Emergency Dentistry
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At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be extremely distressing and painful. That is why we make it our top priority to provide same-day emergency appointments for patients experiencing dental emergencies.
As dental emergencies can turn serious and cause severe pain, we take them and the health and safety of our patients seriously. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you seek emergency dental care immediately if you experience a severe toothache or any other dental emergency.
Emergency Dentist In Warrnambool
Most of us are aware of what to do when we have fractured hand or leg or if there is sudden chest pain. We all run to the emergency; we always keep the emergency number of a nearby hospital accessible so we can rush there. But how many of us keep the contact number of an emergency dentist or know the location of the nearest emergency dental clinic?
It is very important to have this information, like contact details and the location of the nearest emergency dentist, readily available because dental emergencies can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. By being prepared and knowing what a dental emergency is, you can ensure you receive the prompt and effective care you need to address any unexpected dental situations.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving your oral health that requires immediate attention to alleviate pain, prevent further damage or address a severe dental issue. So, if you are in pain or discomfort that can’t be brought down by over-the-counter pain medication, chances are you are facing a dental emergency. When dental emergencies arise, give us a call right away because, professional care can make all the difference in your life.
What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Not sure what classifies as a dental emergency? The following are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat at Warrnambool Smile Dental:
- Severe toothache and bleeding.
- Swelling in your gums or face.
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication.
- A loose or wobbly tooth.
- Uncontrolled bleeding post-oral surgery.
- Severe bleeding and pain after tooth extraction.
- A knocked-out, cracked or chipped tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit the closest emergency clinic for urgent dental care. We have slots throughout the day specifically for dental emergencies!
Types of Dental Emergencies & What To Do
There are several types of dental emergencies that may require you to go to an emergency dental clinic. While seeking prompt dental care is of utmost importance, it’s also important to know what to do during a dental emergency to minimise the damage to your teeth, prevent (further) tooth loss & maintain overall health.
Remember, quick action is vital during a dental emergency. Not sure what to do? You can always contact our dentist for guidance based on your unique situation.
Toothaches
Toothaches can be quite uncomfortable and painful to deal with, and even though they are common, they rarely occur without a cause. Some of the common reasons for toothache can be due to:
- Tooth decay
- Tooth fractures
- Tooth trauma
- An eruption of the wisdom tooth or an impacted wisdom tooth
- Infection
- Gum problems
- A dental abscess
- A cracked or damaged tooth
- A broken or loose filling
You can alleviate the pain by following these steps:
- Clean the affected area with warm water.
- Check if there is any food lodged in the area and remove it using a clean finger, floss, or toothbrush.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water.
- Place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek near the swollen or painful area.
- Avoid hot or cold foods.
- Elevate your head slightly when lying down.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen following recommendation.
- Go to the dentist immediately.
We will get to the cause of the problem and address it with appropriate treatment quickly. Depending on the cause, treatment may include a tooth filling, root canal therapy or extraction as the last resort.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed)
Due to unforeseen circumstances, adult can get their teeth knocked out entirely. If it happens, seek dental care immediately, as time is crucial in such a case to save your tooth. A dentist will try to reimplant the tooth after determining the severity of the trauma.
Here’s what you can do to improve your chances of saving the tooth:
- Recover the tooth but avoid touching the root of the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the part visible in your mouth) to avoid damaging the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse the debris and dirt off the tooth with milk or saliva .Do not scrape or scrub the tooth and avoid rinsing with water.
- Gently place the tooth back into the socket and keep it in place by biting down on a clean piece of cloth.
- If the tooth doesn’t fit, store it in a container with milk or saliva or wrap it in plastic food wrap to prevent the tooth from drying out.
The faster you get to us, the greater chance we have of placing the tooth back in your mouth. However, if the tooth cannot be saved and needs extraction, then dental implants or alternative restorative treatment may be recommended upon assessment.
Dental Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into Jawbone)
A tooth or multiple teeth can move upwards into the jawbone due to dental trauma. When this happens, it may even fracture the socket or misalign the tooth/teeth making it important to look for an emergency dentist near you and head there immediately. Depending on the condition, the dentist might wait to see if the tooth descends back to its position naturally or perform a root canal to save the structure.
You can:
- Rinse your mouth with cold water.
