What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Quick Guide for Immediate Action
Dental emergencies can happen anytime, usually with no warning, sometimes leaving one in pain or in a situation that might compromise oral health. Ability and quick, proper action will not only save your teeth, but it will reduce long-lasting damage, preventing further complications. We at Murwillumbah Dental are those who specialise in emergency dental care, and our goals are to ensure the residents of Murwillumbah and environs are always appropriately prepared to deal with an urgent dental situation.
In this article, we guide you through some of the most common dental emergencies, how to care for these problems until you can see a dentist, and why timely care is necessary.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue needs immediate attention, but there are several situations that do necessitate a speedy visit to your dentist. We list, below, some of the most common forms of dental emergency:
Knocked-out Tooth
One of the severest dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. If this ever happens, remember that time is of the essence. Try to put the tooth back into its socket without touching the root. If this is not possible, store it in milk or a saline solution to keep it moist. Get to our dental clinic within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
Severe Toothache
The pain in a tooth can be mild or sharp; however, if the pain is severe, and there is swelling, this may indicate an infection or an abscess. Clean the area by swishing warm salt water in the mouth. Put a cold compress on the swelling while you work your way to Murwillumbah Dental.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
Chipping or cracking a tooth can also be very painful, especially because the nerves may be exposed. If you save any of the fragments, you should clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water and then seek immediate attention, since deep breaks or cracks would need attention right away.
Lost Crown or Filling
Although the loss of a crown or filling may not be immediately perceived as an emergency, this can leave the involved tooth vulnerable to further damage and infection. In the meantime, you can apply an OTC dental cement over the exposed area until you see your dentist.
Abscesses
A dental abscess is a very serious infection that occurs either at the root of a tooth or in the gums. It is typically evidenced by pain and swelling filled with pus. Abscesses require immediate attention because of the ability of the infection to spread into other areas of the body if not properly treated.
Emergency Action for a Dental Situation
- Remain Calm: While dental emergencies can be stressful, staying calm will allow you to manage such situations even better.
- Call Murwillumbah Dental: Contact us immediately. Our team will be able to advise you over the phone as to the best course of action until you make it into our clinic.
- Pain and Swelling: Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help control temporary pain and reduce swelling.
- Avoid the affected area: Whenever possible, avoid chewing or placing pressure on the tooth or area that hurts or has been damaged until you can receive treatment.
Why Timely Dental Care Matters
Neglecting a dental emergency may result in more complicated treatment in the long run, much more costly, and even loss of the tooth in question. At Murwillumbah Dental, we understand the need for urgency in treating emergency cases so you can get the required care at the right time. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, a lost filling, or an outright knocked-out tooth, our knowledgeable team is ready to offer immediate, professional treatment.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies sometimes cannot be avoided, others can be prevented by taking good care of your teeth and mouth. Some of the ways one can reduce the risk of a dental emergency includes regular dental checkups, avoidance of hard foods, and the use of a mouthguard during sports, among others.
If you’re going through a dental emergency, don’t wait—seek help right away. The team at Murwillumbah Dental is here for you with same-day emergency care you can count on to maintain your healthy smile. If you are experiencing pain, have been injured, or are otherwise in discomfort, reach out to us today and leave the rest to us.
