Relax. You’ve come to the right place.
If it hurts, it’s an emergency. Small or superficial tooth injuries can impact the living tissue inside your teeth. Listed below are some common dental emergencies and ways you can manage your situation before you are seen by your dentist.
Acute or chronic toothache is always a sign you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Here are a few questions you can answer before calling your dentist:
- How long have you had signs and symptoms for?
- Is the pain persistent?
- Is the pain dull or sharp?
- Is the pain impacted by hot, cold, or both?
- Does the pain wake you up?
- Does the tooth hurt when you bite?
- Can you pinpoint your pain to a specific tooth?
Any swelling to the gums is a sign of infection and will need immediate treatment. If the swelling has gone beyond the gum and is located in the face, this is a sign the infection has spread beyond the mouth and can be life threatening as it can spread either to your brain or block your airways. Call NEDS or your nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Clean your teeth of any debris with warm water and apply a cold compress if the broken teeth were caused by a blow to the area. If the broken tooth is rough, cutting your cheek or tongue, you will more than likely need treatment.
Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the root in water if it’s dirty. Do NOT scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If you can, gently place the tooth back in its socket or store it in a cup of milk. Head for NEDS immediately (bring the tooth with you!) and call us on your way.
Seek immediate attention at NEDS or the emergency room. Apply a cold compress on the way to reduce swelling.
Cover the wire end with a small cotton ball, beeswax, or a piece of gauze until you can get to NEDS. Seek immediate treatment if a wire gets stuck in the cheek, tongue, or gum tissue, but don’t try to pull it out yourself.
Pain Management
Try to use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek and take pain relief medication you know is safe for you. If you aren’t sure, speak to your local pharmacist. Analgesics that have a combination of both ibuprofen and paracetamol can provide effective pain relief if your nerve has not been compromised.
Dental emergencies never occur at convenient times. This is why NEDS is open five days a week, and there are ways you can contact us outside of normal operating times. Call us on (03) 5747 8108 or message us on Facebook or Instagram.
We’re there for you. Please keep in mind full payment is required on the day. If you cannot pay upfront, please discuss this with the clinic when you make your appointment, as there may be a payment plan available to suit your needs.
Not to worry, we truly care about your situation and if we can, we will double book or make time available as soon as possible. All we ask is for a little patience and understanding while you wait.