Dental emergencies can be painful and often happen when you least expect them. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2017-18, more than half of the adult population in Australia (50%) saw a dental professional in the last 12 months, representing 9.8 million people overall. However, many people visit the dentist only when they have a dental emergency.
So what exactly is considered a dental emergency? And what to do when you have a dental emergency? A dental emergency is any situation that causes pain, bleeding or swelling in the mouth. A dental emergency can also mean a loose or broken tooth, a loose filling or crown, an abscess or a fever.
Dental problems can often lead to more serious complications if left untreated, so it is vital to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
What To Do When You Have a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can be painful and sometimes even life-threatening, making it important to know what to do when you have a dental emergency to ensure the best possible outcome.
The first step is to stay calm. Once you have assessed your situation, you can follow these simple steps to help minimise further damage and get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
Stop Any Bleeding
To stop bleeding, try to apply firm pressure directly to the affected area using a piece of clean cloth or sterile gauze. It may also help to hold an ice pack against the affected area until the bleeding has stopped and it is safe to proceed with emergency dental care.
Retrieve Tooth Pieces
If a tooth has been knocked out, try to retrieve all the pieces. Hold the tooth by the crown only, not the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water to remove debris and store it in a sterile container with milk or saline solution. This helps preserve the tooth for re-implantation.
Rinse Your Mouth with a Saline Solution
If a tooth is knocked loose or dislodged, you may need to rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution. This keeps the area clean and reduces swelling.
Manage Discomfort
Applying an ice pack to the affected area intermittently for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and pain. You can also take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate your dental emergency symptoms.
Seal Chips and Cracks with Dental Wax
Dental wax is a safe, temporary fix that can be used to seal chips and cracks until you can get to a dentist. Apply the wax to the affected area and press it into place.
The wax holds the fragment in place and prevents further damage in case of a dental emergency.
Get Emergency Dental Care at Dapto Dentists
Dental emergencies can happen anytime, and when they do, you need to know where you can get the care you need right away. That’s why Dapto Dentists offers emergency dental services for our patients.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or a sudden onset of pain, we’ll alleviate your discomfort and restore your smile. If you require emergency dental care, contact us on (02) 4210 9058 today. We reserve time in our daily schedules to accommodate emergencies.
Don’t wait until you have an emergency to visit us at our new location in Baan Baan Street, Dapto. Drop by to say hello and check out our brand-new practice.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Patient Experiences in Australia: Summary of Findings, 2017-18
https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/by%20Subject/4839.0~2017-18~Main%20Features~Dental%20professionals~4
Pain management for dentists: the role of ibuprofen
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414241/
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