Dental emergencies can come out of nowhere. A bad slip that lands you on your face, biting down on something you weren’t expecting, or some form of freak accident could cause you severe dental or oral distress. When incidents like this happen you should seek a dental professional as soon as possible and in the meantime do what you can to try to mitigate the issue. Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them.
Pain or Bleeding
For toothaches call your dentist and explain the nature of the pain and any other symptoms you might be experiencing. It is likely they’ll be able to give you some advice and that should be adhered to.
If you find yourself bleeding from your gums, tongue, or lip, apply pressure with a clean cloth. For swelling use an ice pack to try to keep it down. The bleeding should stop relatively quickly but if it does not seek help at a hospital Emergency room.
Damaged Teeth
If a tooth is fully knocked out of your mouth pick it up and examine it. If it appears clean and intact you can attempt to put it back in its socket. If this is not possible for whatever reason gently rinse it with milk or water and place it in a container of cold milk and seek out dental assistance right away. Within two hours – and preferably within ten minutes – the tooth has the potential to take root again. After that the odds are decreased.
Broken teeth or dental work can usually be repaired. For lost fillings you can safely secure the area by placing a piece of sugar free gum in the cavity until you can see dentist – which should be as soon as possible.
Dental emergencies can be stressful and scary but with the knowledge above you’ll know how to take action as you seek out dental help. If you have a dental issue, emergency or not, contact Pickering Square Dental today.
Looking for professional help? Learn more about our emergency dental care at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.
Helpful Resources

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.
Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
