Top 5 Dental Emergencies and What to Do When Every Second Counts

When a dental emergency strikes, the pain and panic can be overwhelming. Whether it's a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, knowing how to react quickly can make a significant difference. At Cosmo Dental Centre, we’re here to guide you through the most urgent dental emergencies and help you take the right steps before professional care is available.

Here are the top 5 most common dental emergencies—and what to do when every second counts.

1. Severe Toothache

What it is: A persistent, throbbing pain that may be caused by tooth decay, infection, or trauma.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.

• Use dental floss to remove any trapped food.

• Apply a cold compress to your cheek. This will reduce the swelling.

• Do not apply aspirin directly to the gums—it can burn tissue.

• Call an emergency dentist immediately.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

What it is: A tooth that has been completely dislodged due to impact or accident.

What to do:

• Grab the tooth by the crown, avoiding contact with the root.

• If the tooth is dirty, lightly rinse it with water. Avoid scrubbing.

• Try to carefully place the tooth back into its original position in the socket.

• If placing it back isn’t an option, keep the tooth moist in milk or your own saliva.

• Finally, try to see emergency dentist within the next 30 minutes.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

What it is: Damage to the enamel or structure of a tooth from biting down hard or trauma.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.

• Save any broken pieces and keep them moist.

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

• Avoid eating hard or hot foods.

• Seek dental care promptly to avoid worsening the damage or potential infection.

4. Dental Abscess

What it is: A painful infection at the root of a tooth or in the gums, often causing swelling and fever.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution. This will help draw pus to the surface.

• Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading.

5. Lost Filling or Crown

What it is: A filling or crown that falls out, leaving the tooth vulnerable.

What to do:

• Keep the crown or filling if you can.

• Apply dental cement (available at pharmacies) or sugar-free gum to protect the area.

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

• Book an emergency dental appointment without delay.

  
  

When to Call an Emergency Dentist in London, Ontario

If you're experiencing any of these common dental emergencies, don’t wait. Prompt dental care can be instrumental in saving a tooth. At Cosmo Dental Centre, we offer same-day emergency dental services for residents of London, Ontario, ensuring you get fast, compassionate, and expert care when you need it most.

Further reading: Children's dental emergencies: How to handle common tooth injuries and accidents.

Trust Cosmo Dental Centre – Your Emergency Dentist in London, Ontario

We understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. Cosmo Dental Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team ready to handle urgent dental issues with care and precision. Whether it's a toothache or trauma, we're here to restore your smile and peace of mind. Contact Cosmo Dental Centre today to schedule your emergency dental appointment.