Dental emergencies usually happen when you least expect them; maybe you’re enjoying a nice meal with friends or loved ones, and you feel a sharp pain when you bite down on a piece of bread. Or perhaps you take a sip of something hot or cold and experience sensitivity that doesn’t go away on its own.
The truth is that there’s never a good time for a dental emergency, but fortunately, we know what to do and can often treat your concern the same day.
Let’s explore how to handle a dental emergency in Pascoe Vale and what you can expect when you visit our dental clinic for emergency care.
Handling a Dental Emergency: What You Need to Know
A dental emergency can cause fear and confusion, making it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action.
When you or a loved one is suffering from any of the following, here’s what HealthDirect suggests you do before you reach our clinic:
- Knocked-out tooth — Time is critical if your tooth has been completely knocked out. Seeking dental care within one hour gives you the best chance of saving your tooth. Without touching its roots, try to reinsert your tooth into its socket. However, if that doesn’t work, try storing it inside your cheek or in a glass of milk until you reach us.
- Broken tooth — When you break a tooth, try to collect any pieces and bring them with you to your appointment. Swish some warm water around in your mouth to remove any debris, and if your mouth is bleeding, apply pressure until it stops. For swelling, try placing a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, and take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
- Toothache — Tooth pain is a common dental emergency, and a severe toothache might mean you have an infection. It’s best to contact us right away, but be sure to take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce your discomfort. Also, you can use warm salt water to rinse your mouth, as this can get rid of some of the bacteria and inflammation. You can also use a cold compress on the outside of your face.
- Swelling — If your gums are extremely swollen or you notice a pimple on your gums, you could have a serious infection that requires immediate attention. To alleviate discomfort, try placing a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Call our clinic for an appointment so we can assess the situation and restore your oral health.
- Lost restoration — When you lose a filling, crown or other restoration, bacteria can enter the area and cause an infection. Even if it doesn’t hurt, it’s best to contact us as soon as possible. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care
We often hear our patients say that they don’t know what to do when a dental emergency derails their day. If you’re feeling unsure, anxious or scared, don’t hesitate to contact us for next steps and to book an appointment.
But if you’ve been in an automobile accident, suffered a serious trauma or you’re bleeding heavily, it may be best to visit your nearest emergency department.
If you need emergency services and are unable to take yourself to the hospital, you can dial 000 or call 112 from your mobile.
How Is a Dental Injury Treated?
Your treatment will depend on the type of injury you’ve sustained, but once you arrive at our clinic, we will do our best to ease your anxiety and reassure you.
During your emergency visit, we will:
- Assess your situation and provide pain relief.
- Explain your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
- Answer any questions you have about your condition.
- Perform any necessary treatment to save your natural teeth.
- Provide tips on what to do when you get home.
- Arrange any additional visits before you leave.
Looking for Emergency Dental Care in Pascoe Vale, VIC?
If you or a loved one suffers a dental emergency, our experienced dental team is here to alleviate your discomfort and work to restore your oral health! At Lumino Smiles, we’ll assess your situation and customise a treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
To arrange a visit with our dental clinic, feel free to call us on (03) 9300 1061.