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.

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.

Common dental emergencies include:

  • Toothaches: Persistent pain could signal infection or decay.
  • Chipped or Broken Teeth: Accidents can expose sensitive layers.
  • Knocked-out Teeth: Immediate action is needed for re-implantation. Keep the tooth moist and visit a dentist quickly.
  • Loose or Lost Fillings: A missing filling can lead to further damage.
  • Abscessed Tooth: An infection at the tooth’s root or gum causes swelling and pain.
  • Broken Braces or Wires: Dislodged wires or broken braces can irritate the mouth.

For those in the surrounding area, Beenleigh Marketplace Dental is ready to handle these emergencies with fast, professional care. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait—reach out for urgent attention to relieve pain and prevent complications.

While waiting for your dental appointment, you can rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce inflammation and clean the area. Salt water for dental pain is a simple home remedy that can offer temporary relief. Whether dealing with dental cracks or more severe issues, Beenleigh Marketplace Dental—your trusted dentist in Beenleigh—is ready to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for prompt, professional care to protect your oral health.

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.

To manage a severe toothache at home, begin by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce inflammation and cleanse the area. Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can offer temporary relief from discomfort. Applying a cold compress on the outside of your cheek may also help to minimise swelling and numb the affected area. Be sure to avoid foods that are hot, cold, or sugary, and keep the area as clean as possible. While these measures can provide temporary relief, it’s important to visit Beenleigh Marketplace Dental promptly, as a severe toothache may indicate a more serious condition that requires professional care.

If a dental filling falls out, it’s crucial to act quickly to safeguard the exposed tooth. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to cleanse the area. To protect the tooth temporarily, you can use sugarless gum, dental wax, or over-the-counter dental cement. Be sure to avoid chewing on that side and contact Beenleigh Marketplace Dental right away to schedule an appointment to replace the filling.

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.

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 your dental crown becomes loose or falls out, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. First, carefully retrieve the crown and avoid chewing on the affected tooth. You can try to place the crown back on the tooth temporarily using a small amount of toothpaste as an adhesive. This can help hold it in place until you can visit us at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental. However, do not use regular glue or any non-dental material, as it can cause more harm.

For emergency dental care, contact our office immediately so we can schedule an appointment to properly reattach your crown and prevent any further damage to the underlying tooth.

If you have a broken dental implant, it’s important to seek emergency dental care immediately to prevent further complications. Try to avoid applying pressure to the affected area, especially when chewing, and if possible, refrain from using the implant until we can assess the damage. Contact Beenleigh Marketplace Dental as soon as possible to arrange an appointment for a thorough evaluation.

In the meantime, if you experience pain, over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed) may help alleviate discomfort. Depending on the severity of the break, we will provide guidance on repairing or replacing the implant. In some cases, a new dental crown may be required to restore the implant’s function and appearance.

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.

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.

To ensure dental safety during sports, here are some key practices to follow:

  • Wear a Mouthguard: A custom-fitted mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury. Beenleigh Marketplace Dental offers custom mouthguards tailored to your needs for maximum protection and comfort.
  • Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A strong oral care routine reduces the risk of decay or gum disease, which can make your teeth more vulnerable to injury during sports. Routine check-ups at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental help ensure your dental health is in top condition.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout your activity helps prevent dry mouth, keeping your oral tissues moist and reducing the risk of oral injury.
  • Avoid Chewing Non-Food Items: Chewing on pens, clothing, or other objects can damage your teeth, so it’s important to avoid this habit, especially during high-contact sports.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and to assess any potential risks related to your sport. Beenleigh Marketplace Dental can provide professional advice and recommend the best protective measures.

By following these practices, you can enjoy your sport safely while protecting your smile.

If your dental crown becomes loose, it’s important to avoid chewing on that side to prevent further complications. You can use over-the-counter dental cement or toothpaste to temporarily secure the crown, but be sure to avoid using superglue or other household adhesives. It’s essential to book an appointment with your dentist at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental as soon as possible to have the crown properly reattached or replaced. In the meantime, keep the area clean and be mindful while eating or drinking to ensure the crown doesn’t become dislodged further. 

If you experience a dental emergency while travelling, it’s important to stay calm and take prompt action, we have dedicated emergency spots set aside everyday for these types of situations. First, try to manage any immediate symptoms, for example, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, or use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If you have a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist in milk or saline solution and seek help as soon as possible.

Next, contact a local dentist or emergency dental clinic. If you’re returning to the Beenleigh area soon, you can also call Beenleigh Marketplace Dental for advice — we can help guide you on the best steps to take until you’re able to come in for treatment. Remember, it’s always a good idea to travel with your dentist’s contact information and any relevant medical details in case of an emergency.

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.

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.

Swelling in the mouth, gums, or jaw can be a common result of a dental emergency and could indicate an infection or damage that requires professional attention. To help reduce the swelling temporarily, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the swollen area — this can help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Provided there are no allergies, you can alternate between Nurofen (ibuprofen) and paracetamol to help manage the swelling and pain. Avoid applying heat, as it may exacerbate swelling in some cases. It’s important to seek professional treatment immediately, as untreated swelling can lead to more serious issues, including infection or abscess formation. We’ll assess the situation promptly and provide the necessary treatment to address the underlying cause of the swelling.

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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