Dental emergencies can strike at any time. If you are not prepared, they can leave you in pain and confused about what to do. Informing yourself about how to respond to dental emergencies can help you take the right action, reducing pain and risk.
In this blog, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on what to do if you ever need a dentist in an emergency.
Knowing the Signs of a Dental Emergency
It’s important to recognise the signs of a dental emergency. Emergencies vary in severity, so identifying the issue early is vital.
In most cases, the first step is contacting your local emergency dentist. Provide as many details as possible about your situation. This allows your dentist to offer appropriate advice and decide whether you need an urgent appointment. If the situation is life-threatening, seek immediate medical attention.
Identify the Medical Emergency
Below are some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do before seeing your dentist:
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth. If pain persists, contact your dentist.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and rinse your mouth with warm water. Keep any broken pieces and take them with you to your appointment.
Lost Filling or Crown
Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Over-the-counter dental cement can be used temporarily, but visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Lost Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (top part), not the root. Rinse gently if dirty and attempt to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk and get to a dentist within 30 minutes.
In any of these cases, contact your emergency dentist promptly for further guidance and treatment.
When to Visit the Emergency Room
In some instances, it’s better to go to the emergency room. These include:
- Severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
- Facial or jaw trauma with suspected broken bones
- High fever with dental pain, suggesting a serious infection
Experiencing a Dental Emergency in Kalgoorlie?
Our experienced emergency dentists at Goldfields Family Dental are here to help. We’re open 7 days a week. Call 08 9000 3514 or get in touch online today.