A dental emergency can be scary and stressful. With the right knowledge, it can be easier to remain calm. It is important to seek professional dental help quickly for the chance of the best recovery. Dental emergencies can occur because of an accident, injury or infection. There are many different types of dental emergencies.
At Boon Dental we offer emergency dental treatment at both our Wentworth Point and Ropes Crossing clinics. In this article, we discuss the 3 most common dental emergencies, and what to do if you find yourself with a dental emergency of your own.
What Should I do During a Dental Emergency
If you, or someone you know, has a dental emergency the main thing to do is remain calm. Ascertain the problem and call your local emergency dentist. They can give you some immediate advice over the phone to help you until you get to the dentist, which may include:
- Using a piece of sterile gauze to stop any bleeding
- Rinsing the area with warm salt water
- Applying a cold pack to reduce swelling
- Taking pain medication
This advice is just general and may not apply to all emergencies. It is important to speak to a dental professional for exact instructions as soon as you find yourself in a dental emergency.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Having your tooth knocked out is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be scary and painful. It is important to call your emergency dentist immediately. Your tooth can be saved if you reach your dentist quickly.
If you knock out your tooth, follow these steps:
1. Call your emergency dentist.
2. Locate the tooth. It is possible for your original tooth to be saved. So, it is important to find it and take it to the dentist. Do not touch the root, instead, pick it up by the crown (the top white part).
3. Put the tooth back in its socket. It may be tempting to rinse your tooth with an antiseptic solution however this is not recommended. Instead, rinse your tooth in your own saliva or a container of water.
4. If the tooth cannot be placed back in its socket, then put it in a small container of your saliva or water to preserve it.
5. Do not attempt to remove any tissue or gum that has come off with the tooth.
6. Go to your emergency dentist.
An Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection. An abscess can be painful. It will require immediate attention as it can affect surrounding teeth and even your jawbone. Some symptoms to look out for include:
- Persistent pain and throbbing felt in your tooth, jaw, neck and ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing
- Fever
- Swelling in your cheek and face
- Swollen lymph nodes (under your jaw or in your neck)
- Difficulty swallowing and breathing
- A pimple-looking bump on your gum
- The presence of pus around your gums.
Bleeding and Swelling
One of the main signs of periodontal (gum) disease is bleeding and swelling in your gums. It is important to make an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause and treat it. If gum disease goes untreated it can lead to more severe problems. This may result in more costly dental treatment and unnecessary discomfort.
Other reasons for bleeding and swollen gums include infections, allergies, ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and hormones.
How Can I Avoid A Dental Emergency?
Some dental emergencies are hard to avoid, such as accidents or injury. Some, however, can be prevented with good oral care. Good oral care includes:
- Regular teeth brushing- twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Using a fluoride-based toothpaste
- Using a fluoride-based mouthwash
- Regular check-ups and professional cleaning with your dentist (every 6 to 9 months)
- Eating a healthy diet
- Living a healthy lifestyle e.g. no smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
How Boon Dental Can Help
A dental emergency can be stressful to experience. . It’s important to stay calm and call your local emergency dentist to seek urgent advice and make an emergency dental appointment.
At Boon Dental we have all the knowledge, experience and technology needed to take care of patients during a dental emergency. If you have a dental emergency then give us a call, we are here to help.