As a dentist in Ajax, I receive urgent calls from worried patients almost daily. Many people struggle to determine if their dental issue requires immediate attention. Understanding the difference between true emergencies and problems that can wait saves time and reduces stress.
At Westney North Dental Clinic in Ajax, we offer same-day emergency services six days a week. Our extended evening hours ensure you receive care when you need it most. However, knowing when to call makes all the difference in protecting your smile.
True Dental Emergencies That Need Immediate Care
Some dental situations require immediate attention from your dentist in Ajax. Delaying treatment in these cases can lead to permanent damage or tooth loss. Here are the most critical emergencies we see:
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth represents a true dental emergency. Time becomes your biggest enemy in these situations. You have roughly 30 minutes to save the tooth if handled properly.
Pick up the tooth by the crown only, never touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if dirty. Try placing it back in the socket without forcing it. If that’s not possible, store it between your cheek and gums. You can also place it in a glass of milk.
Call Westney North Dental immediately at 647-697-6400 for same-day treatment. We will see you the same day to reimplant your tooth. Quick action dramatically increases the chances of successful reattachment.
Severe Toothache With Swelling
Intense tooth pain accompanied by facial swelling signals a serious infection. This type of emergency can spread to other parts of your body. Fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems require immediate medical attention.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for temporary relief. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling on the outside of your face. Contact your dentist in Ajax right away for same-day treatment.
Broken or Cracked Tooth With Pain
Not all chips and cracks constitute emergencies. However, severe breaks that expose nerves cause significant pain. Sharp edges can also cut your tongue, cheeks, or lips.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Save any broken pieces if possible. Place a cold pack on your face to minimize swelling. Call our Ajax dental office for urgent care.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding that won’t stop after 10 minutes of applied pressure needs immediate attention. This can occur after tooth extraction, injury, or gum disease. Bite down on clean gauze while seeking emergency dental care.
Dental Issues That Can Wait Until Regular Hours
Many dental problems feel urgent but don’t require immediate emergency care. Your dentist in Ajax can address these issues during regular office hours. Understanding this distinction prevents unnecessary stress and expense.
Minor Chips Without Pain
Small chips that don’t cause discomfort can wait for a scheduled appointment. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until repaired. These chips are easily fixed with bonding or smoothing.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown feels uncomfortable but rarely constitutes an emergency. Temporary dental cement from pharmacies provides short-term relief. Schedule an appointment within a few days to prevent further damage.
Mild Toothache Without Swelling
Slight tooth sensitivity or minor aches often resolve on their own. Try flossing gently to remove trapped food particles. Rinse with warm salt water several times daily.
If pain persists beyond 24 hours, call Westney North Dental Clinic in Ajax. We’ll schedule an examination to identify the underlying cause. Our team will help determine the best treatment approach.
Food Stuck Between Teeth
Trapped food causes discomfort but doesn’t require emergency treatment. Use dental floss to gently remove the debris. Never use sharp objects like toothpicks that can damage your gums.
Rinse thoroughly with water after flossing. If you can’t remove it yourself, call our office for assistance.
Your Emergency Dental Assessment Checklist
Use this simple checklist to determine if you need immediate care from a dentist in Ajax:
Call for same-day emergency care if you experience:
- Knocked-out permanent tooth
- Severe pain with facial swelling
- Uncontrolled bleeding lasting over 10 minutes
- Broken tooth with exposed nerves
- Jaw injury or suspected fracture
- Abscess or pus-filled bump on gums
Schedule a regular appointment if you have:
- Minor chip without pain
- Lost filling or crown
- Mild toothache without swelling
- Dull sensitivity to hot or cold
- Small object stuck between teeth
Common Misconceptions About Dental Emergencies
Many patients believe baby teeth don’t require emergency care. This is false. While we don’t reimplant knocked-out baby teeth, injuries still need evaluation. Damage to baby teeth can affect permanent teeth developing underneath.
Another misconception involves pain levels. Some people think severe pain always means emergency. However, chronic conditions like TMJ can cause intense discomfort without requiring urgent care.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, over 2 million Canadians visit emergency rooms for dental issues annually. Many of these visits could be handled more effectively at dental offices. Research from the Journal of the American Dental Association shows that 79% of dental emergencies occur outside regular business hours.
Preventing Dental Emergencies Before They Happen
Prevention remains the best approach to dental emergencies. At Westney North Dental, we recommend these protective measures for Ajax patients:
Wear a custom sports mouth guard during physical activities. Store-bought guards don’t provide adequate protection. Our team creates custom-fitted guards for maximum safety.
Never chew ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy. These habits crack teeth and damage existing dental work. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or cut thread.
Maintain regular dental checkups every six months. Early detection prevents small problems from becoming emergencies. Professional cleanings remove buildup that leads to decay and infection.
What to Do After Hours
Westney North Dental operates six days a week with evening appointments. However, severe emergencies after hours require hospital care. Visit your nearest emergency room if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe facial trauma
- Signs of serious infection with fever
For all other urgent dental needs, call us at 647-697-6400. We accept all insurance plans and offer flexible payment options. Our modern facility features the latest technology for comprehensive emergency care.
Contact Your Trusted Dentist in Ajax Today
Don’t wait when dental emergencies strike. Our Westney North Dental provides same-day emergency services for Ajax residents. Our experienced team handles everything from knocked-out teeth to severe infections.
Call 647-697-6400 immediately if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. We’ll schedule you for same-day treatment and provide guidance over the phone. Visit us at 201 Williamson Dr. W in Ajax for compassionate, professional emergency dental care.
Remember, quick action saves teeth and prevents complications. Keep our number handy for unexpected dental emergencies. Your smile deserves the best care available from your trusted dentist in Ajax.
Ajax Hospital info here.
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