Dental emergencies

Severe tooth pain: Intense or persistent pain may indicate advanced tooth decay, a severe infection, or an abscess requiring immediate attention. While waiting for your appointment, you can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers if your medical condition allows it. Even milder pain can be a sign of an underlying problem. You should therefore discuss this with your dentist during your routine visit.

Broken or chipped teeth: Accidents can cause significant damage to teeth, requiring prompt repair to avoid complications. If only a small piece of the tooth has broken off, the urgency is lower. However, if the chip is large and the break causes pain, it is essential to seek care as soon as possible. If you notice blood or a red spot at the site of the break, call us for an appointment immediately. Also try to retrieve the broken piece of tooth and place it in saliva, water, or milk. Your dentist may be able to use it during the repair.

Tooth loss: A tooth lost due to trauma must be treated immediately to increase the chances of saving it. To do this, retrieve the tooth and gently clean it by holding it by the crown (never by the root!). While waiting for your appointment, try to reinsert it into its socket. If this is too painful, store it in a small container with water, milk, or a solution available at the pharmacy (Hank’s physiological solution). Alternatively, you can keep the tooth in your mouth so that it remains in contact with saliva.

Infections and abscesses: Untreated infections can spread and become dangerous. Symptoms include pain, swelling, pus discharge, fever, and an unpleasant taste or bad breath. It is important to mention these symptoms when making an appointment to ensure prompt and appropriate care.

Injuries to the gums or soft tissues: Deep lacerations or punctures in the mouth require treatment to prevent infections and other complications. Minor injuries, such as self-inflicted bites, usually stop bleeding on their own. In any case, apply a clean cloth to the site to help reduce bleeding.

At Le Dentalis clinic in the heart of Montreal, we are ready to handle these emergencies by offering prompt treatment, both during and sometimes outside our regular hours, to relieve pain and prevent potential complications.