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What to do in the event of a dental emergency

Dental Emergencies

Broken teeth, gum infections, pain resulting from an infected tooth or broken dentures may need urgent assistance. Car and bicycle accidents, sports injuries or injuries obtained during an assault can also require emergency treatment. Here is what you can do to help make sure that your dentist can give you the best possible outcome in the event of dental emergencies.

Toothache

  • Thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Use dental floss to remove any lodged food.
  • If swelling occurs around the mouth, apply a cold compress to the area.
  • Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth as it may burn the gum tissue.
  • To help relieve the pain use an over the counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and follow the dosage directions.
  • Call us as soon as possible.

Chipped, Fractured or Broken Teeth

  • Save any pieces and keep them in a sterile saline solution or milk.
  • Rinse the mouth using warm water and rinse any broken pieces.
  • If there is any bleeding place a piece of gauze (do not use tissue) against the area to help stop the bleeding.
  • If swelling starts apply a cold compress to the area.
  • To help relieve the pain use an over the counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and follow the dosage directions.
  • Call us as soon as possible.

Knocked-out Tooth

  • Retrieve the tooth but ONLY hold it by the crown (the biting surface of the tooth).
  • If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk, saline or the patient’s saliva. DO NOT let it dry out. DO NOT rinse off the tooth root with water. If the tooth is dirty remove gross debris with fingers carefully.
  • DO NOT scrub it or remove any attached tissue that is attached.
  • If possible, try to put the tooth back in the socket but make sure it is facing the right way.
  • Don’t try to force it back it. If you cannot place it back in easily, put the tooth in a small container of milk.
  • Call us as soon as possible. Teeth that have been knocked out have the highest chance of being saved if they are seen by a dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.

Partially Dislodged Tooth

  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area.
  • To help relieve the pain use an over the counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and follow the dosage directions.
  • Call us as soon as possible.

Unexplained Dental Swelling

  • An infection in the teeth or gums can often be the cause of the swelling.
  • Call us as soon as possible.

Lost Dental Crown

  • Keep your crown safe so it can be re-cemented as soon as possible in order to avoid damage.
  • Call us as soon as possible.

Irritation From Wearing Braces

  • If it’s from the wire, cover the end with a piece of gauze. See the orthodontist as soon as possible.
  • If the wire is embedded in cheek or gums do not attempt to remove it. See the orthodontist immediately. If part of your braces has broken off, take them with you.

Dental emergencies happen and a dentist may one day be required. We offer existing clients and where possible new clients after hours and weekend emergency care. Call Ian Gurner Dental Care on (03) 6231 3645 for help.