Pain Management

Emergency Dental Care in Kitchener

Few things can stop life in its tracks like dental pain. Whether it’s a deep toothache, a broken filling, or a crown that suddenly falls off, pain in the mouth can be relentless and overwhelming. Emergency dental care is not just about fixing a problem—it’s about providing relief, restoring function, and preventing further damage.

At MI Dental, we prioritize patients in pain, offering same-day emergency appointments to stabilize, soothe, and treat the underlying cause. This page highlights common pain-related emergencies and how we address them quickly and effectively.

1. Emergency Pulpotomies – Stopping Severe Tooth Pain

A pulpotomy is often the treatment of choice for patients suffering from intense tooth pain caused by inflammation or infection in the pulp (nerve chamber).

Symptoms That Point to Pulp Trouble:

• Sharp or lingering pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Spontaneous throbbing pain, especially at night
• Sensitivity that lingers long after the stimulus is gone
• Swelling around the tooth or face

Why It Hurts:
When the pulp becomes inflamed due to deep decay or trauma, pressure builds inside the tooth. Because the pulp chamber is encased in rigid dentin walls, there’s nowhere for that pressure to escape—leading to extreme, sometimes unbearable pain.

Treatment at MI Dental:

• We numb the area to provide immediate relief.
• The inflamed portion of pulp is removed (pulpotomy).
• A soothing medicated dressing is placed.
• Depending on the case, root canal therapy or extraction may follow.

Why It’s Urgent:
Delaying treatment allows infection to spread, potentially leading to abscesses or systemic infection. Prompt pulpotomy is often the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.

2. Broken Fillings & Fractured Teeth – Restoring Protection

When a filling breaks or a tooth fractures, the inner layers of the tooth are left exposed. This often results in sharp pain when chewing, increased sensitivity, or discomfort from sharp edges cutting into the tongue or cheeks.

Common Causes:

• Biting down on hard foods (nuts, ice, hard candy)
• Grinding/clenching
• Large or aging fillings that have weakened over time

Why It Matters:
A broken filling or cracked tooth is more than inconvenient. It exposes dentin and sometimes pulp, raising the risk of infection and worsening pain.

Treatment at MI Dental:

• Small chips may be repaired with bonding or a new filling.
• Larger fractures often require onlays or crowns for strength.
• If the pulp is involved, root canal therapy may be necessary.

At-Home Tip Until You See Us:
If a piece of filling or tooth falls out, keep it if possible. Avoid chewing on that side, and cover sharp edges with dental wax (available at pharmacies).

3. Loose or Lost Crowns & Bridges – Don’t Leave Teeth Exposed

A crown or bridge can sometimes loosen or fall off entirely, leaving the underlying tooth sensitive and unprotected.

Signs to Watch For:

• Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold
• Sharp edges or exposed dentin
• Visible looseness or a crown that pops off while eating

Immediate Steps:

• If the crown comes off, keep it safe—bring it to your appointment.
• Do not attempt to glue it back yourself with household adhesives.
• Over-the-counter temporary cement can sometimes hold it in place until your visit.

Treatment at MI Dental:

• If the tooth underneath is intact, we can often recement the crown.
• If the tooth has decayed, adjustments or a new crown may be required.
• For bridges, we check supporting teeth and replace or reinforce as needed.

Why It’s Urgent:
Leaving teeth exposed increases sensitivity, pain, and risk of fracture or infection. Early intervention helps preserve both the restoration and the tooth beneath it.

4. Partial Dentures Causing Pain or Irritation

Partial dentures are meant to restore comfort and function, but when they fit poorly, they can create sore spots and sharp edges that cut into gum tissue.

Causes of Denture-Related Pain:

• New dentures rubbing before tissues adjust
• Old dentures that no longer fit due to gum and bone changes
• Broken or warped bases creating pressure points
• Clasps digging into gums or cheeks

What It Feels Like:

• Localized sore spots or ulcers on the gums
• Irritation on the tongue, cheeks, or lips
• Difficulty eating or speaking comfortably

Treatment at MI Dental:

• Adjustment of the denture’s base or clasps for a better fit
• Polishing or smoothing sharp areas
• Relining or remaking the denture if significant changes have occurred
• Providing soothing gels or rinses for tissue healing

Why It Shouldn’t Be Ignored:
Even small sore spots can progress to ulcers or infections if left untreated. Quick adjustments prevent ongoing pain and help dentures function properly.

Conclusion

Dental pain rarely resolves on its own. Whether it’s a throbbing toothache, a broken restoration, or an ill-fitting denture, prompt care makes all the difference. At MI Dental, our goal is not just to relieve pain, but to address the underlying cause—protecting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.