You bite down on something, and a sudden crack of pain shoots through your tooth. Your mouth fills with blood after an unexpected fall. Maybe you wake up at 3 AM with throbbing pain that makes it impossible to think straight. Dental emergencies strike without warning, turning an ordinary day into a crisis that demands immediate action.
These moments of dental trauma are more than just physical pain; they trigger waves of panic, fear and uncertainty. Please keep reading to learn what to do to restore your oral health.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Some of the most common dental emergencies we treat include the following:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Lost dental restoration
- Dental infection
- Dental abscess
- Soft tissue injury
- Something lodged between your teeth
Knowing What to Do When the Unexpected Happens
When you need urgent dental care near me, it’s essential to try to stay calm. Start by taking a deep breath; the more relaxed you are, the better you’ll be able to deal with the situation.
Here’s what to do until you reach your dentist’s office:
- Knocked-out tooth — Without touching the tooth’s roots, rinse it off and try to place it back in its socket. If that doesn’t work, store it in your cheek or a glass of milk.
- Severe toothache — Tooth pain doesn’t usually go away on its own, so it’s best to rinse your mouth with warm water and check to see if there’s anything between your teeth. If the pain persists, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and contact us right away.
- Broken or cracked tooth — A broken tooth is susceptible to bacteria, so the best plan is to rinse your mouth and call for an emergency dental appointment.
- Lost dental restoration — Try to locate the dental restoration and bring it to our dental clinic. In the meantime, you can use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover and protect the area.
- Dental infection — It can be serious if you have a pimple on your gums or painful swelling. You may need root canal therapy or another dental treatment, so take an over-the-counter pain reliever and contact our dental clinic.
- Dental abscess — It’s essential to contact our dental clinic right away if you have a dental abscess. Until you reach us, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. It’s best not to press on the swollen area.
- Soft tissue injury — If your mouth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure for ten to 15 minutes. Then, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek emergency care.
- Something lodged between your teeth — You should use dental floss to dislodge whatever is stuck. If that doesn’t work, contacting our dental clinic is best. Never use a sharp tool, as it can damage your gums.
What NOT to Do During a Dental Emergency
Sometimes, knowing what not to do during an emergency is as important as knowing what you should do. Here are some tips to help:
- Don’t ignore your dental pain; it’s a warning sign that something is wrong.
- Don’t apply aspirin to your gums or teeth; it can harm your soft tissues.
- Don’t use sharp objects to remove food or debris; it can damage your enamel or gums.
- Don’t scrub a knocked-out tooth; it can decrease your reimplantation chances.
- Don’t wait too long to contact our dental clinic; it’s essential to call us immediately.
- Don’t panic; it’s best to stay calm and let our dental team help restore your oral health.
When Should You Seek Immediate Professional Dental Help?
There are circumstances when you shouldn’t hesitate to contact our dental clinic. If any of these happen to you, we recommend you call us immediately:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Dental abscess
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Facial trauma
- Lost restoration
- Broken tooth
We can accommodate same-day dental emergencies with weekday and Saturday appointment availability.
Preventing Dental Emergencies: What You Need to Know
Although sometimes you can’t avoid a dental emergency, practising good habits and regular dental care can help prevent certain issues.
Follow these tips to avoid a dental emergency and prevent tooth damage:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing each day.
- Don’t brush your teeth too vigorously; use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Visit your Doreen dentist every six months for a routine exam and clean.
- Wear a mouthguard if you participate in sports or other activities.
- Avoid hard food items such as ice, popcorn or hard candies.
- Don’t bite your nails or chew on your hair.
- Avoid too many sugary drinks and snacks.
- Wear a nightguard to protect your teeth from bruxism.
- Never use your teeth as tools.
- Don’t ignore signs of dental issues.
Is a Toothache Always a Dental Emergency?
Not every toothache is a dental emergency; it could just be irritated gums or a bit of food stuck between your teeth.
Here’s when your toothache is a dental emergency:
- Throbbing or intense pain
- Swelling in your face or jaw
- Pus, a bad taste in your mouth or other signs of infection
Why Choose Doreen Dental Clinic?
We realise you have numerous dental care options for you and your loved ones. At Doreen Dental Clinic, our experienced team provides quality dental care to patients of all ages.
We utilise the latest technology to streamline your treatment, and we’re open on Saturday to accommodate your busy schedule.
Looking for Emergency Dental Care in Doreen, VIC?
You can call us on (03) 8735 7359 for an emergency dental appointment. Our caring dental team will eliminate your discomfort, stabilise your condition and work to restore your oral health.
Because we realise dental emergencies don’t only happen during regular business hours, our dental clinic offers Saturday appointments for your convenience.