Emergency Dental Services in Edmonton

A crown or filling might come loose while you are eating. Once it is out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be extremely sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. 

If a crown or filling has dropped out of the mouth, call our office right away to make a dental appointment. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place because it may be possible for the the dentist to reinsert it.

If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the surrounding teeth may shift out of place, and the problem tooth may sustain further damage.

The dentist will first to see if the crown still fits. If it does, it will be reattached to the tooth. If decay is present, it will be treated and a new crown will be made.

Teeth are very strong, but they are nonetheless prone to fractures, cracks and breaks. Some of these are painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, it is likely that the pain will be intense. Fractures, cracks and breaks can take several different forms, but are usually caused by trauma, grinding and biting.

If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, be sure to call our office to see the dentist as quickly as possible. Where a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home until you can see the dentist:

1. Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
2. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the area for 10 minutes.
3. Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
4. Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if there is no way to see the dentist immediately.
5. Take a topical pain reliever.

The nature of the break or fracture will limit what the dentist can do to repair it. If a fracture or crack extends into the root, root canal therapy may be the only effective way to retain the tooth. If there is a complete break, the dentist will usually affix the fragment back onto the tooth as a temporary measure.

If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. When a tooth is forcibly removed from the mouth, tissues, nerves and blood vessels become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour of being knocked out, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.

If you have a knocked out tooth, call our office right away to let us know you need to see the dentist. In the meantime follow these steps:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water.  DO NOT touch the root.
2. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket – if not tuck it into the cheek pouch.
3. If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is essential to keep the tooth from drying out.

Once you get to the dentist we will try to place the tooth back in its natural socket. Often, the tooth will reattach, but if the inner mechanisms of the teeth have been seriously damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary.