You might only visit your dentist for a routine check-up, or perhaps for some scheduled dental treatment. However, what happens when you need to see a dentist straight away? There are many reasons you may need rapid access to emergency dental care. It is essential to know what an emergency is and if a condition can wait for a pre-arranged appointment.
If you are experiencing severe discomfort, excessive bleeding, or have had a tooth knocked out, you may have a dental emergency. To ensure you get the treatment you need, at the right time, there are some key factors to consider.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Discomfort or swelling may not constitute an emergency. However, in certain circumstances, there is a need for you to call an emergency dentist. Some examples include:
- Teeth that are knocked out or become loose after an impact
- Extensive bleeding from the oral cavity
- Fractured teeth
- If you suspect an infection
- If you have severe swelling and suspect an abscess
- Unusual levels of discomfort that you cannot reduce with OTC painkillers
Common causes of patients needing an emergency dentist appointment are injuries caused during sporting events, such as AFL or soccer matches. Seemingly harmless activities such as eating or flossing can cause teeth to become cracked or chipped. This situation can arise when biting into a hard sweet or something that was frozen.
What to Do if You Need an Emergency Dentist
Always phone your dental practice, and do not assume they will see an email right away. Your emergency dentist or a dental assistant can give you crucial advice over the phone to take care of your dental emergency until you get to the practice.
At No Gaps Dental, we have 15 locations in and around the greater Sydney area. Most of our practices are open until 6 pm and on Saturdays. If you have a dental emergency, contact our main number immediately so we can evaluate the severity of your dental issue.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to go to the Accident & Emergency department first before seeing an emergency dentist. If you have a severe infection or excessive bleeding and your dentist is not open, do not delay in visiting the A&E department.
How to Care for Yourself Before the Appointment
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Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have had a tooth knocked out, your emergency dentist may be able to reattach it. This procedure is generally only possible if you can make it to the practice within 30 minutes of the incident. If that is possible, the first step is to find the tooth that is missing.
Carefully lift it by the crown. Do not pick it up by the root as this could cause further damage and remove any possibility of reattachment.
Gently rinse the tooth under cold water. Do not use sugary or acidic liquids. Ensure the water pressure is low, to avoid causing further damage to the root. Do not scrub the tooth.
It is usually fine to put the tooth back into your mouth. Your oral cavity has natural defence systems that kill bacteria. However, if after rinsing, the tooth still has debris or dirt attached, then do not put it into your mouth.
Find a small container, preferably one which has a lid, and spit a good amount of saliva into it. Gently place the tooth in the saliva; this will prevent any further bacteria from getting in and preserve the tooth in the natural bacteria that already exists in your mouth.
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Fractured Tooth
If you have a fractured tooth, you require emergency dental care. It may be that the damage is both to the outer and inner parts of the tooth. Bacteria could get into the damaged tooth and increase the risk of infection.
Give the oral cavity a rinse with warm water to remove any debris that could get stuck in the fracture.
Sometimes fractures can come from outside the mouth, such as getting hit in the face with a ball. If an impact injury has caused the damage, there is likely to be swelling. Apply a cold compress to the affected area. Put gentle pressure on the compress to keep the swelling down.
If you have over-the-counter pain relievers, it is fine to take them to help reduce the soreness. Do not take medicines that may make you drowsy or affect your ability to drive if you will be taking the car to the dental practice. Ensure you know the name of the medication, the time you ingested it, and the dosage.
Should anesthesia be required, this information will be necessary.
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Excessive Bleeding from the Oral Cavity
Sometimes the cause of bleeding is apparent, such as trauma to the face. The amount of blood may not be concerning, and in these cases, you do not require an emergency dentist.
However, if the cause of the bleeding is unknown, it is best to seek professional advice. It could be the result of an underlying condition or signs of acute illness. Similarly, even if the cause of bleeding is known, if the amount is excessive or you cannot stem the flow, you need to visit an emergency dentist or your local A&E department.
While you prepare for your appointment, insert a piece of gauze into your mouth to help absorb the blood. Do not take a pain reliever, which may also thin the blood and increase the flow of bleeding. Aspirin is a well-known analgesic that also has blood-thinning properties.
Try to stay calm. The sight of blood can be alarming. However, panicking will increase your heart rate, and your blood will flow more rapidly. It isn’t always easy during the moment, but if you can stay calm, it can help to slow the rate of blood loss.
Contact No Gaps Dental for Advice
It can be challenging to distinguish between an oral problem that requires emergency dental care and one that can wait for a routine appointment. At No Gaps Dental, we are here to help you address a sudden dental emergency and get you the help you need to feel better.
If you think you may need emergency dental care, don’t delay. Call us on (02) 8806 0219 for advice or an appointment.