It usually happens when you least expect it. One moment your child is running across the playground. The next, they’re tripping and landing face-first. Or maybe you’re enjoying a quiet dinner when you bite down and feel something crack. A dental emergency can be scary. But knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make all the difference. At Hermitage Dental in Edmonton, we welcome emergency walk-ins. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay calm and act fast.
Knocked-Out Tooth
This is a true dental emergency. Time matters.
For a permanent tooth:
- Pick it up by the crown (the chewing part), not the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Do not scrub or use soap.
- Try to place it back in the socket and hold it there with gentle pressure.
- If you can’t put it back, keep it moist. Place it in a cup of milk, saline, or your own saliva. Water is a last resort.
- Get to our clinic immediately. The sooner we see you, the better the chance we can save the tooth.
For a baby tooth:
- Do not try to put it back. That could damage the adult tooth growing underneath.
- Call us. We’ll want to check that no root fragments were left behind.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze or a wet tea bag. A cold compress against your cheek can help reduce swelling.
Save any large pieces of the tooth. Bring them with you to your appointment. Even if the damage seems small, don’t ignore it. A minor chip can sometimes expose the nerve or lead to a bigger fracture down the road.
Severe Toothache
First, have your child or family member rinse their mouth with warm salt water. Gently floss around the sore tooth to remove any trapped food. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum or tooth; that can burn the tissue.
If the pain persists, call us. Toothaches often mean decay has reached the nerve, or an abscess is forming. Both need professional attention.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling falls out, you can place a small piece of sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) into the cavity to protect it. For a lost crown, try to slip it back over the tooth using a tiny dab of toothpaste or dental adhesive as a temporary hold.
Do not use superglue. And call us to schedule a repair as soon as possible.
When to Come Straight to Hermitage Dental
You should seek same-day care if:
- A permanent tooth has been knocked out
- There is uncontrolled bleeding
- Your child has swelling in the mouth or face that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
- The pain is severe and getting worse
For everything else, a minor chip, a possible cavity, or a lost filling, still give us a call. We’ll help you decide whether to come in right away or book the next available appointment.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Hermitage Dental, we know that emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. That’s why we offer evening and Saturday appointments. And we always leave room in our schedule for urgent cases.
Just call 780-478-7614 and tell our front desk team what happened. They’ll let you know exactly what to do next. We never upsell, even in an emergency. You’ll get the care you need, nothing more, nothing less.
Save our number in your phone today. Because when a dental emergency happens, the last thing you want to do is search for it while your child is crying.