Emergency Dental Care

No one plans for a dental emergency, but at Rosedale Dental, we're ready to help when you need us.
Special Offer for Emergency Dental Care: Emergency Exam + X-Ray for only $50 (Regularly $160+)! Get a discounted price of $50 (regularly $160+) for an urgent dental examination and at least one X-ray. This is a significant saving on emergency dental diagnostics.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any sudden dental issue that causes severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or risk of permanent damage if left untreated. These situations require immediate professional care to prevent complications. Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you act quickly and prevent further issues.

Common Dental Emergencies in Thornhill

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can cause pain and sensitivity, especially when chewing. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage.

Toothaches

Persistent tooth pain could indicate infection or decay. Seeking early treatment can help relieve pain and prevent complications. According to a 2021 Statistics Canada survey, 23.3% of Canadians reported experiencing mouth or tooth pain in the previous year.

Bitten Tongue

A deep bite to the tongue or lip can cause significant bleeding and pain. Cleaning the area and applying pressure can help control bleeding.

Dental Concussion

This occurs when a tooth is hit but not knocked out. It may change color or feel loose, requiring monitoring by a dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention. If possible, place it in milk and see a dentist right away.

Lost Filling

A lost filling can expose sensitive areas of the tooth, causing discomfort. A dentist can replace it to protect the tooth.

How to Handle Dental Emergencies for Children

Children are more likely to experience dental injuries. Research shows that nearly 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur in individuals under the age of 20.

• Kids often lose baby teeth during play, sports, or accidents. If it’s a baby tooth, don’t try to put it back. If it’s a permanent tooth, put it in milk and see a dentist right away. The most frequent causes of dental injuries in children are falls and sports-related incidents, according to an Ontario study.
• Children can also break a tooth by biting down on something hard, falling, or during rough play. Rinsing the mouth with warm water and using a cold compress can help reduce swelling.
• A child might get a toothache from cavities, infections, or injury. Cleaning the area and checking for food debris can help, but a visit to the dentist is still necessary.
• Kids can accidentally bite their tongue or lip during play or a fall. Cleaning the wound and applying pressure can help, but if bleeding continues, dental care may be needed.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Although emergencies are unexpected, you can reduce the risk by:

• Wearing a Mouthguard: Protect teeth during sports or physical activities. Despite their effectiveness, mouthguard use among young Canadian athletes is low. One Ontario study found that only 5.5% of children wore them for school sports and 20.2% for league sports.
• Avoiding Hard Foods: Ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies can crack teeth.
• Practicing Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help prevent decay and infections.
• Not Using Teeth as Tools: Avoid using teeth to open packages or bite non-food objects.
• Supervising Children: Ensure kids don’t chew hard objects or play near hard surfaces.