Welcome to Dr. Octavian Tetelbaum Dentistry

Dental Emergencies London

Usually we like to see our patients that are in pain immediately. This can be done by booking online on this page. You can also call the centre at 519-266-3646, email [email protected] or by sending a text to 226-376-3600.

For pain relief, we recommend Motrin over Tylenol due to the anti inflammatory component. HOWEVER, please be sure there is no contra indications with your current health or medicines before taking Motrin or Tylenol. Most likely this will only ease your discomfort as professional care will probably be recommended for effective long term relief. If there is mild swelling. applying a cold cloth or ice pack to the site, on for 10 minutes, off for 10 minutes until you are in our clinic for an appointment.

In the case of severe pain please alternate acetominophen and ibuprofen every 2-3 hours. (e.g.- ibuprofen 400mg initially and then 2-3 hours later take 400mg acetaminophen, followed by ibuprofen 2-3 hours later. These doses are for a healthy adult- please do not exceed the maximum dose unscripted on the bottle.

• Is the area Hot/Heat sensitive?
• Is the area Cold/Air sensitive?
• Sore to chew on?
• How long have you had the discomfort? 3 hours? 3 days? 3 weeks?
• Where in your mouth is the discomfort Top, Bottom, Left, Right?
• Is there any swelling?
• If you know which tooth, what is the condition of that tooth? Has an existing filling, lost filling, cracked or chipped?

The above information will assist us in triaging your specific care needs. We always try our best to accomodate dental emergencies and provide a way for patients to contact us if they are in pain. Please dont hesitate to use this service if you need to.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

The following is a summary of symptoms that can be used as guidelines to recognize whether or not you are experiencing a dental emergency. Symptoms can range in severity and urgency. Although a dental condition may be considered urgent it may not be considered an emergency. Regardless all conditions do still require attention.

Dull Continuous Toothache

A dull, continuous ache is not usually considered an emergency. A toothache should never be ignored. It generally means that there is an irritation to the nerve of the tooth.

Cold Sensitivity

Sensitivity to cold is not considered a dental emergency. It is generally caused by many different factors. Some conditions that exhibit cold sensitivity are; dentin exposure caused by wear/ fractures/cracks, recent dental procedures, gingival(gum) recession, and clenching/grinding of the teeth.

Hot Sensitivity

Sensitivity to heat is considered urgent in nature because it can be and indication that there is an infection. However, it can also be non-urgent and be felt in areas with gingival recession, recent dental procedures, and wear/fractures/cracks.

Fractured Tooth/Broken Tooth

A fractured or broken tooth may be an immediate dental emergency depending on the degree of fracture. If the fracture is severe and causing pain or discomfort you should seek attention immediately.

If damage to a fractured tooth is minor or moderate it is considered to be urgent but not necessarily an emergency. Avoid hot and cold foods and biting/chewing in the area of the fractured tooth until you are able to seek attention.

Swelling

Swelling is a significant sign of an infection. If the swelling is accompanied with any areas of redness, tenderness, and possible pus formation there may be an active infection. Seek emergency treatment as soon as possible.

Abscessed Tooth

Generally when a tooth has an abscess there is a pus formation at the root end of the tooth. Generally this can be seen if you pull on your lip/cheek and look towards the root of the tooth. If there is an infection present the dentist will possibly prescribe antibiotics and analgesics right away. The need for root canal therapy or other restorative procedures will be determined at this time.

Knocked Out Tooth

If a tooth gets knocked out in any way, it is important to not be alarmed and stay calm. Control the bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a clean cold compress. Try to recover the tooth that has been knocked out (try to avoid touching the root surface and only touch the crown portion). Ensure the tooth is clean and does not have any debris. Very gently place the tooth back into the socket. It is possible to re-implant the tooth if it is done properly. If you are not comfortable placing the tooth back in its socket, carefully transport the tooth in a glass of cold milk or wrapped in a cold damp cloth to a dental office.

Broken Denture

Never attempt to repair your denture on your own. You could cause more damage to the denture or your mouth. Call your denturist to schedule an appointment, or contact us to schedule a dental appointment at your convenience.

Welcome to Dr. Octavian Tetelbaum Dentistry, a Restorative and Cosmetic Dentist located in 1635 Hyde Park Road, Suite #106, London, ON. Dr. Octavian Tetelbaum is a purveyor of fine dentistry, providing care in all aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, clear braces, dental implants, traditional braces and invisalign.