What to do in the event of a dental emergency

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, regardless of how diligent you are with your oral health routine. It is not uncommon for patients to present at Sydney Park Dental after experiencing a facial injury or sudden onset of severe dental pain. Whether you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth or are experiencing throbbing and pain, it is important that you seek immediate professional attention.  

What is a Dental Emergency? 

NSW Health define the following events as dental emergencies which require urgent attention. 

• Dental trauma or injury 
• Swelling of the face or neck 
• Swelling in the mouth 
• Bleeding from the mouth that won’t stop 
• Difficulty opening jaw and/or swallowing 

What to Do 

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect it, however Sydney Park Dental are open 7 days a week for emergency dentist appointments. Being prepared for a dental emergency will result in more favourable treatment outcomes. There are a wide range of dental emergencies, here’s what to do in the event you experience any of the following common situations. 

Knocked-Out Tooth – Having a tooth (or teeth) knocked out can be very alarming, however it is important to remain calm. The Australian Dental Association advises that you should locate the tooth, take care whilst handling and avoid touching the roots. The tooth can be cleaned using milk or tap water; however, you should not scrub or soak it. The tooth should be carefully replaced into its original position, before applying a clean cloth and gently biting down to hold it in place. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the mouth, store it in a small container of milk or saliva. Contact Sydney Park Dental immediately to book an emergency dental appointment, and we will attempt to reinsert and save the tooth.  

Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth 

Enamel is a natural, hard protective layer on the outside of the teeth. Despite its strength, teeth are still susceptible to chipping and breaking due to accidents or facial impact. In such an event, you should contact your dentist immediately. Try to preserve any tooth fragments in a small container of milk, as they may be able to be re-attached by your dentist. Early assessment is critical, even if there is no pain or visible sign of damage. Left untreated, you may experience infection, decay and potential tooth loss.  

Tooth Abscess 

A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection, which can be life threatening. Typical symptoms include fever, toothache, facial swelling, tooth sensitivity and visible pus around the teeth or gums. Contact your dentist to book an emergency appointment immediately, and in the meantime rinse your mouth with a mild saline solution. This will provide temporary pain relief until you can visit your dentist.  

Minimising the Risk of Dental Emergencies 

Whilst it is not possible to entirely eliminate the risk of experiencing a dental emergency, there are a few steps you can take to minimise your risk. It is advisable to: 

• Visit your dentist every 6-months for a check-up, scale and clean. This will ensure any issues such as gum disease, infection, loose fillings or tooth decay are identified and treated in the early stages. 
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily 
• If you participate in contact sports, you should ask your dentist to prepare a custom-made mouthguard. This will significantly reduce the risk of experiencing a dental emergency caused by a blow to the mouth.  

Never Delay Seeking Treatment for Dental Emergencies – Call Sydney Park Dental Today 

If you experience a dental emergency, it is important not to delay seeking professional attention. Early treatment will result in more favourable treatment outcomes, and Sydney Park Dental are open 7 days a week to cater to dental emergencies. Call now on (02) 8084 7170 to speak with an emergency dentist and book the next available appointment.