A bite of nougat that’s a little too hard, a slip on the ice on the way home from a holiday party, a toothache that flares up on Boxing Day… The holidays have a way of bringing dental problems at the worst possible moment. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency in Vaudreuil-Dorion or nearby, here’s how to tell what can’t wait, what to do until you see a dentist, and how to reach our team.
Why dental emergencies happen more often over the holidays
Our routines change over the holidays: more snacking, more sweets and later nights. A few common habits can put your teeth to the test:
- Hard or sticky treats: candy canes, nougat, toffee, maple taffy and hard candy can crack a tooth or pull out a filling or crown.
- Nuts, pits and ice: cracking a nut in its shell, biting an olive pit or chewing ice are classic causes of a broken tooth.
- Using your teeth as tools: opening bottles, tearing gift wrap or cutting ribbon with your teeth is best avoided.
- Winter sports: hockey, skating, skiing and sledding are great fun, but they also mean knocks to the face. A mouthguard is a must on the ice.
- Problems that were already brewing: a cavity or infection left alone since the fall can become painful when you least expect it.
Dental emergency in Vaudreuil-Dorion: what can’t wait
Not every situation is equally urgent. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
See a dentist as soon as possible (ideally the same day)
- An adult tooth that has been completely knocked out;
- A tooth that has been pushed in, moved out of place or become very loose after a blow;
- Severe pain that keeps you up at night or doesn’t ease with your usual pain reliever;
- Swelling of the gum, cheek or face, often a sign of a tooth or gum abscess;
- A broken tooth that hurts or shows a pink or red spot.
Book soon, but no need to panic
- A filling or crown that has come loose, without significant pain;
- A small chip on the edge of a tooth;
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that won’t go away;
- An orthodontic bracket or wire that’s poking your cheek.
When to go to the hospital or call 811 instead
Go to the hospital emergency room (or call 911) if swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, if you have a high fever with spreading swelling, after a serious injury to the face or jaw, or if bleeding won’t stop despite steady pressure. Quebec’s public health institute, the INSPQ (in French), advises going to the ER if bleeding from the tongue or lip lasts more than 10 minutes despite pressure. If you’re unsure, Info-Santé (811) can advise you day or night.
What to do until your appointment
An adult tooth has been knocked out
Time matters. The best chance of saving the tooth is within 30 to 60 minutes of the accident.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), without touching the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently under cold water for a few seconds. Don’t scrub it.
- If you can, gently put it back in its socket and bite on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If not, keep it in a small container of cold milk (or in the person’s saliva) and call a dentist right away.
Never put a baby tooth back in. Keep it and see a dentist promptly so the gum and the adult tooth underneath can be checked. If a tooth darkens in the weeks after a blow, read What to do when a tooth turns grey following a trauma.
A broken or cracked tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water, keep any piece you find in a damp cloth and put a cold compress on your cheek if there’s swelling. Avoid chewing on that side and stay away from very hot or very cold foods.
A lost filling or crown
Keep the crown and bring it to your appointment: it can often be re-cemented. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that tooth. Never use household glue.
A toothache or swelling
A cold compress on the cheek (20 minutes at a time) can help. An over-the-counter pain reliever may help if your health allows; ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure. Never put an aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue. Swelling doesn’t go away on its own: even if the pain eases, the infection still needs treatment.
Recently had treatment and have questions? See our postoperative advice.
How to avoid a dental emergency this holiday season
- Let hard candy melt instead of crunching it;
- Use a nutcracker, never your teeth;
- Wear a mouthguard for hockey and contact sports, even for a friendly game on the outdoor rink;
- Keep up your routine: brush twice a day and floss, even on vacation;
- Get a sensitive tooth or a rough filling checked before the holidays.
If you have group insurance, this is also a good time to use your dental benefits before December 31. Still putting off your wisdom teeth? Read Wisdom Teeth Removal in Vaudreuil-Dorion: Should You Book Before the Holidays?
Emergency care at Chez Soie dentisterie
As a general and family dentistry clinic, we set aside time every week for emergencies, for current patients and new patients alike, from Vaudreuil-Dorion, L’Île-Perrot, Pincourt, Saint-Lazare, Hudson and the surrounding area. We’ll do our best to see you quickly. Learn more on our Emergency page.
For children under 10, an emergency exam is one of the dental services covered by the RAMQ with a valid health insurance card. We also welcome patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Because the CDCP pays according to its own fee guide, there is usually a balance to pay; our team will explain it before treatment.
Dental emergency? Call us at 450 455-5671. We answer during opening hours: Monday and Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours may change over the holidays; outside our hours, listen to our voicemail message or call 811.
Frequently asked questions
Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?
A broken tooth that hurts, bleeds or shows a pink spot should be seen as soon as possible. A small painless chip can wait a few days, but it’s best to have it checked soon so it doesn’t get worse.
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
For an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it without scrubbing and put it back if you can; otherwise keep it in cold milk and call a dentist right away. The first 30 to 60 minutes are critical. A baby tooth should not be put back.
Where can I find an emergency dentist in Vaudreuil-Dorion?
Chez Soie dentisterie is located in the Polyclinique médicale at 600 boulevard Harwood in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Call 450 455-5671 during opening hours for a dental emergency.
Should I go to the hospital for a toothache?
A toothache is usually treated at the dentist. Go to the ER if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, if you have a high fever with spreading swelling, after a serious facial injury, or if bleeding won’t stop.
My child hit a tooth while skating. What should I do?
Stay calm, rinse their mouth with water, apply a cold compress and check whether the tooth is loose, broken, pushed in or knocked out. In any of these cases, call your dentist promptly, even if the tooth looks fine.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation with an oral health professional.
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