Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental emergencies?
Dental emergencies require immediate attention and include the following:
- Toothache: Severe, continuous pain suggesting an infection or exposed nerve.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: Especially if accompanied by pain or bleeding.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Quick action can potentially save the tooth.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Can cause pain due to exposed tissue.
- Abscess or Serious Infection: Symptoms include swelling, pus, fever, or a foul taste.
- Bleeding Gums: Could be a sign of injury or infection.
- Jaw Injury: Severe injuries affecting the jaw and dental health.
These situations should be addressed promptly by a dental professional.
What do I do in the case of a dental emergency?
Here’s what to do in common dental emergencies:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What is the Best Way to Manage Pain during a Dental Emergency?
To manage pain during a dental emergency, consider these steps:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Use NSAIDs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling if you’re not allergic.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the cheek near the affected area to relieve pain.
- Salt Water Rinse: Rinse with warm salt water to cleanse and reduce swelling.
- Soft Foods: Eat soft foods, avoid extreme temperatures and spicy food.
- Elevate Your Head: Keep your head elevated to lessen swelling.
These are temporary measures; see a dentist as soon as possible for proper treatment.
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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Beenleigh Marketplace Dental offers emergency dentistry to help you receive the care you need; when you need it.
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If you’ve been experiencing pain in your teeth, gums or jaws but you can’t see any problem; it is time to visit the dentist.
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