Dental emergencies can happen anytime, so it’s important to be prepared! The holiday season is coming up, so it’s especially important to know how to respond in an emergency situation.
Wellers Hill Dental will be operating throughout the holiday period, although please do note that on the Public Holidays themselves, we will be closed. There is no substitute for professional dental care, however, knowing how to act quickly in a dental emergency can relieve discomfort until you can see us.
If a dental emergency arises, the following tips can help you get by until we are able to see you – please note, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
How can I relieve a toothache?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress (ice pack) to the outside of your cheek and take pain relief medication. Note: DO NOT rub or place aspirin on the sore tooth or gum – this can actually damage the tooth and/or burn your gum. These tips can help to provide temporary relief from toothache pain, with a cold compress also helping to reduce swelling.
How can I reduce swelling?
Apply a cold compress (ice pack). A cold compress placed on the outside of your cheek can help to reduce swelling over time, as well as reduce pain.
Note: if the swelling is caused by an infection, applying heat can help spread infection more quickly. Avoid the temptation to take antibiotic’s without seeking the advice of your dentist or doctor.
My tooth is chipped or cracked. What should I do?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, ensure you give us a call and have the tooth treated regardless of whether it is currently giving you pain – broken, damaged teeth are at risk of infection and could can cause further problems if they cut your cheek, lips or gums, so it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
My tooth has been knocked out. What do I do?
Carefully place it back in the socket if possible, or place it in milk or your saliva – seek emergency dental help. Note: Do note wash the tooth in water. Take pain medication as required.
What should I do if a filling comes out?
There are a couple of options to tide you over (remember these are very temporary, you must make an appointment with a dentist to have proper treatment done). Temporary options include: Leaving the cavity open and carefully cleaning it to ensure no food debris etc remains lodged in there. Option two is filling the cavity with dental cement – some pharmacies sell dental cement that can be used as a temporary measure before you see your dentist, but you should only use these products if you’re confident that you can apply them correctly.
My dental crown has fallen off. What should I do?
We do not usually advise that you try to reattach a crown yourself, but in some cases, dental cement or toothpaste may be suitable as a temporary measure until we can provide a new temporary crown while you wait for your permanent crown. You definitely should not use superglue or other bonding agents on your teeth!
We hope you don’t find yourself in a dental emergency, however if you do – we trust these tips will help you manage the immediate situation until you can see us!
Give us a call on 3848 3518 to book in for your emergency treatment, or your check up and professional clean to keep on top of treatment before an emergency arises!