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Emergency Dentist in Nanaimo
Dental Emergency? We’re Here to Help.
Toothaches, broken teeth, and dental injuries can happen when you least expect them. At Metral Dental, we prioritize urgent dental concerns and make every effort to see emergency patients as quickly as possible, often the same day.
Whether you’re an existing patient or have never visited our clinic before, we’re here to help. New patients are always welcome.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not sure if your dental problem is an emergency? If you’re experiencing significant pain, swelling, or an injury to your teeth or mouth, it’s important to seek dental care promptly.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe toothache
- Broken or chipped tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Loose or displaced tooth
- Dental abscess or infection
- Lost filling or crown
- Broken dental work
- Injuries to the mouth and gums
If you’re unsure whether your situation requires urgent attention, give us a call. Our team can help you determine the next steps.
What Should I Do During a Dental Emergency?
Knowing what to do before reaching the dentist can make a difference, particularly when a tooth has been knocked out or damaged.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If an adult (permanent) tooth has been knocked out, time is critical.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline, or briefly with water. Don’t scrub it.
- If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it.
- If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist in milk.
- Call us immediately. Ideally, a knocked-out permanent tooth should be treated right away.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Avoid chewing on the affected side until your tooth has been examined.
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. An over-the-counter pain reliever may help temporarily.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown falls out, keep the restoration and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on the exposed tooth, particularly if it’s sensitive.
Dental Abscess or Swelling
A dental abscess is an infection that will not heal on its own. This requires professional treatment.
Severe Injuries to Mouth
Serious facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading facial swelling require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment
When you are dealing with dental pain or an unexpected injury, our first priority is to help you feel comfortable, relieve pain, and address the immediate problem.
Dr. John Christensen will examine the affected area and take dental x-rays if needed. The first priority is to address any pain or infection. Once the problem is identified, we will explain the findings and discuss the available treatment options.
Need an Emergency Dentist in Nanaimo?
Don’t wait in pain.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or dental injury, our team is here to help. We welcome both new and existing patients and make every effort to provide prompt, same day, emergency appointments.
Call Metral Dental today. We’ll do our best to get you out of pain and smiling again!
