13 Mar Preston Dentist Guide: What to Do if You Have Dental Emergency
Many residents in Preston and its surrounds will undergo at least one dental emergency in their life, whether it is theirs or their children’s.
Teeth can be broken, and crowns can be lost, mysterious swelling can cause pain, and dental appliances (braces, bridges, etc.) can break.
In case of emergency, it is essential to see your Preston Supreme Dental dentist as soon as possible, because at Preston emergency treatment is a primary point of focus, and we are extremely proud of our experience and skill in dealing with dental emergencies.
But it is also essential to know how you should react at the time an emergency occurs. With that in mind, your friends at Preston Supreme Dental offer the following information and advice.
How to tell if you have a dental emergency
The most important question – is it urgent?
Some dental problems are urgent, requiring an immediate response, while others can wait to be treated, even if a little home-care is necessary.
It’s critical to know the difference between these kinds of problems, mainly if the problem arises at night time or over the weekend when dental offices are customarily closed.
Here are some categories that may mean you have an urgent dental emergency:
- A loose or knocked out permanent tooth
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Injury to the jaw
- Swelling (particularly with pain)
- Toothache
Urgent dental emergencies should be dealt with right away. Call your Preston Supreme Dental dentist immediately if you experience any of the above problems.
And this leads to the most important piece of advice for a dental emergency.
Always have your Preston Supreme Dental Team’s phone number available!
Time is of the essence in an emergency, and contacting us for advice and/or treatment is imperative!
Our experienced and skilled dentists and our empathetic staff know exactly how to respond immediately to any dental emergency.
We offer emergency dental treatment for:
- Children’s dental emergencies
- Dental abscesses
- Lost or broken dental appliances such as crowns, inlay/onlays, or dentures
- Dental pain or toothache
- Knocked out teeth
- Soft tissue oral injuries
What can you do in response to specific emergencies?
Broken tooth
- Avoid placing pressure on the broken tooth
- Rinse mouth out with warm water
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as recommended
- Apply cold compresses outside the mouth (Never apply ice directly to the skin or tissue)
Knocked-out Tooth
- Try to gently and slowly replace the tooth, if it is a permanent tooth (do NOT attempt to replace a child’s temporary tooth)
- Bite down on gauze or a clean piece of cloth to keep the tooth from moving
- Hold the tooth by its crown and not its root
- Rinse tooth with clean water, but don’t use any cleaning fluids
- Keep the tooth moist, in a container filled with milk, saliva, or water
Severe Toothache
- Avoid using the affected tooth
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Rinse with warm water containing salt
Lost Restoration or Filling
- Do not attempt to repair a restoration on your own
- Do not eat with a damaged tooth
- Keep your mouth clear of debris
- Apply cold compress near the affected tooth (Never apply ice directly to the skin or tissue))
- Manage discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended
Injured Soft Tissue
- Gently rinse your mouth with salt water
- Apply pressure to the site with a moist strip of gauze or a tea bag
- Put a cold compress on your cheek near the area of any bleeding
Facial Swelling (possible infection or abscess)
- Swelling is often the result of an infection, so they must be treated immediately. Delay can lead to severe symptoms, even death.
- Stay upright – don’t allow your head to dip below your body. Don’t lie flat, even while sleeping (prop your head with a pillow).
- Drink fluids. Dehydration can make complications more likely.
Oral bleeding
- If you see blood on your floss or brush, unless it is dramatic it is probably just gum disease: Just see Preston Supreme Dental for treatment.
- If you’re bleeding after a procedure or due to trauma, keep your head elevated, particularly while asleep.
Dental first aid kit
This is an often overlooked tool you can prepare ahead of emergencies (in fact, you should have a first-aid kit as well!). Here are some suggestions for a dental first aid kit.
- Cotton balls can protect tissue from damaged braces or dentures.
- Tea bags can control bleeding and ease discomfort if you bite your tongue, lip, or cheek.
- Orthodontic wax can cover the sharp points of wires or other orthodontic bands.
- Toothache drops provide temporary relief from toothache pain when applied directly to the tooth.
- A topical anesthetic can give temporary relief for gum irritation, denture sores, cold sores, and other wounds.
- Clean gauze or cloth can be used as compresses in case of bleeding.
Conveniently located on Murray Road, between St Georges Rd and High St, with public transportation nearby!
Same day emergency appointments are available upon request
Call (03) 9478 7708 or visit us at 243 Murray Road in Preston.