Emergency Dental Care
What to do in an emergency
Request An Appointment:
(03) 9853 2044
We understand dental emergencies can happen anytime, often when you least expect them. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or any other urgent dental issue, our team are here to help.
During opening hours, please call us at (03) 9853 2044. If a problem arises after hours, our answering service will forward your message to our dentists.
What Constitutes Emergency Dental?
Emergency dental can include a wide range of situations, such as:
- Severe Toothache: Persistent or intense pain that does not subside can indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Accidents can lead to damaged teeth, which not only affects your smile but can also lead to further complications if not treated in a timely manner.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is completely dislodged, immediately seeking emergency dental treatment is crucial. With quick intervention, the tooth may be preserved.
- Abscess or Infection: Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever, should be addressed as soon as practical to prevent serious health risks.
- Lost Filling or Crown: If a filling or crown comes loose, it can expose the tooth to further damage and discomfort, necessitating urgent care.
How to Handle an Emergency Dental Situation?
While waiting for your appointment, here are some tips to manage common emergency dental situations:
Toothache
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water and use dental floss to dislodge any trapped food particles. Apply a cold compress to the affected area if swelling occurs around the mouth. Avoid placing aspirin or any other painkiller directly on the gums near the painful tooth, as this can damage the gum tissue. To alleviate pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the dosage instructions carefully. Schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.
Chipped, Fractured or Broken Teeth
Preserve any fragments by placing them in a sterile saline solution or milk. Rinse your mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. Press a piece of gauze (avoid using tissues) against the area to help stop bleeding. Apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling. For pain relief, take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol, ensuring you follow the dosage instructions. Visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked-out Tooth
Retrieve the tooth, handling it only by the crown (the chewing surface). If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in milk, saline, or the patient’s saliva, but do not let it dry out and avoid rinsing with water. Carefully remove any visible debris with your fingers, but do not scrub the tooth or detach any tissue. If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it’s oriented correctly, but do not force it. If reinsertion isn’t easy, store the tooth in a small container of milk. Contact a dentist immediately, as teeth that are knocked out have the best chance of being saved if treated by a dentist and returned to their socket within one hour.
Partially Dislodged Tooth
Visit your dentist immediately. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area. To alleviate pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the dosage instructions carefully.
Unexplained Dental Swelling
An infection in the teeth or gums often causes swelling. If you notice swelling, contact your dentist immediately for treatment.
Lost Dental Crown
Safeguard your crown to ensure it can be re-cemented promptly, preventing any damage. Contact your dentist.
