What to Do if You Experience a Dental Emergency

October 22, 2024
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You bite down on something, and a sudden crack of pain shoots through your tooth. Your mouth fills with blood after an unexpected fall. Maybe you wake up at 3 AM with throbbing pain that makes it impossible to think straight. Dental emergencies strike without warning, turning an ordinary day into a crisis that demands immediate action.

These moments of dental trauma are more than just physical pain; they trigger waves of panic, fear, and uncertainty. Please keep reading to learn what to do to restore your oral health.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Some of the most common dental emergencies we treat include the following:

  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Severe toothache
  • Broken or cracked tooth
  • Lost dental restoration
  • Dental infection

Knowing What to Do When the Unexpected Happens

When you experience a dental emergency, it’s essential to try to stay calm. Start by taking a deep breath; the more relaxed you are, the better you’ll be able to deal with the situation.

Here’s what to do until you reach your dentist’s office:

  • Knocked-out tooth — Without touching the tooth’s roots, rinse it off and try to place it back in its socket. If that doesn’t work, store it in your cheek or a glass of milk.
  • Severe toothache — Tooth pain doesn’t usually go away on its own, so it’s best to rinse your mouth with warm water and check to see if there’s anything between your teeth. If the pain persists, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and contact us right away.
  • Broken or cracked tooth — A broken tooth is susceptible to bacteria, so the best plan is to rinse your mouth and call for an emergency dental appointment.
  • Lost dental restoration — Try to locate the dental restoration and bring it to our dental clinic. In the meantime, you can use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover and protect the area.
  • Dental infection — If you have a pimple on your gums or painful swelling, it can be serious. You may need root canal therapy or another dental treatment, so take an over-the-counter pain reliever and contact our dental clinic.

Looking for Emergency Dental Care in Doreen, VIC?

You can call us on (03) 8735 7359 for an emergency dental appointment. Our caring dental team will eliminate your discomfort, stabilise your condition and work to restore your oral health.

Because we realise dental emergencies don’t only happen during regular business hours, our dental clinic offers Saturday appointments for your convenience.