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- Emergency Dental Care
- April 16, 2020
- by lotus
Please note if you are concerned that you need an emergency dentist please contact our practice on or visit your closest clinic. If you do experience a dental emergency it is important you can employ the right management strategies, until you are able to get medical help. Today we are going to show you how to manage an emergency, as well as what to do if you need an emergency dentist.
Common Dental Emergencies And How To Manage Them
The definition of emergency dental care is fairly broad and encompasses a wide range of events and situations. Any situation that you cannot manage, or an event that cannot wait, may be considered a situation that warrants an emergency dentist. If you are in doubt, please contact our practice and you will be assisted. In the event that you cannot reach an emergency dentist, you should go to your nearest clinic or hospital, as most dental emergencies can be treated by medical personnel.
Our first tip for managing dental emergencies is not to panic. This is of course much easier when you know what to do and are prepared for the emergency.
Severe Toothache
Any toothache that is severe, begins very suddenly or becomes worse over time and doesn’t respond to pain medication, can be considered a dental emergency.
Why it requires emergency dental care
Sometimes toothache is caused by cavities but very severe or intense toothache can be a sign of an abscess or cyst, which would require urgent treatment. Dental abscesses are infections inside the teeth that become filled with pus, and which can also cause swelling in the face.
Try using a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to manage swelling, until you can get to the dentist.
It’s essential to get to your dentist as soon as possible as an abscess will not self heal. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection but the abscess will need to be drained.
If you do act quickly it may be possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out. Ideally, you want to try and arrive within 30 minutes, to give your dentist the best chance of saving it.
Once you have found the tooth, pick it up very gently, taking care not to touch the roots. This means you’ll need to hold it by the crown. Do not rub the roots, or touch any of the tissues. If you find the tooth has become dirt, you can give it a quick and gentle rinse in water or milk.
Try to replace the tooth in its socket by holding it in the correct position in your mouth. Try to support it in place as you make your way to your dentist. If this can’t be done, you must keep the tooth moist and safe until you can get professional help. You can do this by holding it in your cheek, keeping it in milk or covering it with plastic wrap.
It is important that you don’t allow the tooth to dry out. Only try to replace the tooth if it is a permanent or adult tooth – this should not be attempted with baby teeth.
Why it requires emergency dental care
If the tooth roots become damaged or dry out, the tooth may die and may not be able to be replaced.
Cracks, Chips And Fractures To Teeth
Chips, fractures and cracks in a tooth should be considered dental emergencies and managed as soon as possible. This is because these imperfections expose your tooth and cause damage to the nerves. The faster you can get emergency treatment, the greater your chances of saving the tooth.
Injuries To Lips And Cheeks
It’s often the case that an injury or trauma to the mouth is accompanied by bleeding. Again, it’ important to remember not to panic, and to try and manage the bleeding as promptly as possible.
Sometimes a bite or injury to the insides of the cheeks, tongue or lips can swell up, and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It’s also possible for an infection to occur at the site, which can contribute to the swelling.
You can manage the swelling with a saltwater rinse that you make from warm water and half a teaspoon of salt. If the area becomes infected you should contact your dentist.
If you think you need an emergency dentist please don’t delay. Please contact our office as soon as possible or visit your closest clinic for assistance: (03) 8737 9359.