What should I do in the case of a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times—whether it's right before a big presentation, during the weekend, or late at night. When a sudden oral health crisis strikes, knowing what steps to take can help reduce your discomfort and protect your smile. Here is a quick guide on how to handle some of the most common emergency scenarios.

Common Emergency Scenarios

• Severe Toothache: A persistent, throbbing toothache is often a sign of deep decay or an internal infection. Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to gently remove any trapped food debris around the area. Never place aspirin directly against the gums, as the chemical can burn the soft tissue.

• Chipped or Broken Tooth: Save any large pieces of the broken tooth if you can find them. Rinse your mouth and the broken fragment with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad for about 10 minutes until it stops.

• Lost Filling or Crown: If a dental restoration falls out, try to keep the area clean. You can use a small piece of sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to temporarily cover the exposed area until you can get to our office.

How We Can Help You Quickly

If you experience a dental emergency, please call our office immediately.

• During Regular Hours: If you call us during the day, we can often accommodate you with same-day appointments to get you out of discomfort and start treatment right away.

• After Hours: If an emergency happens outside of our normal operating hours, please leave a clear message on our voicemail. Our voicemail system instantly converts your message into an email that is sent directly to our doctors' mobile phones, allowing us to review your urgent situation promptly.

• Online Booking Option: You can also consider visiting our online booking portal at petrasfamilydental.ca/book to reserve an appointment. Through our system, you can often secure an open slot for the very next day to ensure you are seen and treated immediately.

At Petras Family Dental in Amherstburg, we are always here for our community when unexpected dental needs arise. Keep our number handy, and don't hesitate to reach out the moment you need us. Call us at 519-713-8985 or visit petrasfamilydental.ca/book to schedule your visit.