A dental emergency can strike at any time, from a tooth-damaging injury at footy practice to an excruciating toothache in the middle of the night. But, it isn’t always clear what counts as a dental emergency and requires an emergency appointment. This knowledge can help you avoid tooth loss or permanent damage.
What Is Classed As A Dental Emergency?
An injury to the mouth requires immediate dental treatment. It might be the difference between saving a tooth or not. When you reach out to a dental clinic, be sure to explain the situation fully so they can ascertain just how much of an emergency your situation is.
- Toothache
If you are dealing with a toothache, give your mouth a rinse with warm water. If you are experiencing swelling, you can use a cold compress on your cheek or outside of your mouth where the issue is. You may want to try gently flossing to see if there is debris contributing to the problem. You can take over the counter medication to address the pain. If the pain persists, you may have an infection and should seek an appointment.
- Lost Filling
Cavities can develop beneath crowns and fillings. This can cause the filling or crown to fall out, which can result in tooth sensitivity. If you are experiencing pain after losing a filling, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible for a replacement filling or crown.
- Abscess
A dental abscess is a localised infection. Dental abscesses generally form between the teeth and gums or at the tooth’s root. It’s a painful condition and it is not only a danger to healthy tissue but also to the surrounding teeth. If left untreated, an abscess can result in widespread infection. Visit your dentist immediately and in the meantime, rinse with warm salt water for pain relief.
- Bites
It’s not uncommon for people to bite their tongue, cheek or lip, whether while eating or in a fall. You can rinse the area with warm salt water and apply pressure to the area with a cold compress or clean cloth. If it is bleeding and continues after 15 minutes, you should immediately see the dentist or local emergency services. If this is left untreated, it can result in widespread infection.
What To Do If You Damage Your Tooth In An Accident
What about potential emergencies after an accident?
- Knocked-Out
The first piece of advice when dealing with a knocked-out tooth is to stay calm. Find the tooth, and handle it only by the crown. Don’t touch the root as this can compromise tissue fragments. If it’s dirty you can rinse it with warm water, milk or your own saliva. Then you should return it to the socket gently. If you can’t replant the tooth you can keep it moist by sealing it in a plastic bag with your spit or some milk on it. This is your best bet to save the tooth while you seek an emergency dentist appointment. Otherwise, you may need to consider dental veneers.
- Cracks & Fractures
If you have a crack, fracture or chip in your tooth, you should rinse with warm water. You can use a cold compress to fight swelling. The severity of the issue will depend on how urgent the matter is, but only a dentist can determine the severity of your injury. It’s always best to make an appointment immediately.
When To See Your Dentist
Dental emergencies are a part of life, but you can help keep your teeth in good shape by regularly visiting your dental hygienist. If you are experiencing a genuine dental emergency, you should seek immediate dental treatment. Reach out to a local Camden dentist like Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic to make an appointment. We offer AfterPay Dental for a variety of procedures to help you maintain optimum dental health. We are more than happy to discuss your options, as well as the cost of dental implants.
