When a tooth chips at dinner or your child takes a fall during a soccer game, it’s easy to feel a wave of panic. But knowing what to do (and what to look for) can make all the difference.
We sat down with Dr. Brian Hu of Creekside Dental Langley to talk about the most common dental emergencies families face, and what steps to take when they happen.
What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?
According to Dr. Hu, most dental emergencies fall into two categories. “Most common emergencies are either from trauma, like sports, falling, a large accident, or something small like just eating something and something breaking.”
That second one surprises a lot of people. You don’t always need a big impact to lose part of a tooth. As Dr. Hu explains, “It could be because there’s a cavity in the tooth that nobody knew about, and it grew big enough that eating something small like bread can just fracture it.”
What Should You Do First?
If the emergency involves trauma, a hit to the face, a fall, a sports collision, Dr. Hu recommends starting with a careful look. “The first thing they need to do is look at the teeth to see if there’s any bleeding and any other issues.”
From there, the next step depends on what you see. “If there’s any kind of bleeding in the face, any cut-up lips, they should actually go to an emergency and go to a hospital to get the gum, the face, everything looked at. Then after they’ve been seen by other physicians, they should reach out to a dental office to make sure that the teeth themselves are okay.”
If there’s no facial bleeding, say a tooth chipped while eating, you can skip the hospital and call your dental office directly to get the tooth assessed.
How Does a Dentist Assess the Damage?
Dr. Hu says the process is straightforward. “The most easy way to start is always just have it looked at by a dentist, have one x-ray taken for it to see if something is broken superficially or very deep inside the tooth.”
That single x-ray tells the story. “Once we have an x-ray, we can tell if it’s something that can be easily fixed, does it need a root canal, or if something more needs to be done.”
He also explains that what’s happening inside the tooth matters just as much as what you can see on the outside. “With most fractures and breaks, we always look at the tooth to see if there’s any bleeding inside the tooth itself. If there’s any bleeding in the tooth, there’s one way to deal with it, and if the tooth is simply chipped or broken, there’s another way to deal with it.”
Can It Be Treated Right Away?
Dr. Hu is honest about this one: “We can’t always guarantee the treatment can be done on the same day depending on the schedule.” But he’s quick to reassure families that relief doesn’t have to wait. “We can always temporize things, smooth things, give antibiotics, and treat things more of an emergency basis to make sure that the pain and discomfort is resolved before booking back for a more definitive treatment.”
In other words, you won’t be sent home still hurting.
A Quick-Reference Guide for Dental Emergencies
- Trauma with facial bleeding or cuts: Head to the hospital first, then follow up with your dentist for the teeth.
- Trauma without facial bleeding: Call your dental office to have the teeth examined.
- Tooth chips or breaks while eating: Call your dental office — a hidden cavity may be the cause.
- Any pain or discomfort: Your dentist can provide same-day relief, even if the full treatment is scheduled later.
Key Takeaway
Not every dental emergency needs a trip to the ER — but every one deserves a follow-up with your dentist. A single x-ray can reveal whether a chip is a simple fix or something deeper. And even when same-day treatment isn’t possible, your dental team can manage the pain and protect the tooth until a full treatment is booked.
If you or your family experience a dental emergency in the Langley area, reach out to Creekside Dental — we’re here to help.
