Skip to Main Content
  •  
    5995 Steeles Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1V 5P6 CA

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency can be an emotional – and physically uncomfortable – experience. In this post, our Scarborough dentists list the facts of what’s considered a dental emergency, and explain what to do if one happens to you.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental issue that requires immediate attention from your dentist. Many of us will experience a dental emergency at some point in our lives, whether from a sports injury, chipped tooth, severe toothache or something else.

Here are some common dental emergencies – and what you can do if one of these scenarios happens to you.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can cause sharp or throbbing pain and can develop suddenly or gradually. You have a dental emergency if you have a severe toothache that you can't treat with over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen).

Apply ice to your jaw, and go to your dentist’s office as soon as you can.

Object Lodged Between Teeth

Usually, dental floss would be the tool of choice to remove objects from between your teeth, but if this does not work it must be removed by your dentist. Do not use a sharp object to try and dislodge it, as you could injure your gums or push it further between your teeth.

Knocked Out Teeth

If you arrive at the dentist's office within an hour, your dentist might be able to replace your knocked-out tooth.

Try to find your tooth, give it a quick rinse with water (no soap or chemicals), and replace it in its socket. If you're unable to insert it into the socket, hold it against your cheek or put it in a milk container.

A lost tooth is considered an urgent dental emergency, so get to your dentist’s office right away.

Lost Crowns or Fillings

If you lose a crown or filling, the tooth structure may be weakened as a result of the tooth’s interior becoming exposed. It can also be quite painful and sensitive. That’s why a missing filling is a dental emergency, and your dentist should repair it as soon as possible so that it can be replaced.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

In many instances, teeth that have been chipped or broken can be saved. A filling can typically fix a small fracture, while a crown or root canal can fix larger fractures. Make an appointment with your dentist right away to have a tooth that has been broken or chipped fixed.

Lacerations to the Lip or Tongue

This is a dental emergency if a wound to the inside of your mouth causes a laceration to your lip or tongue. The bleeding can be stopped using a fresh cloth. Use an ice pack to reduce any swelling and get medical attention right away.

Dental emergencies are sometimes recognizable right away, and sometimes not. Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions. Our staff can screen you and provide advice on whether your issue is urgent.

Do you think you may have a dental emergency? Contact our Scarborough dentists right away. We can make room in our schedule to see you in as soon as possible.

New Patients are Always Welcome!

If you are looking for a dentist in Scarborough, please consider our conveniently located office at the corner of Markham & Steeles. Our team is here to serve the dental care needs of you and your family.

Your First Visit  Request Appointment

Contact | Markham Steeles Dental

Contact our Scarborough Office

Give us a call to book your next appointment, or if you have questions about our hours, services or fees!

Our Office | Markham Steeles Dental

Location & Office Hours

Conveniently located in the Walmart at Markham and Steeles, we're open late to serve the needs of your family.

Our Dentists | Markham Steeles Dental

Our Dentists & Dental Team

Our team proudly serves the Scarborough community in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Arabic.

Book your next dental appointment today!

Our team at Markham Steeles Dental Centre are welcoming new patients to our Scarborough dental office. Whether you need a cleaning, dental filling, root canal or other dental services, we can help. Call or email us to book an appointment today!

Request Appointment

(416) 775-9550 Contact