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Dental Emergencies

Do you have a dental emergency?  A dental emergency at the dental gallery is considered a priority appointment. So if you do happen to have one, we will prioritize your treatment.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. This requires prompt action for if you delay you risk the possibility of permanent damage and you may need expensive restorative treatment down the track.

 What can be considered a dental emergency?

The following are examples of common dental emergencies, however it is important to see a dentist to get an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Toothache

A toothache can occur when you have either a cavity in a tooth, food trapping between teeth or a crack in the tooth.

Remedy:

  • Floss gently to remove any pieces of food and keep the area as clean as possible.
  • If there is swelling the application of cold compress outside the mouth can relieve the pain.
  • Taking over the counter medication can provide some relief
  • Visit your dentist as soon as possible so the problem can be diagnosed and complications are prevented.

Dental Abscess

A serious tooth infection known as dental abscess can cause damage to teeth, gums and the surrounding tissues. An abscess is a collection of pus and occurs when your body tries to control infection. It causes a painful lump and can make you feel unwell. This requires immediate attention as the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Remedy:

  • Warm salt water solution
  • Contact us to see one of our dentists as soon as possible so that the cause of the abscess it identified and treated.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

Your teeth can be chipped or broken if you fall or hit something with a hard surface.

Remedy:

  • Chipped teeth require gargling with warm water to prevent pieces sticking into your gums or cheeks.
  • If bleeding is present, place a clean piece of gauze to the affected area and apply pressure for ten minutes. This can arrest the bleeding.
  • A cold compress applied outside the mouth can relieve any swelling.
  • A visit to the dentist is advisable before infection or decay is caused.
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Avulsed Tooth

When your tooth has been knocked out and is still attached to the tissues you have what is known as avulsed tooth. The tooth can be still hanging from its socket.

Remedy:

  • Clean the tooth by rinsing to remove dirt for a maximum of 10 seconds while holding the crown or white part of the tooth.
  • Sit the crown back and hold the tooth in place until you get to a dentist.
  • If your tooth has actually fallen out, immerse it in some milk, or a suitable storage medium but NOT water. Otherwise the patient if conscious can hold the tooth in the mouth on the inside of the lip or cheek.
  • Contact your local Point Cook dentist immediately as it is an emergency.

Partially Knocked Out Tooth

Remedy:

  • See the dentist as soon as possible
  • Take over the counter pain killers if needed.
  • Apply cold compress on the outside of the mouth.

Getting something stuck in between your teeth

Rarely, something gets stuck between the crevices of the teeth.

Remedy:

  • Carefully remove the object by gently flossing your teeth.
  • Make an appointment with your dentist.
  • Do not use sharp instruments to try to remove the object as it can damage the teeth or gums.

Dislodging a Crown

This is when your crown gets dislodged or drops out from the tooth.

Remedy:

  • Make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible.
  • If your tooth is sensitive, apply clove oil to relieve the sensitivity.
  • Temporary dental cement or a little toothpaste can hold the crown in position.
  • Do not swallow the crown accidentally.
  • Never use superglue or any type of glue to hold your crown in position.

Losing A Filling

The filling from your tooth can fall off due to pressure from biting something hard or if there is a hidden cavity under the filling

Remedy:

  • Visit your dentist as soon as possible.
  • Use temporary dental cement to fill the tooth or even sugar free gum.

Broken Orthodontics Wires or Braces

Your orthodontic wires or braces may break or come undone.

Remedy:

  • Use a soft pencil eraser to push it back into position.
  • Cover up the end with orthodontic wax, cotton gauze or cotton wool until you get to the dentist.
  • If one of the brackets has become loose, try to temporarily reattach it with orthodontic wax to hold it in place for the dentist to reattach or replace it.

Injuries to the Inside of your Cheeks, Gums or Lips

Bleeding will occur if the soft tissues of the mouth are injured.

Remedy:

  • Rinse your mouth with mild salt water solution and apply pressure to the injured site.
  • You can also use a teabag and hold it in position for about fifteen to twenty minutes.
  • Apply cold compress outside the mouth to ease the pain.
  • See your dentist as quickly as you can.

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