What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental issue that requires immediate treatment with the goal of saving a tooth, stopping continuous tissue bleeding or alleviating severe pain. A severe infection or abscess in the mouth can be life-threatening and should be dealt with immediately. Chronic inflammation can be detrimental to your overall health.
How does Toothworx handle Emergencies?
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If a dental emergency arises during business hours, PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY. Please note that our email and emergency phone number should be used for weekends, holidays or out of business hours only.
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Toothworx holds approximately 2 hours a day open for emergencies.
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To make sure you are seen that day, please call between 8:45am and 9:30am on the day that suits you best.
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Emergencies are taken on a priority basis. Pain and children come first.
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There is a fee for emergency appointments. Please contact us for this fee.
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In order to avoid emergency appointments as much as possible, it is important to keep up with regular recare appointments.
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Emergency appointments are used to assess dental issues therefore you may require further appointments.
Sports Injuries
Avulsion (Tooth has been knocked out)
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There is a 30 minute window to re-implant a tooth after it has been knocked out. Successful re-implantation after 30 minutes is significantly reduced.
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Do NOT attempt to sterilize the tooth and do NOT touch the root (only the crown) of the tooth. If the tooth has debris on it you can gently rinse it with water
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If the athlete is alert, attempt to re-implant the tooth and stabilize and stop the bleeding by getting them to bite down on a towel or any other piece of material available.
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If you are unable to re-implant the tooth, transport it in saline, milk or under the athlete's tongue, if they are conscious.
Tooth Fracture (Broken or Cracked Tooth)
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If you have broken a piece off of your tooth, try and find the piece and bring it with you to the dentist. Call the dentist immediately.
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If there is pain, make sure the tooth does not come in contact with air, liquid of other teeth by biting down or covering the tooth with a towel or other material available (shirt etc.).
Luxation (Tooth is still attached but out of place)
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Extruded Tooth - If an upper tooth is hanging down lower than it should, use a finger to firming reposition the tooth back into its socket. Then bite down on a piece of material to stabilize it. Call your dentist immediately!
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Lateral Displacement - If a tooth is pushed back or forward out of place, use your finger to reposition it back into its socket. HOWEVER, if this is painful, do not do it. Bite down gently on a piece of material to stabilize the tooth and call your dentist immediately!
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Intruded Tooth - If your tooth has been pushed up/down into the gums, do NOT attempt to reposition it!! Please call your dentist immediately.