Emergency Dentistry Beenleigh, Gold Coast

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.