Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are, fortunately, quite rare. However, they can sometimes happen, particularly with children. Here are a few suggestions from Smile Town Dentistry in Langley.

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What counts as a dental emergency?

If your child is experiencing any of the following issues, please contact our office immediately.

• Swelling or fever related to a toothache
• Limited ability to open and close the mouth, or difficulty in swallowing
• Dental trauma, such as a severe tooth fracture
• Prolonged, intense tooth pain that does not lessen with painkillers
• Excessive bleeding after a tooth extraction
• Severe ulcer in the oral cavity
• A broken orthodontics component that digs painfully into the gums

What are examples of situations that are not considered emergencies?

If your child is experiencing any of the following issues, please call us at (604) 371-2830. We'll evaluate the urgency of the need for treatment over the phone, and proceed accordingly.

• Mild tooth pain that can be managed with painkillers
• Pain/sensitivity caused by hot or cold
• Tooth or filling fractures
• Problems with removable dental braces

What should I do in a dental emergency?

CRACKED TOOTH  Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area immediately. Apply a cold compresses on the face to keep down swelling.

TONGUE OR LIP BITE  Clean the area gently with water, and apply a cold compress.

MILD TOOTHACHE  Rinse the mouth with warm water flush in out. Gently floss either side of the tooth to remove any food debris. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.

OBJECTS STUCK IN THE MOUTH  Gently remove with floss. Don't attempt to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

FRONT TOOTH FRACTURE  If possible, save the piece of the tooth that has broken off, and bring it along to the dentist. It might be possible to bond the piece back into place.

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Contact Smile Town Dentistry