Getting emergency dental care when you need it can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in dental emergencies and who to contact. Being informed can affect how you deal with a dental problem.
At our No Gaps dental clinics, we set aside time each day for people needing emergency dental treatment. So if you think you may have a dental emergency, then please contact us on (02) 8069 9700 as early as you can in the morning to secure a same-day appointment.
Accidents can happen to anyone at any time but when it comes to urgent dental care, you need to be particularly vigilant. Any accident that involves areas of your mouth can become a problem in the long term.
In this post, we’ll give you some tips on when to contact a Sydney dental clinic for your dental emergencies but before we do, let’s start by setting the record straight.
What is a dental emergency?
Injury and trauma to the mouth can cause teeth to be broken, cracked, or knocked out. Where the tooth is located in the mouth and the severity of the injury will usually determine whether there’s a need for emergency dental care.
In the event that your tooth has been dislodged, knocked out, or a nerve has been damaged, you will need to be seen by an emergency dentist, but in addition, other examples of a dental emergency may include:
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding that won’t stop from trauma to the mouth
- Severe dental pain in the mouth, jaw, teeth or gums
- Losing a dental restoration like a dental implant or filling, or breaking your dentures can in some instances be considered an emergency
Panicking only makes matters worse
When a dental emergency occurs the key factor is to remain calm. Freaking out can send blood pressure soaring and this can make a big difference in an emergency dental situation. If you can keep your blood pressure down there’s less chance of complications. Furthermore, pain is also better managed when a person can manage their blood pressure.
How to get emergency dental care?
When in any doubt, it’s always best to call your dentist. They will tell you what you need to do. If your dental problem is deemed an emergency, they should see as soon as they possibly can.
Upon arrival, the reception staff will ask you several questions about your dental problem so that they can help you in the most efficient way. If you do have a dental emergency, the team at No Gaps Dental will do all they can to fit you in the same day. If it appears that your problem isn’t urgent, we’ll give you an appointment within the next day or two.
The main purpose of emergency dental treatment is to stop any bleeding and get you out of pain. It’s quite likely however that you will have to return for further examination and resolution of your problem during normal working hours.
How to manage a dental emergency until you can get professional help?
Once you’ve been in touch with a dental clinic you may need to carry out some dental first aid prior to your visit. This should help to lessen any discomfort.
- What to do if a tooth is knocked out – Try and locate the tooth and be sure to pick it up by the crown. Then gently rinse it in water taking care not to scrub the roots. Attempt to put it back by gently inserting it into the socket using the root to lodge it in place. Then apply light pressure on it. If this doesn’t work, the tooth can be kept clean and moist by placing it inside the cheek. Alternatively, place the tooth in a small container of milk to transport it to the dental clinic.
- How to deal with a severe toothache – Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter painkillers to help ease any discomfort while you wait for your dental appointment.
- Managing a cracked tooth – Rinse your mouth with tepid saltwater, rinse out, and then place an ice pack on the side of your face that is affected. Take care not to touch the cracked tooth until you can get to see a dentist.
- Something is stuck between your teeth – Try to floss gently between your teeth to dislodge whatever is stuck there. If this fails, use a wooden toothpick to gently create a small space between the teeth so you can pick out the object with a pair of tweezers. If all else fails, visit your dentist as soon as you can to prevent a more serious problem from developing.
- Bleeding from the mouth – Rinse your mouth with warm water before placing a cold compress on the area. Apply light pressure to stem the bleeding and then make an appointment with your emergency dentist.
Should you go to a hospital?
It is possible that a hospital can also manage dental emergencies such as bleeding, swelling or pain and this may be sufficient enough until you can get to see your dentist.
At No Gaps Dental, we provide our patients with high-quality emergency dental care and our dentists are experienced in handling all urgent dental matters. We’re not a 24- hour dentist, so we may refer you to a clinic or hospital, but we will be able to give you sound advice to help you deal with your situation.
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.