Carefully: Pick up the tooth ONLY by the crown (the white chewing part). Never touch the root. Touching the root can damage cells necessary for successful reattachment.
- Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do NOT scrub it or use soap.
- Attempt Re-implantation (Adult Teeth Only): If possible, try to gently place the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it is facing the correct way. Hold it in place by biting down gently on gauze or a clean cloth.
- Keep it Moist: If re-implantation isn’t possible, or for children’s teeth, it’s crucial to keep the tooth moist until you reach our clinic. The best storage options are, in order of preference:
- In a tooth preservation solution (like Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution)
- In cold milk
- In saline solution
- In the injured person’s own saliva (spit into a container)
- As a last resort in plain water (avoid if possible for extended periods).
Bring the Tooth: Bring the tooth with you to your emergency appointment, stored in one of the recommended solutions.
Specific First Aid for a Broken or Fractured Tooth:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse with warm water to clean the area.
- Collect Fragments: If you can find the broken pieces of the tooth, collect them. Keep them moist, ideally in milk or water, as sometimes fragments can be bonded back onto the tooth.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face near the injury to reduce swelling and pain.
- Cover Sharp Edges: If the broken tooth has a sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, you can try covering it temporarily with a piece of dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum.
Contact Us: Call Bur Oak Dental right away. Even small chips should be evaluated to prevent further damage or infection.
Sports-Related Dental Injuries:
Sports are a common cause of traumatic dental injuries. If an injury occurs during play, follow the relevant first aid steps above for dislodged or fractured teeth. Emphasizing prevention is key – wearing a properly fitted athletic mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk and severity of dental trauma during sports activities.
Why Choose Bur Oak Dental for Emergency Care in Markham?
When a dental emergency strikes, you need a dental team you can trust to respond quickly and effectively. Bur Oak Dental has been serving the Markham community since 2004.
- Prompt Attention: We prioritize dental emergencies to see you as quickly as possible.
- Experienced Team: Our dentists are experienced in handling a wide range of traumatic dental injuries.
- Patient-Centric Care: We understand you’re in distress. Our warm and friendly staff focus on providing comfort and reassurance.
- Convenient Markham Locations: With three clinics across Markham, we are accessible when you need urgent care. Find us at:
- Comfort Amenities: We offer amenities like massaging chairs and nitrous oxide sedation (for those experiencing anxiety) to make your emergency visit as comfortable as possible, even during a stressful time.
What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit
When you arrive for your emergency appointment, our team will greet you and bring you in as quickly as possible. We will assess the injury, take necessary X-rays, and explain the treatment options. Our goal is to alleviate your pain and stabilize the situation before discussing long-term treatment plans, if necessary. We are committed to providing on-time appointments, even in emergency situations, respecting your time and urgent need for care.
Don’t delay seeking professional help for a traumatic dental injury. Immediate action is crucial.
Call Bur Oak Dental Emergency Line Now: 905-887-1767
Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Dental Injuries & Emergency Care
Q: Should I go to a hospital emergency room for a dental injury?
A: A hospital ER can help with severe injuries like a broken jaw or uncontrolled bleeding, but they are generally not equipped to handle dental-specific procedures like re-implanting a tooth or repairing a fracture. It is best to contact a dental professional like Bur Oak Dental immediately for traumatic dental injuries.
Q: What if I can’t find the knocked-out tooth?
A: If you cannot locate the tooth, don’t panic. It’s still important to see a dentist immediately. We will assess the empty socket, control any bleeding, and discuss options for tooth replacement if necessary.
Q: Is emergency dental care covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies depending on your specific dental insurance plan. We will help you understand your benefits and assist with claims processing. We recommend contacting your provider directly for details on your emergency coverage.
Q: How can I prevent sports-related dental injuries?
A: The most effective way to prevent sports-related dental injuries is by wearing a custom-fitted or boil-and-bite athletic mouthguard during any sport where there is a risk of impact. Talk to our dentists about getting a custom mouthguard for better protection and comfort.
Q: My child knocked out a baby tooth. What should I do?
A: For a knocked-out baby tooth, do NOT try to re-implant it, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Contact us immediately. Keep the child calm, control any bleeding, and follow our instructions.