A fall off a bike, an elbow in a pickup game or a hard bite on something unexpected can chip, loosen or crack a tooth. From Burlington, call us to describe the injury and when it happened, so we can discuss urgency and an examination.
With dental injuries, timing can affect what is possible, which is why the hour of the accident is one of the first things the team will ask. A tooth can look fine on the surface and still have been jolted inside, or a small chip can hide a crack. An emergency dental examination brings together what happened, your health background and a direct assessment to work out how much damage there is and how quickly it needs attention.
Injuries are only one reason to call. People also get in touch about swelling, toothache that keeps building, a lost filling or something that doesn't feel right after recent treatment. In every case the dentist reviews your medical history and medicines, and keeps an open mind about the source; the sore spot may or may not be where the problem lies.
Phone before you leave Burlington so the team knows what to expect and can discuss availability. If a whole adult tooth has been knocked out, tell us straight away, since that situation is especially time-sensitive. When you need care at once and cannot reach us, go to another emergency dental provider rather than leaving a message and waiting.
You don't need to diagnose anything yourself. Describe the event and the symptoms in your own words; that lets the team judge whether to see you here or direct you somewhere more suitable.
Let us know the rough location, when it began and whether it throbs on its own or reacts to biting, heat or cold. Mention if it has kept you up and what you've taken for it. Testing the tooth over and over won't help the diagnosis; describing it will.
Say how the injury occurred and what looks different now. Tell us if your teeth no longer meet the way they did, if a tooth feels loose or if a piece is missing. Give the time of the accident, even if the pain has already calmed down.
If the concern follows recent work, share the date and what was done, and explain how it differs from the recovery you were told about. Bring any written instructions. This helps the dentist tell whether it's a follow-up matter or a new problem.
A serious blow to the head or face, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe or quickly spreading swelling, or bleeding you can't control needs urgent medical care. Call 911 or go to hospital emergency rather than waiting for a dentist.
After an accident, attention naturally goes to the part you can see. Smoothing a chipped edge might be all that's needed, or the injury may have affected the root, the nerve or the bone around the tooth. The examination is there to find out. Ask how each finding shapes the recommendation, and whether anything can only be judged over time.
Injuries sometimes need a series of visits: immediate care, then a check some weeks later to see how the tooth is responding. Make sure you know what happens at this appointment, what comes next and whether another provider should be involved. Ask which step is the priority.
Patient information: American Dental Association — individualized selection of dental imaging
Ask the dentist to describe what they found and what it means for the tooth and surrounding tissue, in everyday terms. That makes it easier to explain to family, a coach or an employer, and to weigh the treatment choices in front of you.
X-rays can show things an examination alone can't, such as how a root or the surrounding bone looks after a knock. They should be selected based on your history and the findings, with any recent images considered. Ask what a particular image is meant to clarify.
After an injury, a temporary covering, splint or smoothing may come before definitive treatment. Ask which type of care you are getting today. That way a short-term measure isn't mistaken for the finished result.
The tests depend on the injury or symptoms and on what the dentist finds. If you'd like something explained, or need a pause, say so at any point.
Explain when and how the problem began, how it has changed and any treatment or medicine since. Give your allergies, conditions and prescriptions. Pregnancy, dental anxiety and other relevant circumstances are worth mentioning so the assessment can be planned around them.
The dentist inspects the teeth, gums and soft tissues, and may use suitable clinical tests. A knock can affect more than one tooth, so neighbouring teeth are often checked. Ask what each test tells the dentist.
Existing records may be reviewed and X-rays taken where they would help. You then hear what the dentist has found and their working diagnosis. If some things can't yet be known, ask what is uncertain and when it might become clearer.
Discuss the suggested treatment, alternatives, limits, timing and fees before deciding. Clarify what the examination covers and what is separate treatment. Leave with a date for any follow-up and a list of changes that should prompt an earlier call.
An injured tooth may need checking again even if it feels better. Before leaving, confirm whether more treatment is planned and how to protect the area until then.
Ask for the main information in a form you can keep. Write down which tooth is involved and what the next visit is for. If another clinician will continue care, confirm which records should be shared, with your consent.
You might be told to eat softer foods, avoid biting with the injured tooth or wear a mouthguard for sport. Ask about pain relief in relation to your health. Don't assume advice from a previous injury applies to this one.
A tooth that darkens, new swelling or pain that returns should be reported. The plan you were given reflected what was seen at the time. A different picture may call for a different response.
General guidance only. For an actual injury, phone so the team can hear the details and talk about timing; a web form will not get you seen sooner.
Phone our Bronte Street practice about a dental injury, sudden pain, swelling or a concern after treatment, and ask about current availability. Tell us when it happened and what you are noticing. If you need care immediately and cannot reach us, contact another available provider.
Online requests are not suitable for urgent problems. Examination scope, imaging, treatment, referral, availability and fees depend on your situation. An assessment doesn't guarantee a procedure at the same visit.
