Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies require immediate attention and include the following:

 

  1. Toothache: Severe, continuous pain suggesting an infection or exposed nerve.
  2. Chipped or Broken Tooth: Especially if accompanied by pain or bleeding.
  3. Knocked-Out Tooth: Quick action can potentially save the tooth.
  4. Lost Filling or Crown: Can cause pain due to exposed tissue.
  5. Abscess or Serious Infection: Symptoms include swelling, pus, fever, or a foul taste.
  6. Bleeding Gums: Could be a sign of injury or infection.
  7. Jaw Injury: Severe injuries affecting the jaw and dental health.

 

These situations should be addressed promptly by a dental professional.

Here’s what to do in common dental emergencies:

 

  1. Knocked-Out Tooth: Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the top part of the tooth visible in the mouth above the gum line. It is the hard, white, enamel-covered portion. Do not touch the root, which is the part that was under the gum. Rinse if dirty, try to reinsert, or keep moist in milk. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. See a dentist immediately—they should be seen within 30 minutes for the best prognosis.
  2. Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse the mouth, save any pieces (although they cannot be reattached, they are useful for reference), and apply gauze, tissue, or a clean cloth to control bleeding. See a dentist as soon as possible.
  3. Toothache: Rinse with warm water or a warm salt-water solution, or use a half-and-half mouthwash and water mix. Gently use floss to remove any debris. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums or teeth. See a dentist immediately.
  4. Lost Filling or Crown: If a crown has fallen off, save it and book an appointment with your dentist. There is often a reason it has come loose, and we will examine it and let you know the best course of action.
  5. Abscess or Infection: Rinse with mild saltwater several times a day as a short-term solution, but be aware that this could become a serious airway risk if it is on the lower jaw. Book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you cannot get to a dentist, see your GP immediately as you will likely need antibiotics.
  6. Bleeding After Tooth Loss: Apply pressure with gauze, tissue or clean cloth. If the bleeding persists or if there is a large amount of bleeding after 3 days, see a dentist.
  7. Jaw Injury: Stabilise the jaw with a bandage, apply a cold compress, and visit an emergency room.

 

In all cases, contact a dentist as soon as possible. If severe issues arise and you can’t reach a dentist, go to the emergency room.

To manage pain during a dental emergency, consider these steps:

 

  1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Use NSAIDs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling if you’re not allergic.
  2. Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the cheek near the affected area to relieve pain.
  3. Salt Water Rinse: Rinse with warm salt water to cleanse and reduce swelling.
  4. Soft Foods: Eat soft foods, avoid extreme temperatures and spicy food.
  5. Elevate Your Head: Keep your head elevated to lessen swelling.

 

These are temporary measures; see a dentist as soon as possible for proper treatment.

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dental professional to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or alleviate severe pain. This can include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, cracked or fractured teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, loose teeth, severe gum pain or bleeding, and objects stuck between teeth causing pain. These emergencies often indicate underlying issues that, if left untreated, can lead to more severe complications. Seeking prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further damage and relieve discomfort.

It’s important to seek help for a dental emergency as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications and may affect the outcome of treatment. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, such as severe pain, a knocked-out tooth, or a cracked tooth, contact your dentist immediately. At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we set aside time each day to accommodate emergency cases, so don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to take care of you.

If you knock out an adult tooth, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Handle the adult tooth by its crown, avoiding touching the root, and rinse it gently with milk or saline solution if it’s soiled or contaminated. If possible, try to reinsert the adult tooth into its socket, ensuring it’s facing the right way, and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva. Seek immediate dental care, ideally within 30 minutes of the injury, to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling, and follow your dentist’s instructions for further treatment, which may include splinting the tooth or root canal therapy.

Yes, there are a few home remedies that can provide temporary relief during a dental emergency. If you experience a toothache, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and disinfect the area. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can alleviate pain and swelling from a dental injury. For a knocked-out tooth, keeping it moist in milk or saliva until you can see a dentist is crucial. However, these remedies are not substitutes for professional dental care. It’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying issue. At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, our team is equipped to handle dental emergencies and provide the necessary care to ensure your oral health.

If you have a cracked or broken tooth, follow these steps:

 

  1. Rinse your mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  2. Apply a cold compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your mouth or cheek near the affected area to reduce swelling.
  3. Save any pieces: If possible, save any pieces of the broken tooth.
  4. Manage pain: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to alleviate discomfort.
  5. Seek dental care: Contact Beenleigh Marketplace Dental immediately for an emergency appointment. Depending on the severity of the crack or break, your dentist will determine the appropriate treatment, which may include bonding, a crown, or root canal therapy.

If you lose a filling or crown, take these steps:

 

  1. Save the restoration: If you can, retrieve the lost filling or crown and keep it in a safe place.
  2. Clean the area: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove any debris.
  3. Temporary measures: Apply dental cement, temporary filling material (available at pharmacies), or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed tooth surface temporarily.
  4. Avoid chewing: Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until you can see your dentist.
  5. Seek dental care: Contact Beenleigh Marketplace Dental as soon as possible for an emergency appointment. Your dentist will assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment to restore the filling or crown and protect your tooth.

 

Managing a lost filling or crown promptly can help prevent further damage to your tooth and minimise discomfort. Emergency dental care is essential to ensure the restoration is replaced correctly.

When the community’s involved, we have that sense of contribution to a bigger group. That is where I find dentistry is most enjoyable.

Jason Tung

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Dr Jason Tung and the team at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental offer a range of treatments to help you maintain and restore good oral health.

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