Dental problems rarely wait for a convenient time. A cracked tooth on a weekend, a sudden toothache at night, or a sports injury after school can turn a normal day into a stressful one. Knowing what to do in the first minutes can protect your teeth and ease pain. At St. Andrew’s Dental Centre in Aurora, we reserve time for urgent visits and offer comfortable care, including nitrous oxide sedation when appropriate. Use this guide to handle common emergencies and know when to call us.
What counts as a dental emergency
Call a dentist in Aurora right away if you have any of the following:
- Severe toothache that does not improve with simple pain relief
- Knocked out, loose, cracked, or broken tooth
- Swelling in the gums or face, with or without fever
- Injury to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or jaw
- Lost filling, crown, or temporary restoration that causes pain or sharp edges
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
If you have trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a broken jaw, or facial swelling that affects your airway, go to the nearest emergency department first. Contact us after you are safe and stable.
Knocked out tooth
Fast action can save a tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown only. Avoid touching the root. Rinse briefly with clean water if there is dirt, but do not scrub or use soap. If the person is a cooperative adult, try to place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place with gentle pressure using gauze. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in cold milk, saline, or your own saliva and call our Aurora office immediately. Time matters. Best results are within an hour.
Chipped or broken tooth
First, control any bleeding. Apply gentle pressure to the gum and soft tissues, not the broken tooth. Rinse with warm water and place a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment. Avoid biting on the area. Over the counter pain relief can help until we see you. We will assess the depth of the fracture and recommend bonding, a filling, a crown, or root canal therapy if the nerve is involved.
Toothache
Tooth pain often signals decay, a cracked tooth, or infection. Rinse with warm salt water to gently clean the area. Floss around the sore tooth to remove trapped food. Avoid very hot or cold foods and sugary drinks. Over the counter pain medication can provide short term relief. Oil of cloves on a small cotton ball may help with minor soreness, but it is not a cure. Call our Aurora clinic for an exam. Waiting can allow a small problem to turn into a larger one.
Swelling or abscess
Facial swelling, a pimple on the gum, or a bad taste may indicate an infection. Do not apply heat. Use a cold compress on the outside of your face and call us. If you have fever, feel unwell, or the swelling spreads toward the eye or neck, seek urgent medical attention. Dental infections need professional care. We may drain the abscess, start antibiotics, and plan root canal treatment or extraction, then restore the area once infection clears.
Lost filling or crown
If a filling falls out, the tooth may feel sharp or sensitive. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover the spot until your visit. If a crown comes off, rinse it and keep it safe. You can place a small amount of temporary dental cement inside the crown and gently reseat it to protect the tooth, but do not use super glue. Bring the crown to your appointment. We will check the tooth and decide whether to recement or replace it.
Soft tissue injuries
For lip, tongue, or cheek cuts, rinse gently with water. Apply pressure with clean gauze for ten minutes. If bleeding does not stop, or if the cut is large, go to an emergency department. Small tears often heal well with simple care, but larger injuries may need stitches.
Emergency dental care with nitrous oxide sedation
Anxiety is common during emergencies. At St. Andrew’s Dental Centre in Aurora, nitrous oxide sedation can help you relax while we work. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas you breathe through a small mask. It acts within minutes, can be adjusted at any time, and clears quickly once we switch you to oxygen. Most adults and children are candidates. There is no injection needed to start it. Many patients feel calm, comfortable, and in control throughout the visit.
What to expect at our Aurora office
- Triage and pain relief
We start by addressing pain and stabilizing the area. This may include local anesthetic, smoothing sharp edges, or placing a temporary material. - Diagnosis
Digital X-rays and intraoral photos help us see the full picture. We explain what we find in plain language. - Treatment options
You will receive clear choices and estimates. For example, a deep cavity may need a filling or a crown. A crack near the nerve may need root canal therapy. We will explain timing and costs, and where possible, provide same day care. - Follow up
For complex needs, we book a follow up to complete definitive treatment. You leave with written instructions and a direct line for questions.
How to reduce the risk of emergencies
- Wear a custom mouthguard during sports, especially hockey, soccer, and basketball
- Do not use teeth to open packages or bottle caps
- Address small chips or sensitivity early before they worsen
- Replace worn fillings and cracked crowns before the holiday season or travel
- Keep regular cleanings and exams to catch problems early
- If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard to protect enamel and restorations
Dental emergencies and children
Children in Aurora often chip front teeth on playgrounds or during sports. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not reinsert it. Call us for guidance. For permanent teeth, follow the steps above for a knocked out tooth and contact us right away. We are experienced with pediatric care and use kid friendly communication. Nitrous oxide is available when needed to help young patients feel safe and calm.
Costs, insurance, and same day access
We know emergencies are stressful. Our team provides written estimates before treatment and offers direct billing to insurance plans that allow assignment of benefits. If a preauthorization is required for a later phase, we submit it quickly. We keep early morning and evening times for urgent visits so Aurora families can get care without long waits.
Keep these essentials handy
- Our office number in your phone contacts
- A small dental emergency kit with gauze, a cold pack, temporary dental cement, and floss
- A mouthguard that fits well if you or your child play sports
When in doubt, call
If you are unsure whether to wait or be seen, call our team. A short conversation can prevent complications. We would rather reassure you than see a small concern become a painful problem.
St. Andrew’s Dental Centre, Aurora
2 Orchard Heights Blvd, Suite 33
905-727-4243
If you are in pain or have a dental emergency, contact us now. We will guide you step by step, relieve your discomfort, and protect your smile with prompt, professional care.