Accidents happen and, when one happens involving your teeth, it pays to know what to do as it can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Dental emergencies refer to any dental problem that needs immediate emergency dental services to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth. Ignoring a serious dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later.
Fractured, Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth is a serious issue constituting a dental emergency. Clean your mouth out by gently rinsing thoroughly with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. See your emergency dentist immediately. Depending on the circumstances, you may need an emergency tooth extraction or another procedure to save the affected tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires urgent attention. With quick action after a tooth is knocked out, it’s possible your dentist will be able to reinsert and preserve your tooth. Pick up the tooth by the top of the tooth. Rinse the tooth off very gently to ensure that it’s clean. Gently place the tooth back into the socket if possible. Hold it gently in place while trying to bite down. If you can’t place the tooth back in the socket, put the tooth in milk and visit your dentist immediately.
Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition in which a pocket of pus in the tooth has led to an infection. A tooth abscess may cause fever, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, a persistent toothache, tender lymph nodes in your neck, swelling in the face, and a pimple-like bump on your gums near the infected tooth.
This condition is an emergency as the infection can spread into your jaw, surrounding tissue, and to other areas of the body. A root canal treatment may be necessary to save the affected tooth. Before you can see the dentist, rinse your mouth with mild saltwater several times to reduce the pain and draw the pus to the surface.
Lost Crown or Filling
If a crown falls off, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and take the missing crown with you. In the meantime, if the tooth is causing pain, apply some sensitive toothpaste to the area. A filling falling out isn’t as serious but leaves a hole for bacteria to enter, potentially causing an infection.
Broken Braces and Wires
If one of the wires on your braces breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band, contact a dentist immediately to get it fixed. If a broken wire is poking your cheek, tongue or gum, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball or some sugar free chewing gum until you can get to your dentist or orthodontist’s office.
Visit King Street Dental for Dental Emergencies
For a Same Day emergency dentist Melbourne residents can count on, book an emergency dental services appointment at King Street Dental. We provide a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. Book an appointment today by calling 03 9841 8033 or contact us online.