Tooth decay, gum disease, and a chipped tooth are just a few of the most frequently encountered dental emergencies. While prevention through proper dental care is the best way to maintain oral health, knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can help avoid long-term damage.
Which dental emergencies are most common — and do you know how to handle them? With prompt action and the appropriate first aid treatment, you can avoid long-term damage and reclaim your oral health. Reach out to Perth’s emergency dentist if you have any dental emergencies.
Toothache
Pain is never a good sign: it can indicate a number of different health problems, including tooth decay. Additionally, while some toothaches can be managed without emergency treatment, certain symptoms, such as swelling, require prompt attention.
Avoid using over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or other pain relievers because contact with the affected gums can cause the tissue to burn. Rather than that, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek and contact an emergency dental clinic.
Once your treatment is complete, your dentist will emphasise the critical nature of proper oral hygiene in order to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and other more serious dental problems.
Teeth that are chipped or broken
Did you bite down a little too hard on something? Not only does a chipped or broken tooth ruin your perfect smile, but it can also be painful. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply gauze to the bleeding area. Then, using a cold compress on the area of your face closest to the broken or chipped tooth will help to reduce swelling and pain.
While seeking emergency dental care, your dentist will advise you to avoid biting down on hard or crunchy foods, as well as sports and other activities that could result in teeth breaking or chipping.
Teeth that have been knocked out
Similarly, as with a chipped or broken tooth, pick up the tooth by the crown (the visible part in the mouth) and only rinse the root if it is dirty. Otherwise, avoid scrubbing and removing tissue fragments that are attached.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be able to reattach the tooth, but take care not to push it into the socket. The sooner you can do this, ideally within an hour, the better your chances of saving and reattaching a knocked-out tooth.
If you are unable to reinsert the tooth, place it in a small cup of milk or water with a pinch of salt. This will assist in preserving the tooth until an emergency restoration can be performed.
Filling or crown that has fallen out
Crowns and fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged to their optimal appearance and function. Therefore, if these rupture, you must treat them immediately to avoid further damage or reinfection.
While you wait for emergency dental care, try this temporary fix. Insert a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity, but refrain from repairing the tooth yourself to avoid further damage. Additionally, you can place the restoration in a zip-top bag and bring it to your dentist’s clinic for reapplication or replacement.
Orthodontics that have been compromised
Braces are a challenge. These metal wires and brackets are made to withstand the daily wear and tear associated with chewing, eating, and even speaking. Even so, they can break or protrude, poking your cheeks and gums. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also stall or even reverse tooth alignment and straightening progress.
When this occurs, you can attempt to reposition the broken wire. If covering the exposed end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze is not possible, cover it with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze. Regardless of how inconvenient, do not cut the wire to avoid swallowing.
Abscess
Infections of the mouth, particularly those near the tooth root or in the space between the teeth and gums, are serious. When left untreated, these infections can spread to adjacent teeth and gum tissue, as well as to the rest of the body.
Are you unsure whether you have an abscess? Examine your gums for a sore, pimple-like swollen area. For temporary relief, rinse your mouth with a mild water solution and apply ice to the swollen area.
Bleeding and discomfort following tooth extraction
While some post-operative pain and bleeding is normal, if these symptoms persist for more than an hour, it’s time to contact your dentist. Meanwhile, cover the extraction site with a thick gauze pad and apply pressure by biting down on the gauze. Rinsing, drinking, and eating should be avoided, as should sucking, spitting, and smoking.