What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency in Ottawa

Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and often come with pain, swelling, or concern about permanent damage to a tooth.

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a significant difference in protecting your oral health.

At Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre in Ottawa, we provide emergency dental care for patients experiencing urgent dental issues such as severe tooth pain, broken teeth, infections, or dental trauma.

Below are some of the most common dental emergencies and what you should do before seeing a dentist.

Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Dental abscess or infection
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Swelling in the gums or face

If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, it is always best to contact a dental office for advice.

What To Do Immediately

Severe Tooth Pain

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently floss around the tooth to remove trapped food.

Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate care.

If possible:

• Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
• Gently rinse it with water
• Try placing it back into the socket
• If that is not possible, store it in milk
• Seek dental care immediately.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you are seen by a dentist.

When to Call a Dentist

You should contact a dentist immediately if you experience:

• Severe or persistent tooth pain
• Swelling in the face or gums
• A knocked-out tooth
• Signs of infection such as fever or pus

Prompt treatment can often prevent more complex dental procedures.

Emergency Dental Care in Ottawa

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Ottawa, our team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre can help assess your situation and determine the best course of treatment.

Our goal is always to relieve pain quickly while protecting the long-term health of your teeth.

Dental Emergency Checklist

If a dental emergency occurs:

FAQs

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain, infections, knocked-out teeth, or trauma that requires immediate treatment to relieve pain or prevent further damage.

Can a tooth infection be an emergency?

Yes. Dental infections can spread if left untreated and should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.

What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

Try to place the tooth back into the socket or store it in milk and seek dental care immediately.