Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst possible time. A cracked tooth during dinner, a sudden throbbing ache in the middle of the night, or a fall at the park that knocks a tooth loose. When it happens to you or your child, it is easy to panic.

At Lynden Hills Dentistry, we want our patients and their families to feel prepared, not scared. As a trusted dental emergency dentist in Brantford, we have put together this guide to help you know exactly what to do in those first few important minutes before you can get to us.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Not every dental issue counts as a true emergency, but some situations need urgent attention. Here are a few we see most often:

• A knocked-out tooth
• A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
• Severe or persistent tooth pain
• A lost filling or crown
• An abscess or swelling in the gums or face
• Bleeding that will not stop after an injury

If you are ever unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, it is always better to call us and ask than to wait it out.

What to Do While You Wait to See Us

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time matters here. Try to find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it. If possible, try placing it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or a saline solution until you can get to our office.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek. Save any broken pieces if you can find them.

Toothache

Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth in case something is stuck there. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as this can actually burn the tissue. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help ease discomfort.

Lost Filling or Crown

If you still have the crown, you can try using a small amount of dental cement from a pharmacy to hold it in place temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until we can see you.

Swelling or Abscess

This one deserves extra attention. Swelling combined with pain can be a sign of infection, which should never be ignored. Rinse with warm salt water and contact us as soon as possible.

For more general guidance on managing dental injuries at home, the Canadian Dental Association offers helpful information on recognizing and responding to common dental emergencies.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Some situations go beyond what home care can manage. Head to an emergency room or call for medical help right away if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Facial swelling that is spreading quickly
• A jaw that may be broken or dislocated
• Heavy bleeding that will not stop with pressure

For everything else, our team is just a phone call away.

We Are Here for You

Dental emergencies are stressful, but you do not have to figure them out alone. Our team at Lynden Hills Dentistry understands that these moments require quick thinking and a calm, caring hand to guide you through them. Whether it is a late-night toothache or an unexpected accident during the day, we make it a priority to see our emergency patients as soon as we possibly can.

If you or someone in your family is dealing with a dental emergency, please do not wait. Contact us right away so we can get you the care you need and help you feel comfortable again.