Emergency Dentistry in Woodstock

Emergency dentistry provides prompt assessment and treatment for dental pain, infection and injuries to the teeth or mouth.

Emergency care at our practice includes:

• Same-day appointments accommodated
• Care for adults and children
• Emergency visits for new and existing patients
• Convenient evening and Saturday appointments
• In-house oral surgery when a tooth cannot be saved

A dental emergency is a problem with the teeth, gums or mouth that requires prompt treatment to relieve pain, control infection or prevent further damage.

Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe or persistent toothache
• Swelling of the face, jaw or gums
• A broken, cracked or chipped tooth
• A knocked-out or loosened tooth
• A lost filling or crown
• Pain or swelling around a wisdom tooth
• Pain or bleeding that persists after dental treatment

Patients who are unsure whether a problem is urgent are welcome to contact our office for guidance.

Some conditions require immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency department rather than at a dental office.

Hospital emergency care is required for:

• Facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
• Bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure
• Significant trauma to the face, jaw or head

In a life-threatening situation, please call 911.

Children experiencing dental pain are welcome for urgent care, and same-day appointments are accommodated.

Urgent care may be needed for a child with:

• Toothache, swelling or a broken tooth
• A knocked-out or loosened tooth after a fall
• Pain that interferes with eating or sleeping

A knocked-out baby tooth should not be placed back in the socket, as this can damage the adult tooth developing beneath it.

The following general guidance can help protect the teeth and reduce discomfort until treatment is available.

Knocked-out adult tooth

The tooth should be handled by the crown, the part normally visible above the gum, rather than the root. Keeping the tooth in milk and seeking treatment as soon as possible offers the best chance of saving it.

Broken or chipped tooth

Any pieces should be kept and brought to the appointment. Rinsing gently with warm water keeps the area clean, and a cold compress on the face can help reduce swelling.

Toothache or swelling

Rinsing with warm water and taking over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package may ease discomfort. A cold compress on the outside of the face can help reduce swelling.

Lost filling or crown

A crown that has come off should be kept in a safe place and brought to the appointment. Chewing on the affected side should be avoided until the tooth has been examined.

1. Contacting our office

   Patients call our office to describe the problem, and a same-day appointment is accommodated.

2. Examination

   The affected area is examined, and any required x-rays are taken to identify the cause of the pain or injury.

3. Urgent treatment

   Treatment focuses on relieving pain and addressing the immediate problem, such as an infection, a broken tooth or a lost filling.

4. Follow-up plan

   Any further treatment that is needed is explained, along with the associated costs, and can be scheduled at a later appointment.

Emergency treatment is performed under local anesthetic where needed, so the affected area is numb during the procedure.

For patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available to help them relax during the appointment.

If a tooth is too damaged or infected to be restored, extraction may be recommended. Extractions are performed at our Woodstock office, where oral surgery is provided by Dr. John McIntosh, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Sedation and sleep dentistry options are available for oral surgery. Replacement options, including bridges, dental implants and dentures, are discussed before the tooth is removed.