A dental emergency can be frightening, but staying calm and acting quickly makes a real difference to the outcome. Here is a clear, practical guide to the most common dental emergencies and what to do in the first few minutes, before you can get to us at Southside Dental Group in Richlands.
Knocked-out tooth
An adult tooth that has been knocked out is a true emergency, and time matters. The best chance of saving it is to have it re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline for a few seconds. Do not scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
- If you can, place it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If you cannot re-insert it, store it in milk, or in your cheek pouch. Water is a last resort as it damages the root cells.
Then call us straight away. Baby (primary) teeth should not be re-inserted, but still phone us for advice.
Broken or chipped tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces of the tooth in milk to bring with you. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek helps with swelling and pain. If a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or lip, a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax can cover it temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side until you have been seen.
Bad toothache
A persistent, throbbing toothache usually means something needs attention. In the meantime:
- Rinse with warm salty water to soothe the area.
- Floss gently to remove any trapped food that may be causing pressure.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet. Never hold an aspirin tablet against the gum, as it can burn the tissue.
If the pain is coming from the very back of your mouth, it may be a wisdom tooth. You can read more about wisdom tooth removal, but a lingering toothache of any kind should always be checked by a dentist rather than simply masked with painkillers.
Lost filling or crown
A lost filling or crown is uncomfortable but rarely a crisis. Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and if you still have the crown, bring it with you as it can sometimes be re-cemented. Pharmacies sell temporary dental cement that can protect the tooth for a day or two, but this is a short-term fix, not a repair.
Dental abscess
An abscess is an infection, often felt as throbbing pain, a bad taste, swelling of the gum or face, and sometimes fever. This is not something to wait out, as the infection can spread. Warm salt-water rinses can ease it a little, but you need to be seen promptly. Book an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can.
When to seek urgent medical care
Some situations go beyond a dental appointment. Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have facial swelling that is spreading towards your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to the jaw or head.
Prevention and ongoing care
Many emergencies start as small problems that go unnoticed. Regular general dental care and check-ups let us catch cracks, decay and worn fillings early, so you are far less likely to be caught out by sudden pain.
Book with Southside Dental Group
If you are in pain or have had a dental accident, please do not wait. Call us on (07) 3279 8811 or get in touch and our team will help you work out the next step. We are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
