Emergency Dentistry in Burwood
Dental pain is never a pleasant experience; it’s known to be one of the worst pains a person may endure. Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth expose the living tissue, which becomes sensitive and eventually infected. Dental emergencies are dental-related issues that need immediate attention from a professional, and may include a vast array of problems. These unexpected crises can happen at any time, day or night.
NEW PATIENTS
Dental Emergency Care
Some issues that qualify as dental emergencies are
- Painful broken or damaged teeth
- Bleeding and sore gums
- Loose teeth, painful to the touch
- Dislodged crowns or bridges
- Difficulty opening your mouth or eating
- Facial swellings and pain
- Spread of infection to other areas of the head and neck
What to Expect
When you come in for a dental emergency, our first priority is finding the cause of your pain, and relieving it, at least temporarily. The offending tooth often requires further treatments, such as a dental filling, a crown, or root canal therapy.
We might need to take some intraoral photographs and X-rays for our records and confirm your diagnosis. Treatment options and costs will be discussed in detail with transparency, so you can make a well-informed decision regarding your dental health.
How to Handle Different Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-out tooth: If your tooth is knocked out, the first step is to stay calm and find the actual tooth. Handle it by the crown (the top), not the root, without scraping or rubbing away any tissue fragments. If the tooth is dirty, you should quickly rinse the tooth in milk or some saliva, if possible, to remove any dirt or debris. Then try to gently hold it in place in the socket. If you’re not able to replant the tooth, keep it moist by immersing it in milk or saliva (not water), sealing it in plastic wrap, or placing it in the mouth next to the cheek. Time is critical to save the tooth, so contact the emergency dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.
- Chipped, fractured or cracked tooth: Clean the area by rinsing the mouth with warm water. Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel or a cold compress on the face, if needed, to reduce swelling. The urgency depends on the severity, but only a dentist can discern how serious the condition is. It’s better to be safe than sorry: head to the surgery as soon as possible for treatment.
- Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin directly on your aching tooth or gums, as it may burn the gum tissue. For quick dental pain relief, ask your dentist or pharmacist about other over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain persists, see your dentist as soon as possible, to check for signs of infection.
- Bitten lip, tongue, or cheek: This often occurs during eating or as the result of a fall. Clean the area gently with warm, salty water. Then apply pressure to the area outside with an ice pack in a clean cloth or a cold compress to reduce bleeding and limit any swelling. If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, see your dentist or go to the emergency room.
- Dental abscess: This is a localised infection that usually forms at the root of the tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. This painful condition can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, and if left untreated, may cause more widespread infection and become life-threatening. It’s important to visit a dental clinic as soon as possible. Regular warm salt water rinsing may also help alleviate discomfort until you can see your dentist.
- Lost filling or crown: If a cavity develops underneath a filling or crown, it may become loose and eventually fall out. This may be painful, because the exposed middle layer (dentine) of the tooth will be sensitive to any hot or cold foods. A new filling or crown will be needed, so visit your dentist as soon as possible for a solution.
Our team of dentists at Burwood Dental Centre are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with emergency oral conditions. We understand the significant discomfort and inconvenience that comes with an unexpected dental emergency. Our flexible opening hours, and prioritising your appointment at the earliest convenience, ensures you will be seen in a timely manner.
Emergencies Won’t Wait
We always have available spots for emergencies daily. So, if you suffer from a dental emergency, give us a call immediately to schedule your visit, and let us help you feel better again!
CONTACT US
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
