Common dental emergencies
There is a number of things that count as dental emergencies, including the following:
Toothache
If you suddenly happen to suffer from a painful toothache that is unbearable, it’s important to seek dental help. Toothaches can sometimes be caused by an infection or injury that needs addressing.
Knocked out tooth
Teeth that are knocked out require immediate attention to try and save the tooth, preferably within the first half an hour of tooth loss. The quicker you get to the dentist, the higher chances of preserving the tooth.
Follow the following steps:
- Hold the tooth by the crown, and never the roots.
- Rinse the tooth very gently and ensure it’s clean; never scrub or remove tissue attached to the tooth.
- Once cleaned, gently place the tooth back into the socket if possible and bite down gently. If unable to do so, please place the tooth in a small container of milk.
- Please call your dentist immediately after doing these steps. It’s crucial to get to the dentist as soon as possible for higher chances of saving the tooth.
Loose tooth
If one of your teeth becomes loose or misaligned with your bite, it’s important to call your dentist immediately.
You can try applying gentle pressure to return your tooth to the original position if it is misaligned. Never force your tooth back. Biting down is also important as it will help prevent the tooth from moving.
Your dentist may need to attach the tooth to adjacent teeth to prevent it from moving.
Cracked, chipped or fractured teeth
Please remember that a chipped tooth is only a dental emergency if it is painful.
Suffering a crack or fracture to a tooth is serious as it means damage has not only occurred to the crown of the tooth, but also to the inside. In some cases, severe fractures are irreparable, which means the tooth is unsavable.
If you suffer a crack or fracture, please follow these steps:
- Rinse your mouth out with warm salty water.
- Apply a cold pack if facial trauma was the cause.
- Never apply a painkiller to the area, as it can damage the area.
- Call your dentist to arrange an emergency appointment.
Your dentist will take x-rays to diagnose the severity of the fracture or crack. Depending on the issue, you may require a crown to save the tooth, or a root canal if the tooth pulp is damaged.
Severe tissue injury
Any severe, bleeding lacerations, tears or puncture wounds inside the mouth is considered a dental emergency.
If this occurs, please wash your mouth out with warm salty water.
It’s important to remember that in this situation, you should immediately visit an oral surgeon or the emergency room at your nearest hospital.
Oral infection / dental abscess
Please rinse your mouth with a warm salty solution and call our team immediately.
How to avoid dental emergencies
The following are some of the best practices to help you avoid chances of suffering from a dental emergency:
- Visit the dentist regularly to detect decay, cavities or other issues.
- Maintain your brushing, flossing and rinsing daily routine.
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
- Avoid biting down onto hard foods, including ice or candies.
FAQs
Saltwater removes bacteria from the gums, as it works as an antiseptic. During an emergency, it can help clean the area and prevent infection.
Swishing a saltwater solution around your mouth can also prevent gum disease and increase the healing of wounds and sores.
A saltwater solution can easily be made by placing half to a full teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Use this solution to swish around your mouth and gargle.
Book in for an emergency dental appointment with Dental Pearls, by calling our friendly experienced team on (07) 3210 2144.
Emergency Dental at Dental Pearls Brisbane CBD
If you are suffering from a dental emergency, please call our friendly experienced staff on (07) 3210 2144.
We will see you as soon as possible to help you get out of pain.
If you would like to set up a consultation for a dental treatment with our friendly team, please click here!
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