Dental emergencies can be a real pain, figuratively and literally. But there are things you can do to help prepare for one. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with a dental emergency.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any urgent situation that requires immediate care from a licensed dentist. Dental emergencies can range from a sharp pain in the mouth to heavy bleeding. One of the most common types of dental emergencies involves a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. Other dental issues that may require emergency attention include an abscessed tooth, a knocked-out tooth (also known as an avulsed tooth), severe gum pain or swelling, or even loose braces or broken dentures. All of these require professional dental attention as soon as possible.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Cracked teeth, abscesses, and knocked out teeth are all common occurrences that require urgent care.
- Severe toothaches may also signal an infection in the tooth root, which can cause further damage if left untreated.
- If you have broken a filling or crown, you may not experience any pain or discomfort; however, it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to fix it.
- Chipped or cracked teeth should also be dealt with promptly – if not addressed in a timely fashion, they could lead to further damage and potential long-term complications down the line.
How To Prevent A Dental Emergency
The best way to prevent a dental emergency from happening is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning. It’s important to monitor any changes in your teeth or gums so potential issues can be caught early on before they develop into something more serious. Additionally, try to avoid chewing hard substances like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, hard candy, and nuts as these items can damage your teeth.
While you can’t prevent all dental emergencies, taking care of your mouth will ensure dental problems are minimised and hopefully prevent significant dental emergencies in the future.
How Can I Plan For A Dental Emergency
First, you should assemble and keep all your important dental records in an easily accessible place. Make sure you know who to contact during an emergency, such as a dentist or dental hygienist, and if you have private health, be sure to research any emergency dentist coverage options. For children, know whether you have the Child Dental Benefits Schedule in place – it will save you up to $1,000 a year if you qualify. Finally, have a first aid kit handy in case you need it. Add a few extra items to your kit, including latex gloves, cotton balls, gauze packs and dental floss, just in case.
What Should I Do If I Need Emergency Dental Care
If you experience intense and sudden dental pain, get in touch with an emergency dentist right away to prevent further damage. The best thing to do is take note of what symptoms you have and explain these so you dentist can provide medical advice on whether they are able to offer emergency treatment or if they’ll refer you to another clinic. If you can’t get straight into the dentist, the following might help:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salted water for a toothache, sore gums or ulcers
- If a tooth has been knocked out, try to hold it in your mouth to keep it moist (and in this case you might even head straight to hospital emergency rather than wait for the dentist)
- For a chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with salt water and apply a cold compress.
How Aesthetic Dental Clinic Can Help
At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we provide fast and effective emergency dental care services to our patients, offering a full range of services that are tailored to your specific needs. From basic extractions and root canals to dynamic smile makeovers, our emergency dentists take it one step further by making sure you receive the attentive care you deserve.
Alternatively, if you’re in need of a routine cleaning or require more extensive treatment, our team of professionals has the experience and expertise necessary for any dental solution. With years of combined experience helping countless patients improve their oral health, Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic is here to offer compassionate care. Get in touch today to discuss your dental health and our Afterpay dental and how we can assist.
