Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly and often require immediate attention to alleviate pain, prevent further complications, and ensure the best possible outcome for your dental health.
At Edward St Dental, we understand the urgency and discomfort of dental issues. Here's a comprehensive guide on common dental emergencies, signs to watch for, and crucial steps to take until you can reach a dentist.
Toothache
A toothache can manifest as persistent, throbbing pain in or around a tooth, which may worsen when pressure is applied, such as when chewing. Seek immediate dental care if the pain is severe, does not subside, or is accompanied by fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide.
Until you can see the dentist, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food lodged near the sore tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate pain, but avoid applying medication directly to the gum as it can burn the tissue.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Visible damage to a tooth, such as chips or fractures, often requires prompt dental attention, especially if the damage is extensive or causing pain.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress outside the cheek to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it to our dental clinic wrapped in wet gauze.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. The quicker you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently under running water, but do not scrub. If possible, reinsert it into the socket and hold it gently in place. If you can't, keep the tooth moist in milk or a saline solution and visit a dentist immediately.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown falls out, you may experience sudden sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Visiting a dentist quickly is essential to avoid damage to the unprotected tooth.
If you find the crown or filling, keep it. Use over-the-counter dental cement to reattach the crown temporarily. Avoid chewing on the affected side.
Swollen Jaw or Mouth
Swelling in the jaw or mouth can indicate an infection, such as an abscess or serious disease. If accompanied by severe pain, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate dental or medical treatment.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Avoid taking antibiotics without a prescription and see a dentist immediately.
Tooth Abscess
An abscess is a severe infection that can occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Symptoms include a foul taste, fever, persistent throbbing pain, and swelling or redness in the gums. Immediate treatment is crucial as the infection can spread.
Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times daily to ease pain and draw the pus toward the surface.
Broken Orthodontics
For those wearing braces or aligners, a broken bracket or a misplaced aligner can cause discomfort and affect treatment. Contact your Brisbane emergency dentist immediately if you notice any damage to your orthodontic appliances.
Cover any sharp edges with dental wax and avoid adjusting the braces yourself. Keep aligners clean, and avoid eating hard foods that might cause further damage.
Severe Gum Pain or Bleeding
Persistent or severe gum pain and bleeding may be signs of gum disease or gingivitis, especially during brushing or flossing. Prompt dental evaluation is necessary to prevent further damage, such as tooth loss.
Keep the area clean and avoid irritating it further. Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to reduce inflammation and bacteria levels.
Pain and Bleeding from Tooth Extraction
While some pain and bleeding are normal after an extraction, excessive or persistent symptoms might indicate an infection or other complications.
Apply a gauze pad to the area and bite down to reduce bleeding. Use a cold compress to manage swelling and pain. If bleeding or pain persists for more than a few hours, we invite you to contact us, your Brisbane emergency dentist, for guidance.
Benefits of Emergency Dentistry
- Immediate Pain Relief — Quick access to care ensures immediate management of severe dental pain, providing comfort and easing anxiety.
- Prevention of Further Damage — Prompt treatment can prevent minor dental issues from escalating into more severe problems, saving time and money in the long run.
- Comprehensive Care — Our emergency services include immediate relief and comprehensive solutions to address the root cause of the emergency.
- Convenient Hours — Flexible appointment scheduling means that help is available when needed most.
- Experienced Professionals — Our skilled dental professionals are equipped to handle various dental emergencies.
- Follow-up Support — We provide thorough follow-up care to ensure recovery and maintain overall dental health.
Our Brisbane Emergency Dentist Welcomes Your Call!
For all dental emergencies, Edward St Dental recommends acting quickly and efficiently. Being prepared and knowing how to manage these situations initially can significantly affect outcomes. We encourage you to follow up with your dentist immediately to ensure proper care and treatment.
We welcome your call for guidance with dental emergencies in Brisbane!
