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What to Do in a Dental Emergency
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What to Do in a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can strike at any time, causing pain and disruption to your day. Whether it’s a throbbing toothache, a chipped tooth, or a lost filling, getting prompt professional attention is crucial. This guide will help you navigate dental emergencies effectively.
Staying Calm and Assessing the Situation
The first step in any dental emergency is to stay calm. Panic can cloud your judgement and make it harder to address the issue. Take a few deep breaths and assess the situation.
- Identify the source of the pain or problem. Is it a specific tooth, or is there general discomfort?
- Consider the severity. Is there bleeding, swelling, or difficulty breathing?
- Evaluate any recent dental work. Did you recently have a filling, crown, or other procedure?
Broken/Cracked/Chipped Teeth
Deep Tooth Decay
Extremely Sensitive Teeth
Lost Crown or Filling
Swollen Gums
Severe Toothache
Root Canal Pain
Wisdom Teeth Pain
Exposed or Dying Nerves
Taking Action Based on the Emergency
The course of action will depend on the nature of your emergency. Here’s a breakdown for common scenarios:
Toothache: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm salt water. Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any food debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can offer temporary relief. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Early dental attention is crucial to diagnose the cause of the pain and prevent further complications.
Chipped Tooth: Minor chips may not require immediate attention. However, if the chip is significant, causing pain, or involving a sharp edge, seeking dental care promptly is recommended. Save any tooth fragments you can find, as they might be reattached during the dental procedure.
Lost Filling: A lost filling can leave your tooth exposed and vulnerable to further decay. Apply a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum to the exposed area to create a temporary cover. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Bleeding Gums: If your gums are bleeding excessively, gently apply pressure to the bleeding area with a clean gauze pad for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your mouth with cool salt water after the bleeding subsides. If the bleeding persists or is accompanied by severe pain, seek immediate dental care.
Knocked-out Tooth: Time is of the essence in this situation. If an adult tooth is knocked out, locate the tooth and carefully rinse it with clean water (avoid scrubbing the root). If possible, try to gently reinsert the tooth back into its socket. If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with milk and contact your dentist immediately.
Seeking Professional Help
For most dental emergencies, seeking professional help from a dentist is essential. Here’s how to find an emergency dentist:
Contact Beecroft Smiles: We understand the urgency of dental emergencies. We offer a Same Day Emergency policy, and our friendly team will do their best to accommodate you on the day you call.
Utilise Online Resources: Search engines can help you find emergency dentists near you. Look for practices with positive reviews and clear information about emergency appointments.
Dental Association Websites: Many dental associations maintain online directories listing dentists offering emergency services.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Appointment
Be prepared to explain the nature of your emergency, including any recent dental work or accidents. The dentist will likely conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, including X-rays if necessary. Depending on the emergency, treatment may involve pain management, temporary or permanent restorations, or more complex procedures.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While emergencies can happen unexpectedly, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Regular dental checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to identify and address potential problems early on.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports or activities that could result in facial trauma, wear a properly fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Be mindful of what you bite on: Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, nuts, or candy, which can damage your teeth.
Beecroft Smiles: Your Partner in Dental Health
Dental emergencies require swift and expert care, which is why our team of skilled dentists is committed to delivering immediate and efficient treatment to restore your comfort. Our clinic is equipped with advanced technology in a welcoming setting to guarantee a favorable dental visit.
For urgent dental needs, reach out to Beecroft Smiles. Our support is just a call away.
**Note, addressing a dental emergency without delay is crucial for optimal results. Being informed can greatly influence the recovery process.
Discover more about emergency dentisty:
Don't wait for pain to worsen!
If you experience any of these symptoms, call Beecroft Smiles immediately. We’re here to help you through the emergency calmly and professionally.
Remember, you're not alone!
Beecroft Smiles is always here to provide the care and support you need, even in the most unexpected situations.
Dental Emergency? But stairs, lifts or elevators are a problem?
Our single-level clinic is entirely wheelchair accessible, with no stairs, lifts, or elevators to navigate.
This makes it easy for patients of all abilities to receive the dental care they need.
And, we are conveniently located in Beecroft with plenty of parking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Dentistry
The emergency room (ER) can provide temporary relief for tooth pain by administering pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. They may also offer antibiotics if there is an infection present. However, ERs are generally not equipped to provide definitive dental care such as fillings or extractions for tooth pain.
An extreme dental emergency typically involves severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to the mouth or teeth. This could include a knocked-out tooth, a severe infection, or a fractured jaw.
In Australia, the emergency room may provide similar treatments for tooth pain as mentioned above, including pain medication and antibiotics. However, the specific medications offered may vary depending on the hospital’s protocols and the severity of the condition.
The most common emergency in a dental office is toothache or dental pain. This can be caused by various factors such as tooth decay, infection, trauma, or gum disease. Other common dental emergencies include broken or knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.