- Place an ice pack around the affected areas.
- Go to the emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth Displacement (Luxation, Extrusion):
Tooth displacement refers to a situation where your tooth has shifted from its normal position within a dental arch due to trauma, injury or certain medical conditions. There are different types of tooth displacement, they are luxation, extrusion, and lateral displacement.
- Luxation: The tooth, while in the socket, gets angled in an unnatural way with a protrusion that has led to a fractured jawbone. In some cases, the pulp can be intact.
- Extrusion: The tooth is partly removed from the socket. Emergency treatment is required to avoid infection.
- Lateral displacement: The tooth is shifted sideways from its usual position within your dental arch.
Here’s what you can do:
- Place a cold compress around the affected area to ease the discomfort you may be feeling.
- Avoid touching the tooth and do not force the tooth back into its normal position.
- Stabilise any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean gauze, tissue or washcloth.
- Stick to a soft diet that includes soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt to prevent aggravating the condition.
- Administer pain relief medicine approved by a medical professional.
- Go to the emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Tooth (Crown Fracture):
In most cases, the crown is affected when a tooth sustains trauma. You can also see that if the crown is fractured, your tooth may turn yellow or pink, which means it needs emergency treatment.
Here’s what you can do:
- Collect the broken pieces of the crown if possible.
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze.
- Place a cold compress around the affected area.
- Go to the emergency dentist as soon as possible.
We will take an X-ray to check the condition and the fracture of the crown and treat it accordingly. Depending on the severity of the fracture our dentist will determine whether to use a sealant, veneer or a pulp treatment. If the tooth is beyond repair, we may recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant.
Root Fracture:
Caused by direct injury to your teeth, root trauma is not visible to the naked eye. Only a dental X-ray can determine root trauma.
Symptoms of a fractured root include:
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- Swelling of the gums around the tooth.
- The fractured tooth may cause discomfort in the affected area.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Loose or wobbly tooth.
Here’s what you can do:
- Place a cold compress around the affected area.
- Refrain from touching the tooth as it may cause additional damage.
- Stick to a soft diet to minimise stress on the tooth.
- Go to the emergency dentist as soon as possible.
When you come to us with a suspected root fracture, our dentist will determine the treatment procedure by analysing the severity of the fracture.
Dental Concussion
A dental concussion occurs when your teeth receive an impact from an external force but remains unbroken. This is common among children and toddlers but it can happen to adults, too. While the tooth is not dislodged or fractured, it can turn dark or black, meaning it is dying and needs to be treated urgently.
In the event of a dental concussion we recommend a soft diet, gentle brushing and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. We will also check for signs of pulp damage and recommend suitable treatment depending on the severity of damage.
Contact us if you suffer from severe swelling around the gums, bleeding, and sudden pain in the jaws or teeth. Our experienced emergency dentists in Warrnambool will advise you on how to handle such an emergency until you go to the dentist.
We also advise that you find affordable dental care for maintaining your oral health and treating your teeth on a regular basis. At times, emergencies caused by tooth decay and periodontal diseases can be easily avoided with routine dental care and visiting a dentist at least twice every year.
Emergency Dentistry at Warrnambool Smile Dental
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, our clinic is not just a place for treatment; it’s a warm, friendly and welcoming environment where we put your comfort and care first. Our dedicated staff is not only highly skilled but also very gentle. We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful, so we’re here to provide not just medical attention but also genuine concern.
We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Whether you have a sudden toothache, a dental injury or any other emergency, you can count on us as we will help you through those unexpected moments when you need help most.
We offer a wide range of other dental services, such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry, dental implants and much more, to cater to all your dental needs. So book your appointment today! Speak to us about our flexible payment plans so that you can receive the care you need without worrying about the cost.
Our Principal Dentist
DR. JOSEPH MOON
BDSC. (HONS) – UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
PRINCIPAL DENTIST
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we take dental emergencies very seriously. Our policy to offer a same-day appointment for dental emergencies for existing and new patients. We do this because we know dental infections can cause severe pain and also become life-threatening.
If you have sustained toothache, although it may be tempting to just take some painkillers or go to your GP for antibiotics, these are only temporary measures and it is very important that you visit your dentist as soon as possible.
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